Comments for The Polaris Project

Comment on Time Passing by The Polaris Project 2011 | This is my portfolio:

The Polaris Project 2011 | This is my portfolio: — Mon, 13 Feb 2012 01:38:13 +0000

[...] http://www.thepolarisproject.org/time-passing/ Like this:LikeBe the first to like this post. [...]

Comment on Is that a fish rising? No… by The Polaris Project 2011 | This is my portfolio:

The Polaris Project 2011 | This is my portfolio: — Mon, 13 Feb 2012 01:37:56 +0000

[...] http://www.thepolarisproject.org/is-that-a-fish-rising-no%E2%80%A6/ [...]

Comment on Just a Matter of Time by The Polaris Project 2011 | This is my portfolio:

The Polaris Project 2011 | This is my portfolio: — Mon, 13 Feb 2012 01:37:40 +0000

[...] http://www.thepolarisproject.org/just-a-matter-of-time/ [...]

Comment on Duvannyi Yar, Part Two by The Polaris Project 2011 | This is my portfolio:

The Polaris Project 2011 | This is my portfolio: — Mon, 13 Feb 2012 01:37:24 +0000

[...] http://www.thepolarisproject.org/duvannyi-yar-part-two/ [...]

Comment on A Life Changing Experience by The Polaris Project 2011 | This is my portfolio:

The Polaris Project 2011 | This is my portfolio: — Mon, 13 Feb 2012 01:37:08 +0000

[...] http://www.thepolarisproject.org/a-life-changing-experience/ [...]

Comment on Science playground by The Polaris Project 2011 | This is my portfolio:

The Polaris Project 2011 | This is my portfolio: — Mon, 13 Feb 2012 01:36:51 +0000

[...] http://www.thepolarisproject.org/science-playground/ [...]

Comment on Bugs, Aii-ee! by The Polaris Project 2011 | This is my portfolio:

The Polaris Project 2011 | This is my portfolio: — Mon, 13 Feb 2012 01:36:36 +0000

[...] http://www.thepolarisproject.org/bugs-aii-ee/ [...]

Comment on The Carbon Bomb by The Polaris Project 2011 | This is my portfolio:

The Polaris Project 2011 | This is my portfolio: — Mon, 13 Feb 2012 01:36:20 +0000

[...] http://www.thepolarisproject.org/the-carbon-bomb/ [...]

Comment on To the North by The Polaris Project 2011 | This is my portfolio:

The Polaris Project 2011 | This is my portfolio: — Mon, 13 Feb 2012 01:33:21 +0000

[...] http://www.thepolarisproject.org/to-the-north/ [...]

Comment on Arctic inspiration by The Polaris Project 2011 | This is my portfolio:

The Polaris Project 2011 | This is my portfolio: — Mon, 13 Feb 2012 01:33:04 +0000

[...] http://www.thepolarisproject.org/arctic-inspiration/ [...]

Comment on Summers can also be cold by The Polaris Project 2011 | This is my portfolio:

The Polaris Project 2011 | This is my portfolio: — Mon, 13 Feb 2012 01:32:46 +0000

[...] http://www.thepolarisproject.org/summers-can-also-be-cold/ [...]

Comment on Counting Carbon by The Polaris Project 2011 | This is my portfolio:

The Polaris Project 2011 | This is my portfolio: — Mon, 13 Feb 2012 01:32:30 +0000

[...] http://www.thepolarisproject.org/counting-carbon/ [...]

Comment on A Norwegian in Siberia by The Polaris Project 2011 | This is my portfolio:

The Polaris Project 2011 | This is my portfolio: — Mon, 13 Feb 2012 01:32:13 +0000

[...] http://www.thepolarisproject.org/a-norwegian-in-siberia/ [...]

Comment on Science and swimming and bugs, oh my! by The Polaris Project 2011 | This is my portfolio:

The Polaris Project 2011 | This is my portfolio: — Mon, 13 Feb 2012 01:31:53 +0000

[...] http://www.thepolarisproject.org/science-and-swimming-and-bugs-oh-my/ [...]

Comment on Bushwhacking for science by The Polaris Project 2011 | This is my portfolio:

The Polaris Project 2011 | This is my portfolio: — Mon, 13 Feb 2012 01:31:37 +0000

[...] http://www.thepolarisproject.org/bushwhacking-for-science/ [...]

Comment on First Impression by The Polaris Project 2011 | This is my portfolio:

The Polaris Project 2011 | This is my portfolio: — Mon, 13 Feb 2012 01:31:21 +0000

[...] http://www.thepolarisproject.org/first-impression/ [...]

Comment on We Arrive, Finally by The Polaris Project 2011 | This is my portfolio:

The Polaris Project 2011 | This is my portfolio: — Mon, 13 Feb 2012 01:31:05 +0000

[...] http://www.thepolarisproject.org/we-arrive-finally/ [...]

Comment on We Arrive, Finally by We Arrive, Finally | This is my portfolio:

We Arrive, Finally | This is my portfolio: — Mon, 13 Feb 2012 00:45:59 +0000

[...] http://www.thepolarisproject.org/we-arrive-finally/ Like this:LikeBe the first to like this post. [...]

