Toolik Tram Tower
The morning began with a short hike out to the tower to run the tram. First, a belt on the motor had to be replaced, but once it was fixed, it was time to retrieve the tram. Slowly.
The tram carries the MISP (Mobile Instrumented Senor Platform). The MISP can be configured to carry whatever instruments are needed, but our MISP houses a Jaz spectrometer, FLIR infrared camera, 3D camera, GreenSeeker, and CNR4 net radiometer. Overall, the jobs of these instruments are to bridge the gap between what is observed by humans, on the ground on a small scale, and satellites in space measuring on a large scale. What this particular ITEX (International Tundra Experiment) project is focused on is the timing of when the tundra vegetation is greening up and senescencing (leaves turning color) and all the events that happen in between. They are remote sensing phenology, and then comparing the results with what the feet-on-the-ground researchers are observing, to see if it matches what the "eyes in the skies" satellites are recording.
Dr. Jeremy May getting the MISP tram for a run.
Here you can see the FLIR (infrared camera) and GreenSeeker.
That's A Lot Of Science In A Tiny Box
The idea of writing about each instrument and it's function in one journal overwhelmed me completely, so I'll tackle them one at a time over the course of a few entries and explain them further. Right now, I'm just going to enjoy the view.
The view from the tram tower before the snow moved back in.
The view after the snow started to move in.
The Adventures Of Flat Cat
Flat Cat is enjoying the view of Toolik Lake in between snow flurries.
Flat Cat enjoying Toolik Lake's beauty. Too cold for a swim!
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