Science for Alaska: 'A Year Adrift in the Arctic Ice Pack'

January 29, 2021

University Relations

The UAF Geophysical Institute presents the virtual 2021 Science for Alaska Lecture Series.

Tune in at 7 p.m. on Tuesdays to learn about exciting science from measuring the aurora, monitoring whale populations with unmanned aircraft, and participating in the largest Arctic expedition in history. RSVP to watch on Zoom or watch live from the UAF or GI Facebook pages.

On Tuesday, Feb. 2, Melinda Webster will present “Going with the Floe: A Year Adrift in the Arctic Ice Pack."

October 2020 marked the successful completion of MOSAiC, the largest and most extensive Arctic expedition ever undertaken. Researchers from more than 30 nations set off to gain a better understanding of how the Arctic system works: how the interactions between the ocean, sea ice, atmosphere and ecosystem change over the course of an entire year. This spring, the expedition’s success was threatened by the pandemic but it ultimately continued by using preventative measures to safely rotate scientists and crew.

Consequently, what was originally a two-and-a-half-month field deployment for GI scientist Melinda Webster stretched to nearly five and a half months. The extension of field time was a tremendously positive experience, enriched with opportunities to watch the seasonal evolution of the sea ice cover in the high central Arctic. In this talk, she shares photos and stories to give a behind-the-scenes look at what life was like during the expedition, the science conducted, and the incredible team of people who helped make the mission such a success.

For more information visit Science for Alaska Lecture Series website or the Facebook event page .

Talks are free and for the public. All ages are encouraged to attend.