Comment on An Oasis in the Siberian Arctic by Equipment at the Northeast Science Station | The Polaris Project

Equipment at the Northeast Science Station | The Polaris Project — Thu, 05 Jan 2012 15:39:14 +0000

[...] recent equipment acquisitions. You can also download a pdf with further information or view an earlier post with other [...]

Comment on Science on Ice by matt loud

matt loud — Tue, 22 Nov 2011 18:08:08 +0000

that is big ice on the cover

Comment on Dallas and Kate in the Denmark Strait by Alexandra

Alexandra — Tue, 22 Nov 2011 13:41:46 +0000

scaryy stuff!!!

Comment on Science on Ice by Alexandra

Alexandra — Tue, 22 Nov 2011 13:34:53 +0000

Thats cool Max Holmes is coming to my school Its gates intermiediete school in Scituate

Comment on Dallas and Kate in the Denmark Strait by Nancy J. Leff

Nancy J. Leff — Tue, 11 Oct 2011 18:17:48 +0000

I’ve read about “waves like mountains” in stories. Now, here they are in real life! Kudos to courageous fellow WWU alumni. I started having my junior high students track global warming in 1996 (icebergs.) So, that’s how, eventually, I found my way to this site. I’ am interested in how the melting bergs would affect the ocean temperature and the raising temperatures would thereby affect the land and cities closest to affected bodies of water. Now, I have cancer, and I’ve ordered my “mountains” to be removed into the sea.

Comment on Unnamed Territory by margaret reynolds

margaret reynolds — Sat, 13 Aug 2011 01:58:14 +0000

What a beautiful journal entry! Your writing is exquisite. I felt I was right there with you discovering the islands and participating in their rather “elaborate” naming sans champagne brie and baguette!

Thanks for sharing your Siberian journey

Comment on Time Passing by Eliz

Eliz — Wed, 10 Aug 2011 14:02:34 +0000

The image of the cloud is amazing, I never seem to be able to capture this kind of sunset photos without them coming out blurry.

Comment on To the North by Peggy

Peggy — Tue, 26 Jul 2011 23:57:38 +0000

Someone with a background fishing in Alaska says that fish looks like an Arctic Char. Good catch.

Comment on Unnamed Territory by Dorothy Wass

Dorothy Wass — Tue, 26 Jul 2011 02:48:47 +0000

That was quite lovely and very fitting with the description that Emily gave also. It sounds like a wonderful excursion,

Comment on Twelve Signs by Ann Reed

Ann Reed — Mon, 25 Jul 2011 10:28:38 +0000

Good Morning Dylan and team,

What a special surprise to log on to FACEBOOK and see Dylan, it has made my day. Love you, Ann

Comment on The First Puerto Ricans in Cherskiy by Limary

Limary — Mon, 25 Jul 2011 07:33:56 +0000

Paso de vez en cuando a leer los blogs porque Eli, mi amigo, está en el proyecto también. Leí el título y fue muy emocionante para mí, mucho más cuando leí lo que escribiste. Siento un orgullo inmenso al saber que hay dos sonrisas puertorriqueñas alumbrando los días en Rusia. ¡Éxito!

Comment on Unnamed Territory by Jane Salerno

Jane Salerno — Fri, 22 Jul 2011 14:34:01 +0000

Hi Emily,
From my office at Clark, I’ve so enjoyed following and sharing news from the Polaris Project. Such a wonderful expedition!

Your blog post puts me in mind of a lullaby that was my own favorite as a child. Here’s how I recall the lyrics:

“I have a little sailboat and I’m going to sea;
I’ll follow all the seagulls ’til there’s no one there but me;
I’ll sail into the sun ’til I run out of blue
Then I’ll turn my sailboat and I’ll sail back to you.

I’m going to be a sailor, all the world I’ll explore;
Somewhere, there is an island no one’s ever found before
And when I find that island, all shiny and new
I’ll turn around my sailboat and I’ll sail back to
you.”

Enjoy the adventure!

Comment on Bushwhacking for science by Aunt Regina

Aunt Regina — Thu, 21 Jul 2011 21:58:11 +0000

Hey Eli, Looks like you are having fun! I am so glad to see that you are alive and well. Love your pics. Enjoy your time there. Be safe. Love you always, Aunt Regina

Comment on Bushwhacking for science by Lima

Lima — Thu, 21 Jul 2011 19:52:12 +0000

Yes. I was looking forward to this.

Your hair!! <3

Good luck my friend!!

Comment on The First Puerto Ricans in Cherskiy by Serafin

Serafin — Wed, 20 Jul 2011 02:55:02 +0000

Wou I wanted to tell you that Im proud of you and Im happy that you feel happy there

Excelent job, Keep doing it!

Comment on Science playground by Mary Jo Maute

Mary Jo Maute — Mon, 18 Jul 2011 15:52:22 +0000

Hi Matt –

We all miss you here in Bellingham. I’ll share your post with some of your friends at the Museum and family. I’m glad to see you have plenty of duct tape on board. It probably works to reattach appendages too!

