Data collection and analysis?

Joined: 23 Mar 2004 Posts: 5

Hello from ARCUS!

I have a question about the science projects that the Svalbard team has started -- you mentioned in one of your journal entries that data samples have already been collected and will be analyzed -- what sort of data was collected? What are the science questions that are hoped to be answered with the data that was collected?

So glad your internet connection is now on-line - we are following your journals closely!

Joined: 23 Mar 2004 Posts: 64

Hi!
You might find some of the answer to your question in a recent journal entry that features a brief passage about each of the individual research projects. I will provide additional info here!

Several kinds of hydrological, geological and meteorological data loggers were deployed last summer, so the data from them must now be downloaded and then the systems redeployed. In addition, data is collected daily from each of the sites we are focusing on, including the Linne glacier, cirque, valley, river, and lake.

One of the programs we use to view the data is BoxCar which assists in visualizing and comparing data sets. For example, Melanie Schimek is currently sitting beside me and is visualizing this previous winter's lake temperature and depth data using BoxCar. When she downloaded the data she speculated that due to the ice on the lake that the greater depths would be warmer than the shallower depths. This is, in fact, the case for this particular time period. However, due to seasonal changes and weather conditions the like will actually overturn and the reverse will be indicated in the data. This is always interesting to see and to speculate as to the cause, then comparing the event to other meteorological and geological events, it is exciting to see various correlations. For example, what temperature variation occurs when the glacier begins to melt? How is this marked at the lake which is about 6 kilometers away (as the crow flies), through meltwater braided streams, up, down, and across moraines, and through the valley? How long does it take for the lake to register the change?

Also, this data helps to determine whether there is a correlation between the temperature of the lake and how the sediments enter the lake, and the pattern with which they are deposited in the lake. Geological and meteorological events are recorded in the sediment record, so it is essential to understand the sedimentation processes in order to accurately read the historical record found in the core samples that are excavated.

Water hydrology data, including ph, density, turbidity, dissolved oxygen, etc. are collected continually at mooring sites where instruments are permanently deployed and by using an electronic Troll data collecting device which is deployed from the Zodiac when we ar on the lake. Meteorological data is collected via the weather stations on the cirque, in the valley just south of the lake, and at the Isfjord Radio station base camp.

The river is gauged daily, which can be quit tricky with the extreme weather we have been experiencing for the past several days. To determine velocity and depth requires at least two researchers in survival suits in the water and one on the shore to record the values. Additionally, one individual must have the rifle loaded and ready and be watching vigilantly for the hungry polar bears. There are currently three in our immediate area that have been stranded ashore when the sea ice moved back out the other day. They are believed to be three years old, or so, and quite confused and angry about the whole situation of being left behind. This is a most dangerous age for a polar bear, as they are kind of going through their rebellious adolescent years . . polar bear style!

A considerable amount of qualitative data is collected and recorded in field journals to help with the quantitative data interpretation.

I hope that this, along with the journal entries, answers your question. If not, please let us know and we will try again! Better yet, post an additional question!