Three really fun and educational places to visit in the Fairbanks area are the University of Alaska Reindeer Research Farm, The United States Army Corps of Engineers Permafrost Tunnel, and the Trans-Alaska Pipeline System.The Reindeer Farm is part of the University of Alaska Fairbanks Reindeer Research Program, which promotes the production of reindeer in the state of Alaska. Access the following link for more information on the Alaska Fairbanks Reindeer Research Program: http://reindeer.salrm.uaf.edu/
Reindeer on University of Alaska Reindeer Research Farm.
PolarTREC teacher Jackie Hams and new friend.
Here are a couple of interesting facts I learned about reindeer. Did you know that both male and female reindeer have antlers? I also learned that reindeer hair has been eaten to avoid starvation.
The United States Army Corps of Engineers Permafrost Tunnel offers a unique opportunity for scientists to view and study frozen environments over 40,000 years old. The tunnel was excavated from 1963-1969 in order to study permafrost environments.
The tunnel is supported by pore ice (ice in the open spaces between soil particles) in the soil.
The tunnel is supported by pore ice (ice in the open spaces between soil particles) in the soil.
Engineer Matthew Sturm points out remnants of a surface pond and ice wedge formed approximately 32,000 years ago.
The red dots represent locations of pump stations. Map credit: ESRI.
The Trans Alaska Pipelines System (TAPS) transports crude oil from oil fields on Alaska's North Slope to the port of Valdez on Alaska's south coast. The TAPS system is operated by Alyeska Pipeline Service Company on behalf of six owner companies. Federal and state governments cooperatively oversee the TAPS system and administer the federal and state rights-of-way terms and conditions through the Joint Pipeline Office (JPO).
About 75% of the pipeline corridor crosses permafrost and is elevated above ground to keep the permafrost from melting. About 420 miles of the pipeline is elevated, and 380 miles is buried. Approximately 4 of the 380 miles of buried pipeline are refrigerated to prevent melting of the permafrost. For more information on the pipeline, visit the following link: http://www.alyeska-pipe.com/Default.asp
An elevated section of the Trans Alaska Pipeline System is seen through the trees near Fairbanks, AK.
Close-up of an elevated section of the 800-mile-long Trans Alaska Pipeline System.