Mary Jo

Comment on Bushwhacking for science by Melly

Melly — Sun, 17 Jul 2011 17:23:29 +0000

ELIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIi !!!!! So glad you finally posted some blogs!!! Love the pic of you smiling after falling in a hole….hheheheheh, thank goodness for all the years of hiking up and around in the Wichita Mts and creeks! Pretty neat info you have going on. Research and all. Keep us updated of your journey!!!! Tooo Keen! love you Eli !!!!

Comment on Bushwhacking for science by Uncle Chris

Uncle Chris — Sun, 17 Jul 2011 16:55:07 +0000

Very cool Eli. I’m pretty proud of you.

Comment on Bushwhacking for science by Yvonne Rhoades

Yvonne Rhoades — Sun, 17 Jul 2011 02:57:18 +0000

Eli, glad to see that you are “OK”. Great pictures, the area looks very interesting, but rough! Work hard, have fun, and return home safely.

Love Mom

P.S. Temps are between 102 to 105 back at home, be prepared when you step off the plane in OKC!

Comment on Bushwhacking for science by Lauren

Lauren — Sat, 16 Jul 2011 23:22:09 +0000

Eli!!!

I miss you and am terribly jealous you are in Russia. You have to be my tour guide in the future. Do they have those Russian dolls where they all fit inside the other, bigger one? I hope you are having lots of fun and learning tons of new stuff! It seems you are, but I understood about 40% of all that science-y stuff. Come home soon!

Love,
Lauren

Comment on The First Puerto Ricans in Cherskiy by Carol Ramirez

Carol Ramirez — Sat, 16 Jul 2011 08:52:18 +0000

Michael me ha encantado y me siento súper orgullosa de ti!! No encuentro ahora mismo un sólo adjetivo para calificarte porque todos te pertenecen!!

Me encantó me fascinó!! que emoción!! simplemente espectacular! como te comente antes…

Con cariño Carol

Comment on The First Puerto Ricans in Cherskiy by Marden

Marden — Fri, 15 Jul 2011 23:29:59 +0000

I’am so proud to be Puerto Rican. Dude you Rock. Que viva el arroz con Habichuelas.

Comment on The First Puerto Ricans in Cherskiy by Wanda Figueroa

Wanda Figueroa — Fri, 15 Jul 2011 23:22:58 +0000

Mikeeeee!

Cuando ví el blog no lo podía creer… me dejaste en shock! era como si estuviera muerta en vida jajaja! Dije: ¿Eso fue lo que Mike escribió, OMG? Te pasaste de la raya manigüis jajaja!. Estoy impresionada, primero porque cuando ví los blogs de los demás estudiantes de Polaris pensé Jum! ¿Qué escribirá Michael en su Blog? ahhhh! Pero cuando ví ese blog dije: “Es que es Michael no es cualquier persona” jajajaj. Tengo que decirte que te quedó excelente (a a lo puertorriqueño- Estas pasa’o de la raya) y haz demostrado una vez más que los puertorriqueños siendo minoría en US podemos brillar donde sea, sólo necesitamos perseverar para triunfar… Me da mucha alegría (mejor dicho estoy gritando mami mami mira Michael) el que se te haya ocurrido acordarte de tu patria… Una vez más te quiero mucho y sigueme escribiendo cosas así de espectaculares, sinceramente me asusta tu creatividad jajajaj!

Felicidades Mike! Una vez mas…
From Arroyo & Cayey, PUERTO RICO to CHERSKIY I send you a TOMAAAAA!

Comment on The First Puerto Ricans in Cherskiy by MRS JANET COLON

MRS JANET COLON — Fri, 15 Jul 2011 23:03:22 +0000

I FEEL VERY PROUD OF MY STUDENT. YOU MADE MY DAYS HAPPY. YOU MASTERED ALL THE SKILLS AND BECAME AN EXCELLENT HUMAN BEING. I WISH YOU ALL THE LUCK !!! I SEND YOU A BIG HUG,

YOUR ELEMENTARY ENGLISH TEACHER,
MRS JANET COLON
colonvicente@hotmail.com

Comment on The Carbon Bomb by admin

admin — Fri, 15 Jul 2011 22:40:48 +0000

Many thanks, Wilhelm, for your note and please pardon my delay in responding–strictly a matter of internet absence.
I wish I could answer your questions as a scientist, but I’m just an interested writer but committed to this kind of outreach. I’m used to doing it aboard WHOI research vessels in the Arctic; this is
my first land expedition, and fascinating it is. Perhaps further essays will address some of you good questions, and I’d be happy to communicate with you back in the States.
The scientists are all concerned about the baseline questions you ask. I’ll pose them to the scientists and get back to you, connection permitting.
For now, thank you and all my best, Dallas

Comment on The First Puerto Ricans in Cherskiy by Ivelisse

Ivelisse — Fri, 15 Jul 2011 22:19:43 +0000

Soberbio, la verdad es que te quedó brutal. Estamos todos orgullosos de tí.

