April 30, 2008

The last two days have been a combination of data gathering and meetings regarding ship and science protocol and procedure. The time on the ice is exhilarating; snow science requires a high number of independent samples because snow properties are so spatially and temporally variable.

The high winds have created very dense snow (the kind that is excellent for igloo building) which slows down the sampling process. The -18°C temperatures with very high wind-speed create frigid wind-chills near -40°C which also slows the data collecting process. It is sometimes said that if you set a time budget based on how long it would take you perform a simple task in a warmer climate (such asOn the ice: Chris Fuller (left) on the ice taking samples with the help of Lauren Candlish. Photo by Dr. John Yackel. that of Calgary), triple that time for an idea of the minimum time it will take in the Arctic. In Calgary this winter the temperature flirted with -50°C; pretend you are out in that cold snap working with very small tools that require bare hands and a high degree of precision…for 3 hours…The ice flow we are in is also unstable, leads and break-up occur all around you. Oh, and keep an eye out for Polar bears that may confuse you, as you kneel on the ice doing science, for a tasty Ring seal (2 bears have been seen in the last couple of days).

These are the conditions here at the beginning of my 6 week voyage. By the end of the 6 weeks it will be a balmy -1°C with 98% humidity and watery melt-ponds will surround us. Seal and Polar bear activity will increase. The dynamics of this environment are astounding

- Chris Fuller