Washington State’s Department of Ecology is asking if citizens can picture the effects of climate change — literally.

The department collected approximately 600 photos from Washingtonians after the first round of king tides in December. The tides, which occur twice in winter and twice in summer, are the highest of the year.

Officials are asking for more help documenting the tides. Pictures can provide a peek into the future of Washington shorelines as sea levels rise in response to climate change. Ecology is collecting photo submissions from locals that show what shorelines are more affected than others, with key interests in infrastructure and shoreline properties such as rail lines, roads and homes.

King tides strike Washington’s water bodies at different times. The Strait of Juan de Fuca is expected to be hit first from Jan. 8-13, followed by the Washington coast line from Jan. 10-12.

Puget Sound, including Bainbridge Island, will experience king tides from Jan. 14-17.

To submit a photo to Ecology, note the date, time and location of the photo, then upload the image to the Washington King Tide Photo Initiative Flickr Group at www.flickr.com/groups/1611274@N22/.

Ecology officials are reminding residents to be safe when taking photographs, and to take them in daylight hours. They also recommend taking pictures near familiar landmarks such as sea walls, bridges or buildings.