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[Miranda Wooten]

How close did you actually get to a walrus? That is so interesting to me. It must have been exciting going somewhere you have never been before. I couldn't imagine going somewhere that far away, and that cold. What was the average temperature while you were there? I'm sure it was pretty cold. Was the temperature warmer than it usually was that time of year, because of the global warming.

[Samantha_Dassler_Barlow]

Hi Miranda,
We saw walruses just a few yards away from the ship several times. The average outside temperature was right around freezing - yes, it was pretty cold. I am not sure that the air temperature was warmer than normal, but the scientists commented a few times on how the sea water temperature was a little warmer. There is a pool of really cold water just south of St. Lawrence Island and the scientists feared that this very important cold pool (called a polynya) was getting smaller. Thanks so much for the post!
Sam