SPOTLIGHT

Ice Alaska to feature university researchers, IPY

March 10, 2008

In collaboration with this year’s “Celebrate the North” theme of Ice Alaska 2008, the University of Alaska International Polar Year office has scheduled several activities at the ice park to provide visitors a chance to learn about polar research. The activities began with an IPY celebration ceremony on March 8, at the IPY ice
stage at the ice park that welcomed hundreds of visitors.

Following the kick-off, UAF researchers will present various programs at the ice stage March 10, 11 and 12 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.

The Geophysical Institute will be featured March 10. Events include a showing of the Aurora Color Television Project's film "Aurora" and a special talk on unmanned aircraft, presented by Greg Walker of Poker Flat Research Range. Walker's talk begins at 7 p.m.

On March 11, scientists from the International Arctic Research Center will present "Why Do Scientists Study the Arctic and How Do They Do It?" Scientists also will have equipment on hand for the public to view and will provide a general update of current research conducted at the center.

The UA Young Researchers’ Network will maintain an ongoing presence at the ice park with outreach activities geared toward families at the ice igloo, located near the IPY ice stage and the skating rink. On March 12, the Network will showcase Phil the northern Gyrfalcon, and will discuss ice and
permafrost. Arctic animal furs also will be on display at the event.

Bring your friends and family to these exciting events and support your colleagues! Ice Alaska is open until March 23, from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily.

Update

These are some photographs from the Ice Alaska IPY Stage event. Five international researchers gave short overviews of their work. They wore field gear and showed some equipment they use in the field. There was a slide show of research activities and a movie showing sea-ice ridge formation with sound.

Anna Liljedahl (Sweden) speaking on soil moisture studies.	David Atkinson (Canada) speaks on weather monitoring.
Andrew Roberts (Australia) shows movie of ice ridge formation.	Jenny Hutchings (England) demonstrates ice coring apparatus.

Sebastian Mernild (Denmark - not shown here) spoke on Greenland hydrology studies.

Please stay tuned for more photos and video.