First Day of Sampling
So I learned that the sun set today for only a minute at around 2am in Barrow. It won't REALLY set until the beginning of August. Today was our field day in Alaska! Starting the day, it was a cool 50 F as per the weather station in the field. Our first stop was at the International Biological Program (IBP) ponds where we set up a weather station, put out carbon sensors, and collected water samples.
First stop of the day-the International Biological Program (IBP) tundra pond site.
UTEP students (from the left: Fabian Uribarri setting up the weather station, top right: Dr. Lougheed calibrating equipment with students, bottom right: team wrapping collection at the IBP tundra site).
The building that houses all the labs for researchers is the Barrow Arctic Research Center (BARC), and it is run by the Ukpeagvik Inupiat Corporation. From our lab we have a beautiful view of the Middle Salt Lake Lagoon outside, and is a short drive away from our sampling sites. As part of being in the lab all the researchers must go through an orientation before going out in the field. Safety is a main concern, but also respecting the land and its people. The Inupiat values:
Compassion
Avoidance of Conflict
Love and Respect for Our Elders & One Another
Cooperation
Humor
Sharing
Family and Kinship
Knowledge of Language
Hunting Traditions
Respect for Nature
Humility
Spirituality
Researchers are expected to respect the local natives and encouraged when in Utqiaġvik, to abide by the values of the Inupiat.
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