Day 1 - getting organized

This morning I gave the GIS staff their orientation on their new Google Glass. We also tested the video hangout functionality which will be used as part of the PolarTrek (Teachers and Researchers Exploring and Collaborating) program. Another use for Glass came up as a result of testing this function, which would be lab inspection. In the lab that is studying the local squirrel population, there is need for remote video communication between on-site and off-site researchers. They have currently been literally carrying around a computer in the lab and using Skype, but we hope to make that a hands-free process with Glass. Of interesting note, the squirrel studies are actually quite fascinating given their eventual outcome. As you might imagine, arctic squirrels have a way of surviving the winter...a biological process that may help humans travel through space over long distances! Surprised me that was why they were studying squirrels..impressive!

The GIS trailer.....one of the many places where SCIENCE! happens.

GIS trailer - where science happens!

Today I also spent some time walking the tundra. Which, also looks like something from outer space. It was also an experience given all of the snow hasn't melted yet and some of the drifts are still waist deep. The tundra is also very squishy and soggy right now. So, to get out to the exposed tundra, you walk the planks...

If you step off of a plank accidentally, or loose your balance and put your foot down in the snow, it's pretty much guaranteed your reward is a leg deep in snow. Then, you have to dig yourself out and hopefully your foot doesn't get too stuck. BUT, the tundra is really pretty and incredible.

The last thing I did today was watch the breakup of the ice around the river flowing into Toolik Lake. Several researchers were in the process of taking water samples, watching the breakup, and observing the color of the water (which tells you about the C02 composition of the water. The big chunks of ice on the right side broke while we stood there, but didn't quite fall into the river yet.