Comment on The First Puerto Ricans in Cherskiy by Glendaly

Glendaly — Fri, 15 Jul 2011 22:02:35 +0000

Michael la verdad que te quedoo excelente la verdad me me siento tan orgullosa de ti la verdad te quiero mucho y sigue hacia delante eres y seras el mejor.

Comment on The First Puerto Ricans in Cherskiy by Wina Ivette Flores Ortiz

Wina Ivette Flores Ortiz — Fri, 15 Jul 2011 22:02:35 +0000

Qué orgullo para Puerto Rico saber que Michael representa a los jóvenes talentosos de nuestra patria. Naciste en cuna humilde, pero tus logros llegarán al cielo. Sigue mostrando con emoción esa bandera. Eres fruto de una Isla de grandes hombres y tú eres uno de estos. DIOS TE CUIDE; ÉXITO Y ADELANTE !!!

Comment on The First Puerto Ricans in Cherskiy by Michael Gomez Melendez

Michael Gomez Melendez — Fri, 15 Jul 2011 21:28:06 +0000

My first blog post.
I did it in Spanish and English for my Latin-American friends.

Comment on Science playground by Julie Shufro

Julie Shufro — Fri, 15 Jul 2011 15:36:59 +0000

Matt, I just received your post via my sister via your mom. I am so excited to read about your work. It is so interesting–you make it so interesting to read about. Can’t wait to read more. -Julie Shufro, from Chicago where the weather this year is, anecdotally, weird!

Comment on Bushwhacking for science by Boot-Boot

Boot-Boot — Fri, 15 Jul 2011 01:32:49 +0000

Eli,

I want to say that I mainly looked at the pictures. The other stuff seemed boring, so next time keep it interesting. But I guess it’s good that you finally posted something. And I want to say that I am going to see HARRY POTTER(said in a bad fake british accent.) BEFORE YOU!! So ha!

Love,
Hannah

Comment on Bugs, Aii-ee! by Science and swimming and bugs, oh my! | The Polaris Project

Science and swimming and bugs, oh my! | The Polaris Project — Thu, 14 Jul 2011 22:35:34 +0000

[...] Bugs, Aii-ee! [...]

Comment on First Impression by Bev Dean

Bev Dean — Wed, 13 Jul 2011 17:59:00 +0000

Hey Dyl! That’s quite an adventure you are on! Glad to hear you are all well!

Comment on First Impression by kathy

kathy — Tue, 12 Jul 2011 23:53:48 +0000

Hi Dylan! so exciting to hear from you! hope the mosquitos aren’t tormenting:)

Comment on The Carbon Bomb by Wilhelm Merck

Wilhelm Merck — Mon, 11 Jul 2011 17:05:04 +0000

Dallas – fine writing from an adventurous expedition makes great reading! Some questions from a non-scientist: Do we have enough baseline info to know whether recent warmer air temps are causing novel reactions in these ecosystems? Is there greater hillside subsidence and pooling of meltwater than had been the case previously? (Or do we not need such outward evidence to find C moving about in new ways?) What measures will likely convey the most important info to the average Joe; increased amount of CH4 coming from unfrozen lakes; increased age of melted organic material? So many questions! As the guy who can communicate the science to the rest of us, you have a critical role.

Comment on First Impression by Blaize

Blaize — Mon, 11 Jul 2011 12:08:50 +0000

Dylan, glad to hear you are enjoying your experience so far!

Comment on First Impression by Denise

Denise — Sun, 10 Jul 2011 18:43:32 +0000

thanks for the update. sounds like you are all having a great time!

Comment on First Impression by Julia

Julia — Sat, 09 Jul 2011 05:08:56 +0000

So glad you guys get to do science and explore and have fun too.

Comment on Missoula to Moscow by Jordan Shields

Jordan Shields — Fri, 08 Jul 2011 05:12:14 +0000

Eight bucks for a cup of coffee is ridiculous! Glad to hear your safe though! I’m sure you will have many more adventures. You will not disappoint me I’m currently watching animal planet with my dad and they’re talking about Siberia and I thought of you! I was wondering if you were there already, which looks like you are. Hope all is well! I will for sure come back and check up on you! I’m sorry I didn’t get a chance to see you before you left but I love you! Have fun, which you will and seems silly to say.

Love,

Jo!

Comment on The “Aquatics International” by arie en tine

arie en tine — Thu, 07 Jul 2011 18:57:40 +0000

Hi Jorien,
die Kolima River, was het daar niet all the time winter and the rest summer?
Leuk je blog te lezen! Veel groetjes van Arie en Tine (zijn aan het inpakken, maar gaan niet zo ver: Limburg

Comment on Converged in Cherskiy by Max Janicek

Max Janicek — Wed, 06 Jul 2011 22:11:06 +0000

Anxiously waiting for dangle-potty updates…

Comment on Converged in Cherskiy by Joanne Heslop

Joanne Heslop — Wed, 06 Jul 2011 03:38:57 +0000

Also check out the Zimov couch in Orbita and the windowsill of the BOD room

Comment on Missoula to Moscow by Speculator

Speculator — Tue, 05 Jul 2011 23:23:10 +0000

Hey Allison,
We all are so happy to hear your adventure is starting out so interesting. Good to know we can keep posted over here!
Lots of love!

