During the night we moved (slowly) through the ice, and this has increased transit time to our scheduled science station. We quietly reverse, the engines rev, we move noisily forward. Repeat... Repeat ....Because the thick ice in this area has slowed down travel, science station plans are being adjusted. This is a good time to introduce some of the people on this expedition.
Jenny Stern is a graduate student who will begin studies at the University of Washington this fall. She will be studying the foraging ecology of polar bears using carbon isotopes and fatty acids from polar bear samples collected in Greenland. Jenny says she became excited about science when she visited an aquarium during 5th grade and saw a beluga whale. It was so unlike anything she had seen before, and that excitement has stuck with her since then. I asked Jenny what the most exciting part of being on the trip is for her and she said "seeing all of the animals, and especially seeing [her] study animals in their natural environment". During transit days, Jenny may be found on the bridge helping to watch for and record marine mammal sightings.
Traveling through thick Arctic ice.
Surrounded by Arctic ice.
Ice and fog have comprised today's scenery. It can actually be quite bright when the light is reflected off the ice.
Q and A New Contest Announced
Thank you to all who submitted answers to the mystery photo's identity. I will be keeping track of those individuals who submit answers before announcement of the correct answer, and there will be a prize drawing at the end of the expedition!
Answer From Mystery Photo: The last mystery photo showed what is likely a seal forelimb; probably the remains of an Arctic meal.
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