Final Thoughts

The last few days have been a blur of flights and layovers. Chris, Frida, Dr. Townsend-Small, and I left Barrow around 12:00 on Friday. From Barrow we flew to Anchorage and we all ate at Humpies in the airport. Dr. Townsend-Small left before all of us, to go back to Cincinnati. Frida, Chris, and I all had a few hours before our flight, Frida and I left before Chris around 9:30. We had a long flight to Atlanta and then, finally, to Cincinnati. This past Thursday I helped with the workshop Dr. Eisner and Dr. Cuomo put on. Their presentation was really eye opening, they had interviewed many of the elders in the villages of the North Slope Borough. These have witnessed climate change first-hand on the tundra. Their interviews perfectly showed how the people have seen their home changing, I learned a lot from their presentation and I hope the people who attended did also. The workshop was a great way of showing the public all the work the scientists are doing and how important it is. I hope their work can continue and something is done about the arctic changing before these people lose the life they know now. It was an amazing three weeks, and I think it the work I did was the most valuable learning experience I've had. The professors I worked with and the students taught me so much and it has really shaped my plans for the future. I'll miss Barrow and all the people I met, the area really has opened my eyes.

Day 18 Finishing the Field Work

Today we wrapped things up in Freshwater Lake. I took Frida out and we got her instrument into the boat, then we took our last flux measurements of the trip. After Frida and I got ashore, we said our tearful goodbyes and Frida threw the sampling equipment in the dumpster. After that we came back to the male hut for lunch. It wasn't too long before we had another task, Dr. Eisner and Dr. Cuomo needed a certificate to present to a woman who helped them with their project. The certificate is going to Lollie Hopson who translated and helped their project in many ways. The certificate will be presented at the work shop tonight. Chris made the certificate and it turned out very nice. Then Dr. Townsend-Small, Frida, and I went back to their hut; where I made cupcakes for Dr. Eisner's belated birthday celebration. When the cupcakes were finished, we went over to the theater to unload more of our gear. The gear has been taken care of, for the most part, and now we just have to pack a few more things up. This project is coming to its end this year, and so is the group from University of Texas El Paso. Their project leader, Dr. Tweedie, and Dr, Hinkel planned a get-together to celebrate the end of the projects. That's concluded another great day in Barrow.

Day 17 Polar Plunge

Today we did more of the same. Frida went out to the lake twice, Chris took her out the first time and I took her out the second time. The lake was smooth and the sampling went easily. Dr. Cuomo attended a funeral for one of the men she interviewed for her project. It seemed like the whole town showed up for the processions, that closeness within the whole town is something many places don't have. I'm very envious of that camaraderie, and it is one of the things I love about Barrow. After we had finished the work on Freshwater Lake, we mailed some gear back to Cincinnati. Then, when we had finished the work, it was time to take part in a tradition. The Polar Bear Plunge. The rules are that a person must run out into the Arctic Ocean and completely submerge their body twice. Frida, Chris, and I all did it and we are all now part of the Polar Bear Club. Today was a very fun, but cold, day.

A perfect day for the beach! It was snowing just a little bit earlier.

Day 16 More Work in Barrow

We began the work that we need to do before we leave Barrow. We woke up and had breakfast, someone posted to their blog, and then we headed over to the theater. All of the samples must be wrapped and packed, there are a lot of samples so that will take a while. Then Dr. Townsend-Small, Frida, and I went to the airport to pick up John Lenters. John is doing similar work, but he is doing a more intensive study of some of the lakes. After we picked up John, we all drove to Freshwater Lake. Frida and I went out on the raft to take more samples for her project. The lake was a little more calm today, so things went smoother. We went back to the theater to help pack some more. The cruise ship has left and things have returned to normal in Barrow. We met up with some other scientists in the project, Dr. Eisner, who married to Dr. Hinkel, and Dr. Cuomo. Their part of the project is interviewing elders to get a glimpse into how they've seen their home changing due to climate change. Dr. Eisner and Dr. Cuomo are giving a presentation on Thursday about their findings. It will be interesting to see what the people of this area think about what's happening to their land. I also hope to see people express their opinion on Shell drilling the area. From what I've heard it's evenly split between "Drill, baby, drill!" and "Get the Shell out of here!" It'll will be interesting to see how it plays out.