Comment on Converged in Cherskiy by kirill Tretyakov

kirill Tretyakov — Tue, 05 Jul 2011 04:44:54 +0000

“The landscape is gorgeous and fun to see through the eyes of the students new to the Arctic.” – imagined that, eh…

Comment on The worst ever? by kirill Tretyakov

kirill Tretyakov — Tue, 05 Jul 2011 04:43:00 +0000

Stand firm, guys))

Comment on Waiting on a plane by Yvonne Rhoades

Yvonne Rhoades — Tue, 05 Jul 2011 04:04:05 +0000

Glad to hear that my dot made it there safely!!

Comment on Converged in Cherskiy by Travis Drake

Travis Drake — Tue, 05 Jul 2011 03:40:37 +0000

check on top of orbita for the best internet connection…

Comment on Waiting on a plane by Betsy Bunn

Betsy Bunn — Sun, 03 Jul 2011 18:31:44 +0000

Glad that you are off to a smooth start. May that continue, and may the mosquitoes be smallish and fewer than feared.

Comment on The worst ever? by Travis Drake

Travis Drake — Fri, 01 Jul 2011 18:55:05 +0000

my advice? remember to keep the screen doors shut on the barge…

also, this might be good news to the new and improved stream team, hordes of mosquitos likely means there’s water out there somewhere (hopefully flowing).

Comment on Wherein I learn about Pleistocene Park on the radio by KPatrick

KPatrick — Fri, 01 Jul 2011 15:57:06 +0000

I hope you told the good people at Hardware Sales that they are now known all the way in Siberia. If you need anything, I bet they will deliver.

Comment on Mammoth Tusks and 10,000 year old Bison Skulls by wherein I learn about Pleistocene Park on the radio | The Polaris Project

wherein I learn about Pleistocene Park on the radio | The Polaris Project — Mon, 27 Jun 2011 18:34:27 +0000

[...] ago in a NY Times piece about the Polaris Project. It’s tough. It’s a reminder that amazing things happen in Siberia and that I’m lucky to be a scientist on the forefront of such a timely [...]

Comment on Heather Alexander Awarded NSF Postdoctoral Fellowship by Heather Alexander

Heather Alexander — Thu, 19 May 2011 18:37:17 +0000

When I first traveled to Cherskii in summer 2010, I wasn’t really sure what to expect. I envisioned a landscape much like Interior Alaska, blanketed with coniferous forests of various ages and densities that showed obvious signs of originating following fire. What I found was an array of larch forest types, ranging from densely-stocked, ‘bamboo’-like forests with small-diameter larch, to ‘savanna’-like stands with few large-diameter larch interspersed among shrubs and grasses, to stands with only shrubs and grasses. These stands sometimes showed obvious signs of fire like standing dead trees, but oftentimes faint clues of past fires were only found by digging in soils for charcoal and scanning old, still-living trees for fire scars. In some stands, fire clearly impacted permafrost stability and soil subsidence, leaving behind thermokarsts and exposed mineral soils. In many stands, larch regeneration was sparse, even when mature ‘mother’ trees were nearby. This gradient in stand density, regeneration, and variability in fire influences highlighted the importance of understanding the controlling factors earlier in succession which created the forest stands as seen today. Understanding this variability seemed especially important because climate is warming, and wildfire extent, frequency, and severity are predicted to increase in high latitude boreal forests. If alterations to the fire regime decrease the age of forest stands and modify soil conditions in a way that impacts the ability of larch trees to germinate and establish, these changes will ultimately affect the ability of larch forest to sequester carbon.

In summers 2012 and 2013, I will return to Cherskii with the goal of shedding some light on this variability. My research will assess the effects of wildfire and permafrost stability on larch tree regeneration and subsequent consequences for forest carbon accumulation. I intend to experimentally burn forest plots to create conditions that mimic variability in fire severity to see if this alters active layer depth, soil moisture, nitrogen availability, larch seed germination, and early seedling establishment. I also plan to quantify variations in these parameters across natural gradients within recently burned areas. To understand how stand age and density influence carbon sequestration, I will sample a carbon pools within trees, understory vegetation, and soils across a variety of larch stands. While I know I’ll have my hands full, I am very excited about this research and working with my collaborators at the NSS, my mentor, Dr. Valentine Spektor, my sponsor, Dr. Michelle Mack, and the Polaris Project. It’s truly a remarkable opportunity to work with such incredible people, and I’m looking forward to learning more about Siberian larch forests.

