The days before departure where a whirlwind, but I wanted to make sure that my students had some practice with the PolarTREC website. I hope they do follow the expeditions this summer, even though school will be out very soon. There will be some great science going on, and a lot to read about. Nell Kemp's website has already drawn some "Ask the Team" questions from my students – they were a bit surprised by the close-up picture of the wolf spider!
Carol monitors her students as they investigate various PolarTREC expeditions
In fact, it is the "Ask the Team" function that I think is one of the greatest things about PolarTREC expeditions. Anyone can post a question, and directly connect to the research team in the field.
One of Carol's students checks out how to use the 'Ask the Team' function on her PolarTREC webpage
Warmer Weather?
A snowstorm blew through Fairbanks the night before I left home. I had to sweep snow off my steps before lugging my duffel down to the waiting car at 4:30 a.m. Yes, May 18, and fresh snow on the ground. I am looking forward to some warmer temperatures in northern Finland!
Leaving for Finland - yes, that is new snow on the ground on May 18 in Fairbanks!
The Circumpolar North
One aspect of this expedition that I am particularly excited to learn more about is the comparison between different areas of the circumpolar north. This project specifically measures carbon flux in Finnish wetland soils. Because Kim's research team has already performed the same measurements in northern Alaska wetland soils, she will be able to compare and contrast the two areas. This will help people get a better idea of global carbon fluxes from wetland areas overall. So – it is time for this Alaskan to visit a different part of the circumpolar north.
It is time for this Alaskan to head overseas, to a different part of the circumpolar Arctic
Traveling Companion
One of my classes suggested that I take a "Paper Pet" along as a traveling companion on this expedition. Paper Pets are something we made in class to help us learn basic principles of genetics (we had a blast 'crossing' the pets then determining genotypes and phenotypes of the offspring). One student made me my own paper pet to take along, and the rest of the class added their signatures on the back. He is great! When I asked his name, the student who created him gave me a mild: "well isn't it obvious?" sort of a look, and said "he's called Scott, Ms. Scott!" So Scott it is who travels with me – keep your eye out for him in future journal posts.
Meet Scott, the paper pet mascot that some of Carol's students made and signed to accompany her on this expedition