"Shell no."- Dr.Townsend-Small

Day 15 Back in Barrow

We woke up early yesterday to pack things up and drop them off at the tarmac.  Of course the plane wasn't on time and we had our stuff out there for a while. The plane finally left Atqasuk, two hours late. We arrived in Barrow and dropped all of our gear at our huts. The smell of rotting meat is still here, and our neighbors still want nothing to do with us. Home sweet home. The rest of the day was pretty easy, Frida and I went to Freshwater Lake to take measurements. Frida is taking these measurements as part a project she's started. She's taking gas measurements to observe methane content of the lakes over time. We do this by placing floating chambers on the surface of the water and extracting the air inside to use for the samples. Frida and I got soaked on the choppy lake, the raft isn't the best with dealing with waves. We went back to our huts and got warm again and then went out for dinner. We went to the "Top of the World Hotel" (Barrow isn't the top of the world in any regards.) The food was the cheapest we've had and the Cheeseburgers aren't bad. In other news, a cruise ship was outside of Barrow yesterday. Ships are able to come through this area for the first time, since the sea ice isn't blocking their path. This brings up and interesting debate on whether this type of over-consumption is what broke up the sea ice. Anyway, the tourists are funny to watch.

The cruise ship. They were shuttling tourists ashore, who would then stand around wondering what to do in Barrow. Not much.

Day 14 Wrapping Things up in Atqasuk

We are getting near the end of our stay in Atqasuk. Today was spent wrapping things up, the instruments were pulled in and we took our final samples were taken. We went to another lake and and took samples. We also took samples from the town's freshwater lake, these were the last samples we took. Jim cooked us dinner, which was a pasta dish with Alfredo sauce, mushrooms, and crab meat. Tomorrow we'll be leaving for Barrow for a few days, and then we'll go home on the 21st.

Day 13 Rainy Day in Atqasuk

The runway was too wet to fly today, so we couldn't do much work. We did go to the freshwater lake to take gas samples, the wind was causing a lot of waves so we couldn't take good samples. Since there was no work to be done, this gave us an excuse to fish. We went to a little stream that was a foot across at parts, to fish for Arctic Grayling. These fish live in small, cold streams and they have very limited food. That means they'll eat anything. We kept eight fish, and cooked them with onions, peppers, and garlic. This was paired with Mac N' Cheese, and it all made for a very good dinner.

A Grayling

The stream we fished

The fish we prepared. 

Day 12 Another Day of Field Work

Today we were focused on a single lake to take measurements in. At first, Dr. Hinkel and Chris flew to the lake with the inflatable raft and their gear. Then, Frida and I packed our stuff up and flew to the same lake. Dr. Hinkel and Chris had been taking their own measurements, they were finished when we arrived. When Frida and I arrived, Frida got on the raft with Chris, and he took her around the lake. When they got back to the boat, I swapped with Frida, so that I could help disassemble the raft. Jim got back and we carried all of the gear over. That was the end of the cold, wet day. Later we had pizza, so that was really good,

The raft we're using.

Day 11 Sort of a Rest Day

The weather wasn't good enough to fly today, so we we're confined to what we can do on the ground. Chris, Frida, and I were able to take air samples on the lake, and Jim was able to take Dr. Hinkel out to look at some craters. Dr. Hinkel is interested in these craters, because they may be where methane has been seeping through the ground. It was too windy for Jim to land on the lake so he came back to the airport. The rest of the day was spent around the house, I worked on my summer work for school, and we all went to the store. The store has a very limited selection and steep prices. After seeing the store in all its limited glory, we went back to the house for a turkey dinner. It was a fun and lazy day.

Day 10 Update From Yesterday

I forgot to post yesterday's happening, but here it is. Frida, and I went out in the float plane to retrieve some of Dr. Hinkel's instruments and to take water samples. The instruments are attached to buoys and an anchor. These record the conditions of the lakes throughout the year. I pulled them up so the data could be analyzed. The anchors had been sitting in the silt at the bottom of the lake, and after pulling them up, my hands smell accordingly. We did five lakes and then came back. We ate lunch and warmed up a bit, then Dr. Townsend-Small, Frida, and I did more gas samples on the lake behind the house. After that was finished it was time for dinner. Frida treated us to Swedish meatballs, mashed potatoes, and a mushroom sauce. She then made a pancake cake with salmon berry jam, that meal set the bar pretty high for the others.  We've gotten most of the work done that we came to Atqasuk to do. So, we may leave for Barrow earlier than expected, but it all depends on if the weather holds. Atqasuk has been great so far, the tundra is a lot more pretty and the town is really cool. The people are very close, they even have a radio that everyone communicates through. Every morning they check in by saying "Good morning good morning."

The lowest the sun gets. 

