human life

Guest

Thank you for explaining your work and research hypothesis. While I'm only in the 6th grade, I find it interesting. Since you mention the area is basically unhabitable by humans for any long period, I assume we'll never build any year around research facitlities there. That means you could send / probably should send researchers up there every summer to continue your measurements. How old do you have to be to sign up?

Joined: 23 Mar 2004 Posts: 64

Hi Lisa,

It is great to know that our work is touching young minds and I hope that this helps to inspire you to consider preparing for a career in science. Sixth grade is the perfect time to start making plans! The road is challenging, rewarding, and often a real adventure!

To answer your question about how old one has to be to do Arctic research, I don't think there are particular age restrictions! I am guessing that our current researchers in this REU program are probably among the youngest to engage in research here at Isfjord Radio, but I do not know that for certain. They are mostly in their early twenties and are finishing up their senior year in college and preparing for their graduate studies. Some are also interested in a program called Teach America, so they may spend some time sharing all their expertise in a K-12 classroom one day soon.

That is not to say someday in the future you might be able to find a special program that would bring even younger scientists into the Arctic for field studies like this. I know there are programs already in other Polar regions that are designed for participation by high school and maybe even middle school students and their numbers will increase in the future. I think it is a great idea for you to start planning! Perhaps you have a special teacher in your life who has the motivation to develop the resources and support that would be required to bring a group of young middle or high school students to the Arctic! I have heard that there are programs through Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts that provide special opportunities for select individuals to experience the Polar Regions, but I am not sure how it all works. It might be something you aspire to and if so take some time to check it out! Your dreams can take you wherever you long to go, as long as you stay focused on them!

Another thing to consider is applying to special programs like UNIS, the University Center on Svalbard. Students from across the globe apply to UNIS programs for a semester or a year spent on Svalbard. You can visit their site at http://www.unis.no/. Look up Hanne Christiansen and Ole Humlum. These are two inspiring researchers and professors from Denmark who are currently teaching at UNIS while they engage in their individual research. We have learned a great deal from them on our current expedition and thoroughly enjoyed their company and benefitted from their expertise in the field.

To enhance your future visit to the Arctic, learn as much as you can about geology, physical geography, meteorology, hydrology, environmental studies, and the geological record of historic and prehistoric time. Learn about these in general and then focus on how this relates to the Arctic. Look at the Earth as a system and strive to understand the importance of the Arctic as a vital part in this system. How does an event that occurs in the Arctic relate to other parts of this system and how does it affect the Earth system as a whole?

Here are some interesting ideas to ponder that might get you started! Did you know that the same land that I walk on here today in the high Arctic was once south of the Equator and tropical? To follow Svalbard's journey north, see what you can learn about continental drift/plate tectonics. Can you believe that there are actually ancient dinosaur footprints in various locations on Svalbard? Is it not totally amazing that the geological history of Svalbard actually began more than 1000 million years ago during the Precambrian Era? A web site that will provide even more information about Svalbard present and past can be found at http://www.sysselmannen.svalbard.no/aboutsvalbard_en.htm. If you have followed my other postings you will know who the Sysselman is so you will know that this Internet site will provide you with good information!

Thank you for your posting, Lisa! Keep dreaming and planning and soon you will find yourself on your own exciting adventures! When school starts again for you, encourage your teachers to sign up your class to continue participating in this program! Consider starting a club at your school to bring together more students like you who share in interest in the Arctic! Let me know how you are doing as your plans progress. Good Luck!

Guest

Thanks for your encouragement. My parents have always pushed me toward sciences and math. I love them and find them interesting.

Joined: 23 Mar 2004 Posts: 64

You are fortunate to have parents who support and encourage you, especially in the areas of math and science which are so important for your future! Keep up the hard work! Bye!