10 Days until Departure

Well I haven't exactly blogged much in awhile.  I thought I would do so during the whole pre-wedding week but that was soon dropped as I was busy. Then I thought I'd post pictures from the wedding later but still haven't done so (though check out http://alilaurenphotography.wordpress.com/.  Ali, our wedding photographer has posted some pictures on her blog.  You may have already gotten an e-mail about this from Nicole, the pictures are amazing and I can't wait to see the rest of the photos when I get back from my long trip.


So onto my long trip now.  Okay, in 10 days or so I depart for Longyearbyen (making stops in London (England), and Oslo (Norway).


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View Larger Map


Longyearbyen, located in the Spitsbergen (or Svalbard) Archipelago, is a pretty important staging ground for European arctic research. Longyearbyen and Ny-Ålesund are home to many arctic research programs and stations (especially Ny-Ålesund, see http://www.kingsbay.no/ for more information).

Naturally before you can go on a scientific research cruise many things need to happen.  Besides being invited to join, there is usually a medical examination, some forms for next of kin notification should something go terribly wrong, research logistics (sending the equipment in time) and then all ones personal logistics (flights, packing, organizing data/software/manuals).

For me, this cruise is relatively simple logistically as most of the equipment is owned by the Norwegian Polar Institute (http://npweb.npolar.no/english). I just had to worry about the medical exam/forms, personal logistics and we sent along one piece of equipment (though that was handled by someone else). The Norwegian Polar Institute is even providing me with nice outer clothing (jacket pants, boots, survival suit)

So more info about this specific cruise, my role, and the schedule as I know it so far.

I am joining two cruises, ICE2010 and Fram Strait (just the names).  Each cruise will consist of numerous scientists (largely from Norway but also from the UK, the USA and other countries).  There are always numerous activities going on at once, and hopefully this year I can bring you some information about them all. I myself am involved in electromagnetic induction measurements of sea ice thickness.  Basically we fly a torpedo shaped instrument (for aerodynamic reasons) below a helicopter.  The instrument flies at about 45 feet (15m) above the ice, emitting electromagnetic radiation. As sea ice is relatively non-conductive, and sea water is conductive, the signal penetrates the ice, hits the water and induces a secondary field which is sensed by the instrument. The strength of this secondary signal depends on the distance between the instrument and the water (which is under the ice)  The instrument also carries a laser altimeter to measure its height above the ice surface and by subtracting these two distances we can get the total thickness (which is the thickness of the snow plus the sea ice).

Photo courtesy of Melissa Peters.

Our instrument (one of just a few in the world) provides sea ice thickness measurements over large distances. We try to make measurements each year in Alert (Ellesemere Island and where I went in May), and then anywhere else we can.

I am a little excited for the trip (for the opportunities, to meet some other people in my field and to gain alot of experience).  I also hope to get lots of work done.  However I am not looking forward to being away from Nicole and Jax for so long.   I know I'll miss relaxing at home, reading books etc.  Also it pretty much ends the chances I have to do more camping this summer.

Expect lots more blog updates, though they will almost certainly not have pictures until after I return as internet access isn't exactly fast or constantly available while on the boat.  I will basically be able to receive text e-mails and only through a special process.

Well that is it for now.