Day 9 Atqasuk Field Work

Today started the field work that we'll be doing in Atqasuk. Jim dropped Dr. Hinkel and Chris off at a lake, where they hiked to retrieve a meteorological station. While they were doing their work, Jim came back to the airport. At the airport, Jim picked up Frida and me. He brought us out to three lakes, where Frida did water samples and I took air samples. The day was fun, but cold and wet. After lunch, Chris, Frida, and I  went out on the lake to take air samples. We also brought a GoPro to capture the amazing footage of methane bubbles in the lake! Dr. Townsend-Small made the most comforting of comfort foods, lasagna. After dinner, Dr.Townsend-Small and I picked salmon berries, there were a lot of them.  We all had a really good day.

The beloved salmon berries.

Those orange dots are the prize, salmon berries.

Day 8 First Day in Atqasuk

We have arrived in Atqasuk! This town is much smaller than Barrow, and I like it a lot so far. The town is closely knit. We saw evidence of this soon after we arrived. A house across the street caught on fire, then the whole town helped control the fire until the Fire Department arrived. The two men were okay, but their house must be gutted. Later in the day, Dr. Townsend-Small, Frida, and I went out on the lake behind our house. This is the city's source of drinking water, so we can't use our motor. Instead, we used the town's row boat to take us out to the deep part of the lake. While we were doing the measurements, we saw a lot of bubbles. This made Dr. Townsend-Small and Frida very excited, these bubbles are the methane gas they're looking for. It was interesting to see the reason they're here in the field. It was also funny to see two adults get so excited over bubbles, but they're scientists. After we were finished sampling, we went back to the house for dinner. I cooked chili, and I think people liked it. So I'll consider it a success. It was a fun and sad first day in Atqasuk.

Atqasuk!

The "Private Jet" we took to Atqasuk.

Day 7 Last Day in Barrow (for a while)

For the most part, today was a day of preparation. We're leaving for Atqasuk on Sunday in a charter plane (read: private jet). Atqasuk is even smaller than Barrow, and some people moved there when they believed Barrow had become too civilized. Today we also took more methane samples from the lake, it was cold and snowy the first time, but is cleared up for our second go. When we had finished, we went grocery shopping. The food prices in Barrow are very expensive, since everything has to be flown in. My bill ended up being an ugly amount, but it's worth it as long as I don't go hungry. After going to the grocery store we packed the equipment up and brought it to the airline's hanger for the next day. That meant the work was done for the day, and it also meant it was time for the adults to have a drink. When they were finished, we went to Osaka, which is the best restaurant we've visited yet. They're known for their sushi, and it was actually pretty good. I'll miss Barrow and the comforts of big city living, but I'm excited for Atqasuk. Also, happy birthday Grandma Betty! 

The Quonset hut we stayed in.

Day 6 First Time in a Float Plane

Today was an exciting day! It started off slowly, since the weather wasn't cooperating. But, we had a break in the rain, so we went out onto Freshwater lake. Frida and I took more measurements that will be analyzed for their methane content. When that cold boat ride was over, we headed back to the hut. The whole day, Dr. Townsend-Small had been feeling sick, and she decided to go see a doctor. Dr. Hinkel contends that you come out worse than you went in at Barrow's hospital. However, Dr. Townsend-Small decided to do what normal people do, and went to the hospital. The hospital is actually very nice, since it was paid for by corporations who used the land, so the native people benefit. While Dr. Townsend-Small was being treated, Frida and I got a chance to go out on Jim's float plane. He flew us to two lakes, where we took samples right off of the floats. While we we're flying along the coast, we saw whales out in the ocean. Afterwards, Frida said "We got high off life!" I agree. Sunday we leave for an even smaller town called Atqasuk. It was another great day in the arctic!

 

Day 5 Another Day of Field Work

Today was another day of dividing and conquering. Early in the day, the weather wasn't good enough for Jim to fly, so Dr. Townsend-Small, Chris, Frida, and I went to Freshwater lake to do more measurements. I learned how to take the flux measurements so I can be more helpful, as if an intern is supposed to help. Later, Dr. Hinkel and Dr. Townsend-Small went up in Jim's plane to go to three lakes between Barrow and Atqasuk. While they did their thing, Chris, Frida, and I played cards. I learned a Swedish card game from Frida (she's Swedish) called "Skitgubbe", which means S**t Mister. Then we played a couple more games that Chris taught us, but they had titles that made more sense. After a few card games, we received word that Jim and Dr. Townsend-Small would be landing soon. So we met them at the airport and exchanged Chris for Dr. Townsend-Small. Chris would help Dr. Hinkel retrieve a meteorological station on the tundra around one of the lakes. Frida and I then went to Freshwater lake to take more measurements. I flawlessly operated the outboard motor, and we finished rather quickly. We loaded up the boat and went back to the hut. At the hut, the adults had drinks, which is a tradition here. Then, we left for dinner. We ate at Sam N' Lees, the restaurant we went to the first night. And, it was pretty good again. Also, I took pictures, you're welcome people of Facebook. We all went back to our huts for another sunny night.