As Max mentioned, another thing I totally didn’t expect during my first trip to Russia was to run into a fellow Texan with a similar educational history. There are probably weirder coincidences, but it’s definitely a strange feeling to be completely jet-lagged, standing in Red Square in Moscow, talking science, and eventually figure out that not only did you get your undergraduate degree from the same university (The University of Texas- ‘Hook-em Horns!”), but that you went to the same high school…very, very strange indeed.

Comment on Erin Seybold Awarded Fulbright by Erin Seybold

Erin Seybold — Mon, 09 May 2011 00:54:28 +0000

Thanks everyone for the wonderful words of encouragement! I am so honored to have received the Fulbright and am so excited for the opportunities that it will provide. I’m really excited about my project – I am branching from streams into wetlands and will be investigating methane flux from thermokarst wetlands. I am also looking forward to the opportunity to meet friends and future colleagues in Tromso. The Polaris Project has really demonstrated the importance of collaborative research, and I am excited for the chance to make connections with scientists abroad to carry on this international, collaborative tradition. The Polaris Project has prepared me so well for my Fulbright years, and for my graduate work in the future. I am so appreciative for the PIs and fellow students – I learned so much through our friendships. I will look forward to following the trip this summer and will keep you all updated on my time in Norway!

Comment on Erin Seybold Awarded Fulbright by Lorri Dinger

Lorri Dinger — Sat, 07 May 2011 15:11:33 +0000

What a wonderful thing for Erin. We have known her for many years and wish her all the best.

Bright Journeys,

The Dingers

Comment on Erin Seybold Awarded Fulbright by Nancy Cedar

Nancy Cedar — Sat, 07 May 2011 05:08:41 +0000

I thank you John and Max(and all Polaris faculty) for the doors you have opened for Erin. Our family has so enjoyed following the Polaris Project the past two summers and will continue to do so. I am very proud of Erin and also SO grateful for the knowledge and guidance she has had from mentors such as you!

Comment on Max Wilbert Wins Journalism Award by Max Wilbert

Max Wilbert — Sat, 07 May 2011 04:20:23 +0000

Thanks for the support. It would not have been possible without the help of Chris, Max, John, and many others. Thank you all!

Comment on Max Wilbert Wins Journalism Award by Chris

Chris — Wed, 04 May 2011 16:39:35 +0000

Congrats Max! Here is the link to the SPJ awards: http://www.spj.org/moe10.asp

Comment on Heather Alexander Awarded NSF Postdoctoral Fellowship by John Schade

John Schade — Wed, 04 May 2011 11:14:10 +0000

Congrats, Heather, I am very happy you will be returning this summer.

Comment on Max Wilbert Wins Journalism Award by John Schade

John Schade — Wed, 04 May 2011 11:13:18 +0000

Really fantastic work, Max. You really added something special to our summer last year and we will miss you this year. Keep up the good work.

Comment on Erin Seybold Awarded Fulbright by John Schade

John Schade — Wed, 04 May 2011 11:11:54 +0000

I have been fortunate to have had the opportunity to work with Erin in many different ways while she has been at St. Olaf College, and it has been a real pleasure to follow her accomplishments. She has completed an astonishing array of research projects and won a number of awards during her years as an undergrad. I am sad that she will be leaving St. Olaf, but I will be looking forward to watching her take the Arctic science community by storm in her Fulbright and in her graduate days. Good work Erin, congratulations!

Comment on Snow in July and Pie for Breakfast by PolarisProject » Blog Archive » Updated pictures, comments, and getting ready to ship out

Sat, 30 Apr 2011 04:37:12 +0000

[...] « Snow in July and Pie for Breakfast My Bear Grylls Experience » July 14th, 2009 by Andy Bunn | Andy's bio and other [...]

Comment on Polaris 2011 Students Selected by Kirill Tretyakov

Kirill Tretyakov — Thu, 28 Apr 2011 08:49:26 +0000

Congratulations!
Enjoy this great unique time, keep your legs warm and be healthy!))
Hope to meet you this summer here in Yakutsk.

Comment on Polaris 2011 Students Selected by Kate Lewis

Kate Lewis — Thu, 17 Mar 2011 06:08:42 +0000

congratulations to all!!
you will have a great summer in Cherskiy

Comment on Safe in Moscow! Out enjoying the city for the day! by Andy

Andy — Mon, 30 Aug 2010 21:00:18 +0000

Have fun! Enjoy the city and good work this summer.

Comment on Homeward Bound by Nancy Cedar

Nancy Cedar — Wed, 18 Aug 2010 02:19:15 +0000

Wishing you safe travel and looking forward to having you home again!

Comment on Look Mom! I can time travel! by heilkitty

heilkitty — Mon, 16 Aug 2010 12:52:10 +0000

Thanks for the photos. That flora is really amazing.
PS The more correct translation of puppy’s name would be “Buddy”.

Comment on Bakin’ and Ballin’ by Nancy Cedar

Nancy Cedar — Sat, 14 Aug 2010 05:23:04 +0000

Glad you have this more relaxed pace which allows you to do the science but also to bond with the people and the culture. The Zimov’s are obvioulsy wonderful hosts.

