The training continues! Today, we reviewed the technology requirements for hosting an "IPY (International Polar Year) Event." During IPY Events, teachers and researchers broadcast up to date information, stories, and images about the research being conducted in the field. These broadcasts will be conducted from unique, and diverse, field locations in both the Arctic and Antarctica. It will be great fun to "tune in" to these events; the dates and times of IPY Events will be announced as they become available. Once our training was completed, we were able to visit two interesting places. First, we traveled to the Reindeer Research Farm at the University of Alaska in Fairbanks. Researchers here are trying to develop a naturally grown, and processed, feed for the reindeer on the farm. Reindeer have been a source of food for Native Alaskans for many years; reindeer meat is now considered a prized, and valuable meat - there is considerable interest in marketing this product. Although I have very mixed feelings about the future of this reindeer herd, our trip to the farm offered a wonderful opportunity to appreciate these magnificent animals up close and personal!
Missyreindeer.JPG
Missy's "lichen" the reindeer. These reindeer come running for some lichen!
After the reindeer farm, we ventured over to the Cold Regions Research & Engineering Laboratory (CRREL) for a tour of the "Permafrost Tunnel." This tunnel extends into the side of a hill and passes through ancient ponds (frozen of course) and ecosystems. We walked back in time over 40,000 years. It was fascinating to see the frozen remains of animals and plants as we walked back in time. The tunnel also clearly demonstrated the concern over impending structural damage to buildings if the permafrost were to melt. Buildings that are built above ice bridges could face precarious consequences if the ground below them was to thaw, allowing the ice bridge to melt. Since ice expands when it freezes, and buildings have been built above this "expanded" ground, if the ice were to melt, the ground could collapse, causing buildings to collapse. These ice bridges were clearly visible within the tunnel.
permafrosttunnel.JPG
The Permafrost Tunnel
40000iceme.JPG
40,000 yr old critters - ready to thaw?
This is quite an amazing group of people! Everyone is good spirited and finding moments of humor as we progress through the training. As Craig shows off his walrus tooth, however, we all begin to wonder if he will "PQ" (physically qualify) for his expedition considering his obvious dental problem!
Craig imitates an Arctic walrus
Craig imitates an Arctic walrus
GroupPhotoOne2008
What a group!