The Chef's Special

Egg Foo Yun with tons of gravy.

Aging caribou meat our neighbor has had up for a while.

Day 4 Fieldwork

I forgot to post yesterday, we got back to the hut a little late. Yesterday was another day of field work. Dr. Hinkel, Chris, and I went to retrieve a meteorological station out on the tundra. Dr. Hinkel has had the station out there for three years. Dr. Townsend-Small and Frida went on the float plane to do take samples on lakes that can't be reached by the truck. Dr. Hinkel, Chris, and I finished first so we waited for the others to get back. When the ladies landed, they dealt with their samples and we all went to get dinner. We ate at an Asian restaurant, where they used other restaurants' menus. The food was decent and championship arm wrestling was on, so it was a good dinner. Afterwards, Dr. Townsend-Small, Chris, Frida, and I piled into a truck, we then drove to "Freshwater Lake." There, Chris and Frida went out on the raft so Frida could take more samples. They couldn't get the outboard motor started so they had to paddle a few hundred yards to shore. It took them a while, and Dr. Townsend-Small and I couldn't help laughing at their zig-zag route to shore, but they made it. We then went back to our huts and slept through another sunny night in Barrow.

Chris and Frida valiantly paddling back.  

Day 3 Beginning of Field Work

Today we began the research. We met this morning at the "theater", and went to the first lake we'll be studying. This is known as "Freshwater Lake" since it used to be the town's source of freshwater. We split the work up between the two doctors' programs. Dr. Hinkel is focused on the general conditions of the lake, and he's studying craters on the bottoms of the lakes, which are formed by methane bubbles being released. Dr. Townsend-Small is studying the conditions of the lakes, also she's taking samples to be tested for methane, and other greenhouse gases. Chris, Dr. Hinkel's student, and Dr. Hinkel went out on an inflatable raft to gather the instruments Dr. Hinkel left out since he was here last. Then, Dr. Hinkel, Dr. Townsend-Small, and Frida set out on the raft to place the other devices and collect water samples. The winds picked up and the waves in the lake soaked them, so after that we decided to call it a day. We finished off the day with dinner at a restaurant named Arctic Pizza. Which was as good as could be expected. At the restaurant we met our pilot, Jim, who will fly us to the lakes that we cannot reach with a truck. Then, Chris, Amy, Frida, and I drove along the coast and saw all of the limited sights. It was a great first day of field work.

The coastline outside of Barrow.

Day 2 First Day in Barrow

I've made it to the farthest-north city in the USA. Barrow is a small city mostly compromised of natives and researchers. The only way to reach Barrow is by plane, and today I arrived after departing Anchorage this morning. We're staying on an old military base that is now used as a base of operations for the arctic researchers. When we arrived, we filled out paperwork, got two trucks, and received our housing assignments. Then, we went to the storage building, known as the theater, to organize all of the gear for the coming days. After all the work was finished, we went into town and ate at a Chinese/Burger/Pizza restaurant. This is an interesting place.

In Barrow!

Day 1 Arrival in Anchorage

Today I departed Cincinnati, and after a few long hours, I've arrived in Anchorage. I met the rest of the research team, and we bought the rest of the gear we'll need. Tomorrow, we depart for Barrow, where we'll set up so we can begin the field work. The fun part of my trip will begin soon, and I can't wait.

Pre-Trip Report

I've created this blog for my upcoming trip to Barrow, Alaska. This trip is part of an internship through the National Science Foundation, which has provided for me to work with a research team from the University of Cincinnati. This team's aim is to investigate the levels of methane and its adverse effects on the climate. Barrow is a small city in northern Alaska, above the arctic circle. Along with us, there is a team of cultural anthropologists who are studying the effects of climate change on the people of Barrow.

I'm going into my senior year of high school, and I've never done this level of field research. This will be a lot to take in, but I'm excited. I'll be updating this blog throughout the trip, as regularly as the slow WiFi lets me.