Comment on Bakin’ and Ballin’ by deb denfeld

deb denfeld — Fri, 13 Aug 2010 04:03:28 +0000

Nice summary of achieving a well rounded experience for all. What a special and unique arrangement for the whole group. Enjoy the last summer 2010 week together.

Comment on greetings from kate in washington state by andy

andy — Thu, 12 Aug 2010 20:00:37 +0000

Hi Menton. It’s not us. Good luck!

Comment on greetings from kate in washington state by Menton

Menton — Thu, 12 Aug 2010 18:26:44 +0000

Hi, Kate!
I’m just back home in Oakland, California from my 60th high school reunion in Yakima, where I grew up. While there, I did some trout fishing, and decided to return to a spot on the Rattlesnake Creek in the Nile Valley above Naches. The spot is a couple of miles off the paved road, beside the river. Years ago I would drive there on a dirt road and fish up- and downstream. This time I found that the road is blocked by a gate about halfway to the stream, so I hiked the rest of the way to the water. To my surprise, there were several modern structures on the spot I used to drive to, a bridge across the Rattlesnake there, and a building on the other bank! There’s a large “Polaris” sign on the grounds. I’m not familiar with the organization, and I couldn’t find anyone in the vicinity who knows anything about it. I’m curious, and wondering if it’s your Polaris group that’s connected with the facility. Obviously, I got your note when I googled “Polaris”.
If the place is connected to your Polaris project, please tell me about the group and what goes on at the Rattlesnake Creek site; I’ll appreciate it. Thank you!

Comment on We’re back! by Steve Seybold

Steve Seybold — Wed, 11 Aug 2010 15:49:09 +0000

Welcome back- glad to hear things are coming together on your research before you leave. Travel safe!!

And what’s a blini??

Comment on Heading north, for one day this time. by Erin

Erin — Mon, 09 Aug 2010 21:28:43 +0000

We’re back!!! We successfully made it back in a day, despite some chilly weather. On to some lab work today, more updates soon!

Comment on 20th Birthday in Moscow! by waffle irons

waffle irons — Fri, 06 Aug 2010 14:20:14 +0000

The death toll from fires in Russia tends to be much higher than for forest fires in Australia and California. Also there are often reports in the local press of people being left to cope with fires unaided by the authorities until homes have burnt to the ground.

Comment on Random thoughts from the Patio by Sara Callaway

Sara Callaway — Wed, 04 Aug 2010 17:58:28 +0000

We’ve really felt privileged just to follow along on the blogs. WHAT an experience for all the participants! Sorry we didn’t get that last minute original bug shirt to you at Dulles airport before you flew out. Hope you didn’t suffer too badly without it!

Comment on Random thoughts from the Patio by Steve Seybold

Steve Seybold — Wed, 04 Aug 2010 15:25:40 +0000

Welsome back John- Thanks for doing such a great job taking care of your students, and congratulations on your work this summer. It’s nice to know that the Polaris project genetrates such useful research, rather than just being a “junket”.

Comment on Never a moment so bitter sweet. by Sam Dunn

Sam Dunn — Wed, 04 Aug 2010 02:03:12 +0000

Of course Valentin is screwing off in the picture…

Comment on Random thoughts from the Patio by Max Janicek

Max Janicek — Tue, 03 Aug 2010 16:49:39 +0000

Awesome post Don Juan John. Simply put, for an undergraduate especially, the Polaris Project is the experience of a lifetime. It has been quite bittersweet to follow you guys via the website this summer; I cherish every memory of my own time with Polaris, and it’s the diligent work of all the collaborators that make it such a special experience. As you make your way across Russia and back, each travel leg, each unfamiliar location, each new culture, and the blossoming science are all eye-opening… but it’s the people involved who really make it what it is. I can only grin thinking about the tremendous adventures the crew had this year.

All of you have put together an opportunity for students that I will forever feel so fortunate to have been a part of. A year later, the valuable lessons I took away from that month in the Siberian Arctic continue to manifest themselves in both my professional and personal life. Polaris doesn’t simply end once you return home to the good old US of A. You carry that stuff with you wherever you go, no matter which doors may open. Polaris4Life.

ps- sorry about the Cubs.

Comment on Fire Haze by Doug Drake

Doug Drake — Mon, 02 Aug 2010 02:06:28 +0000

This is pretty heavy. Just now there is a radio story about the Russian fires – saying there are 800 fires burning uncontrolled and villages wiped out. We certainly hope you are safe…
Love,
Mom

Comment on Data analysis and swimming in the Lena by Brooklyn Evans

Brooklyn Evans — Sun, 01 Aug 2010 18:49:18 +0000

swimming is my favorite way of burning of those extra fats and calories,~”

Comment on An Upside to Global Warming? by Thoren

Thoren — Wed, 28 Jul 2010 06:36:42 +0000

What a pasty lot you are. Truly fit for the Siberian north.

Comment on Seven Lessons from a Northern Adventure by Thoren

Thoren — Wed, 28 Jul 2010 06:30:47 +0000

What an amazing story and artfully told. Can’t wait to see the experienced survivalist in the flesh again. Glad you’re safe and hope you are sleeping well now.

