Data collected from experimental manipulations of ecological processes can help us understand the natural world, and perhaps even help scientists predict how complex systems may change. At CiPEHR, (Carbon in Permafrost Heating Experimental Research) located near Denali National Park, scientists have collected and analyzed seven years of data to learn how increases in soil temperatures influence the carbon
Yesterday I woke up feeling tired. I had gone to sleep late after watching the northern lights. After breakfast, I said goodbye to Helen and Dylan (who headed back to Fairbanks), and worked a bit on my upcoming live PolarConnect events. Be sure to sign up here on the website if you're free then, and
This morning I went to the weather briefing. To me it was exciting because it was the first time I went, but to everyone else it was boring which is a good thing. Boring days are good days for flying. The area over Greenland was cloudy and in Thule the conditions will remain cloudy all day but the
How to spot the Aurora Borealis at Toolik Field Station in Spring: 1. Check the forecast for the Aurora before bed. Check. 2. Set alarm for a time when it seems dark enough to see it, like 1am. Check. 3. Go to bed as early as possible to get up at 1am. Check. 4. Wake up at 1am. Check. 5. Spend
The plane was grounded today because it was too cloudy and the instruments would not be able to get good data. This is a mixed blessing. We are going to Kangerlussuaq (Kanger) early Thursday morning, so the crew gets an extra day to get some maintenance done on the plane, pack, and make arrangements
When I woke up this morning it was windy, and I thought we might not get much done. I was wrong. After breakfast I had a little time to retreat to my room, and I called my grandma. I usually call on Sundays, but I'm still getting used to the schedule here, as well as being three hours behind her
A Little Bit About Science## Today we flew two historic flight lines. Flying over the same areas is very important because this is how scientists can see change over time. Ice sheets can contain valuable climate information from Earth's past. Part of the IceBridge mission is to disseminate the
I'm in Food Heaven I know I've snuck in a few references to food in the time I've been here, but seriously, the food is Toolik is so good it deserves its own post. My room may be slightly cold, sucking in cold air from outside every time the heat turns on, and the bathroom I generally use is a
This lesson allows students to learn about the Arctic through a challenging question and answer game format. Inspired by experiences in the Hidden Ocean 2016: Chukchi Borderlands expedition, the game includes “careers”, “animals”, “equipment”, “climate change”, and “geography” components. The game may be used as a learning tool, a review tool, or an assessment tool.
