Day 8: Real scientists!!! Testing carbon dioxide levels and seeing the ice cap

Journal Entry

Today's commentary

Submitted by Ole (Greenland), Taylor (USA), Rebecca (Danish), and Tupaarnaq (Greenland)

Scientist Julia Bradley-Cook explains how to measure carbon dioxide in the soil (Photo by Taylor Estabrooks, 2011)

Today we started our day with a lecture by ecologist Julia. She taught us about how carbon from the plant life and atmosphere were affecting the soil at different temperature levels.

Ice Sheet edge (Photo by Taylor Estabrooks, 2011)

We used a device called an Irga Gas Analyzer to check the carbon levels in different areas with different vegetation variations. Then the JSEP students split into teams to sample carbon levels of their own. Some groups sampled areas with shrubs and others without. First, we took our samples in a location close to town.

Aima measures soil moisture. Photo by Laura Lukes (2011)

Vince uses the IRGA to measure carbon flux near the ice sheet. Photo by Laura Lukes (2011)

Then, we traveled to the edge of the icecap to compare the samples in two different climates. On our way to the icecap we saw this reindeer.

Caribou (Photo by Taylor Estrabrooks)

Also on our way to the icecap, we observed a noticeable difference in temperature throughout the different climates we traveled through. When we arrived, some of us caught sight of an arctic hare.