Exploration of the Juneau Icefield: Embracing the Emersonian Lifestyle Triad

Exploration of the Juneau Icefield: Embracing the Emersonian Lifestyle Triad

In the realm of literary and rhetorical theory, the Emersonian Triangle, a concept attributed to Ralph Waldo Emerson, emphasizes the interplay of three key elements in communication or interpretation: the speaker (or author), the subject (or content), and the audience (or receiver). This triangle underscores the idea that meaning is not inherent solely in the text or subject but emerges from the dynamic interaction among these three components.

This theoretical framework finds its practical application in field research, particularly in ethnography, where it serves as an invaluable guide. For instance, in field research, the researcher (speaker/observer) interacts with the community or phenomena under study (subject/content), and their findings are intended for an audience consisting of academic peers, stakeholders, or the public. Recognising these interrelationships can significantly enhance the validity and depth of qualitative research.

Take, for example, the Juneau Icefield Research Program (JIRP), a field research programme where researchers delve into the study of glaciers. Conducted over two months, the author of this article was part of this programme and experienced firsthand how the Emersonian Triangle manifested in the field. The researcher, or the author, found independence in fieldwork, freeing them from the structured academic constraints. The subject, the glaciers of the Juneau Icefield, an interconnected system of over 140 glaciers spanning 1500 square miles across southern Alaska and northern Canada, presented a complex and dynamic subject for study. The audience for the research findings, consisting of academic peers and the public, were crucial in interpreting and understanding the data collected.

In JIRP, mass balance pits, a method used to measure whether glaciers are advancing or retreating, were the bread-and-butter of the research. The author was a part of directing the temperature sensor deployment project from start to finish. However, the research was not without challenges. The summer of the mentioned fieldwork was the rainiest on record for Juneau, and the group faced a tough decision to postpone a 13-mile traverse due to an atmospheric river and heavy rain/snowfall. The decision was made by a vote, with 6 votes in favour and 2 against.

The glaciers of the Juneau Icefield are uniformly retreating, and the rate of their melt is accelerating. If emissions continue to rise throughout the 21st century, the Icefield could be gone by 2200. This grim reality underscores the importance of ongoing research and interpretation, highlighting the relevance of the Emersonian Triangle in the context of field research.

In conclusion, the Emersonian Triangle, while primarily a framework in literary analysis and communication studies, finds practical application in field research. By understanding the interplay between the researcher, the subject, and the audience, researchers can enhance the validity and depth of their findings, particularly in qualitative research such as ethnography. The case study of the Juneau Icefield Research Program serves as a testament to this, demonstrating how the Emersonian Triangle can aid in the interpretation and understanding of complex, dynamic, and critical subjects such as climate change.

1. In the context of undergraduate research, the Emersonian Triangle can offer guidance, especially in science-oriented fields like environmental science, where students engage in climate-change studies related to glaciers.
2. The Emersonian Triangle, originally designed for literary analysis, can extend its utility to outdoor living and home-and-garden projects, such as gardening practices that address climate-change impacts on soil health and water conservation.
3. The Emersonian Triangle plays a crucial role in education and self-development, as learning takes place not only by consuming information but also through hands-on experience, such as participating in sports that involve environmental science, like hiking and mountain climbing.
4. By highlighting the interplay between the researcher, the subject, and the audience, the Emersonian Triangle can help to reveal new insights and connections in lifestyle choices, such as adopting sustainable practices to reduce our carbon footprint and mitigate the effects of climate change.
5. The Emersonian Triangle, with its focus on dynamic interactions, emphasizes the importance of ongoing research and interpretation in various domains, including science, education, and lifestyle choices, to gather knowledge and make informed decisions about our environment and future.

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