I've arrived at Toolik Field Station, and really hit the ground running with fieldwork. My field season is divided into three parts, with lots of different tasks associated with each. There is the pre-snowmelt fieldwork, during snowmelt fieldwork, and post-snowmelt fieldwork. For at least one more day, it's the pre-snowmelt. However, the temperatures are soaring to the mid-40s during the day, so it's not going to last. Here are some of the things we've been doing while we can:
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| The snow machines we use right now to get to our sites, which are right by the Alaska Pipeline. |
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| My advisor, Sarah, taking snow depth measurements across one of our six water tracks. |
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| Digging a snow pit to look at snow density differences. |
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| Team members Sarah, Melissa, and Molly checking out the snow pit. |
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| A look at the snow profile. Snow depth here is about 40 cm. |
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| We built greenhouses to accelerate melt, but they are much better at acting as sails. |
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| ... even though they are pretty big. |
Soon I'll post pictures from around the field station itself. I haven't even really been anywhere except my weatherport, the cafeteria, and our lab yet, but hopefully soon!
