9:01am |Editor’s note: Long Beach Post reader Yvonne recently visited the Aquarium of the Pacific’s two new galleries that opened to the public in late May: the Ocean Science Center, a permanent exhibition, and “Arctic & Antarctic: Our Polar Regions in Peril,” which will run through Feb. 1, 2013. She was kind enough to take a number of photos and is allowing us to share with our readers.
This fascinating exhibit presents the concerns about global warming in an entertaining manner that young and old can understand and appreciate. There is something for everyone, and it is a must-see for those concerned about the future of our children and our planet.
The exhibits allow aquarium visitors to “journey to the icy edges of the Earth and come face to face with animals from these regions during the summer debut of two major exhibitions,” according to the aquarium.
The Ocean Science Center exhibit features a 6-foot global display that combines new National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration technology to show phenomenon such as the impact of the impending sea level rise on communities, recent earthquakes and tsunamis and international trade and ports.
Within the next century, the sea level is expected to rise between 3 and 6 feet in California. This should be of considerable concern to those who live in Long Beach, as parts of the city are currently only a few feet above sea level. According to the exhibit, these parts of Long Beach will be at risk, especially during rainstorms. It is suggested that investing in breakwaters, sea walls and other coastal engineering structures could protect some or all of these near-sea-level areas.
The Arctic & Antarctic exhibition features touch tanks where visitors can safely touch sea jellies or jelly fish and sub exhibits featuring a variety of arctic creatures, including king crabs, arctic char, feather stars, anchovies and other polar animals.
For more information on these exhibits and other offerings at the aquarium, visit AquariumofPacific.org or call 562-590-3100.
All photos by Yvonne.
