Although we are surrounded by ice, the focus often seems to be on the collection and study of larger organisms. However, it is important to remember that the ice is a hugely influential component of the Arctic ecosystem. The ice also has potential to impact deployment of equipment and movement of the ship. Here are some ice-focused photos.
As the ice team traveled via small boat to get to the ice sheet, this photo of Healy was taken.
This image of the USCGC Healy was taken from the small boat as the ice team traveled to the pack ice. Photo credit - Eric Collins, University of Alaska Fairbanks
An "interstitial layer" in ice is made up of brackish water and forms between two rafted ice floes. This image, via "ice cam" shows two interstitial layers stacked on top of each other. Notice the fish in the recess. Eric Collins provided this explanation and the accompanying photo in his weekly update.
Two interstitial layers stacked on top of each other in rafted ice. Notice the fish in the recess. Photo credit - Eric Collins, University of Alaska Fairbanks
Question Of The Day
Answer from last Q: Studying organisms via the ROV has many advantages. Sometimes it is too difficult for humans to reach an organism's habitat. The ROV also allows scientists to view an organism's behavior in its environment and even how it interacts with other organisms.
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