Comment on An Upside to Global Warming? by andy

andy — Tue, 27 Jul 2010 06:06:52 +0000

Them’s some white kids in the water! Get some sun!

Comment on Seven Lessons from a Northern Adventure by Max Holmes

Max Holmes — Mon, 26 Jul 2010 23:32:12 +0000

It was remarkable how calm everyone remained throughout this adventure. When we were standing on the beach and the weather turned bad, instead of fretting everyone chipped in to build a fire and a shelter. Instead of complaining about the tight accommodations when we reached the fish camp, people laughed and sang. And when the weather finally cleared enough to head home the following evening, everyone bundled-up and braced for a potentially very cold and wet trip (which turned out to be relatively mild). I’m proud to be associated with this fine group of people.

Comment on An Upside to Global Warming? by Max Holmes

Max Holmes — Mon, 26 Jul 2010 23:08:22 +0000

Hi DRC -

Thanks for the comment. I agree that total ice volume, or ice thickness, is critically important for predicting what ice will likely melt over the coming weeks. Unfortunately, ice thickness has been much more difficult to monitor than the areal extent of the ice. On the other hand, it is the areal extent of the ice that is important for determining albedo (reflectivity). Even very thin ice reflects far more sunlight than open water.

Also, thanks for pointing people to realclimate.org. It is one of the best sources for thoughtful, up-to-date discussions of climate change.

Max Holmes

Comment on An Upside to Global Warming? by drc

drc — Mon, 26 Jul 2010 22:42:51 +0000

Extent is much less meaningful than volume. Nice post on real climate right now about this.

http://www.realclimate.org/index.php/archives/2010/07/an-icy-retreat/

Comment on Seven Lessons from a Northern Adventure by andy

andy — Mon, 26 Jul 2010 18:33:59 +0000

Amazing Max!

Comment on Seven Lessons from a Northern Adventure by Drc

Drc — Mon, 26 Jul 2010 05:31:25 +0000

Wow. Wow+wow

Comment on We’re Back! by Murphy

Murphy — Sun, 25 Jul 2010 21:53:37 +0000

Yay! So glad you are all back safely. Can’t wait to see pictures and stories.

Comment on We’re Back! by Marlene Robbins

Marlene Robbins — Sun, 25 Jul 2010 21:50:17 +0000

Thank you Max and all others for keeping them all safe.
Larry

Comment on A bug’s life by Bob Gardner

Bob Gardner — Sun, 25 Jul 2010 20:14:49 +0000

Elliott, I was Emily Ulrich’s 5th grade teacher. Her dad told me you two were on the same team. Way to go you guys. What you are doing up there will make a difference some day. It all adds up. Do you have a photo of these amphipods on your blog? I didn’t see any. Mr. Gardner

Comment on Holed up and held up by bad weather by DifferentAndy

DifferentAndy — Sun, 25 Jul 2010 16:02:46 +0000

The picture of the shack in the 2009 gallery looks like they are a bit snug.

Comment on Holed up and held up by bad weather by DRC

DRC — Sun, 25 Jul 2010 16:01:03 +0000

Hurry back. Bet it’s cold and wet.

Comment on Near real time modifications of our work by Abby

Abby — Sun, 25 Jul 2010 08:22:42 +0000

I am impressed – great research and blog posts by all. The chickens are thriving and all is well, and hot, in NV. Can’t wait to have a drink when you get home.

Comment on project development by Judy Lewis

Judy Lewis — Sat, 24 Jul 2010 00:22:26 +0000

Very impressive! What an amazing experience – sounds like you are making the most of it! Judy

Comment on Step One: Gather water, Step Two: ??? by NOTmatthew

NOTmatthew — Fri, 23 Jul 2010 05:59:23 +0000

You sound so awesome, professional, and totally having the time of your life fighting off loads and tons of those lovely blood sucking vermin mosquitoes! Make sure you come back ready, prepped, and loaded to go with a full post-op debriefing.

Comment on To Duvannyi Yar and Back Again… by andy

andy — Fri, 23 Jul 2010 05:48:49 +0000

Did you get the crocodile talk from Big Z?

Comment on Making Sandwiches by DrC

DrC — Sun, 18 Jul 2010 21:01:37 +0000

Are you delirious? Take a break. Go outside and enjoy the bugs.

Comment on Step One: Gather water, Step Two: ??? by Marlene Robbins

Marlene Robbins — Sun, 18 Jul 2010 20:35:52 +0000

I’m glad you got the experiments to go full circle.

Comment on Step One: Gather water, Step Two: ??? by Marlene Robbins

Marlene Robbins — Sun, 18 Jul 2010 20:15:22 +0000

I’m glad you figured out a way to get the experiments to go full circle.

Comment on Outside the Bubble by Larry Robbins

Larry Robbins — Sat, 17 Jul 2010 13:27:12 +0000

great story line

Comment on Meet the Stream Team! by Jessie

Jessie — Fri, 16 Jul 2010 21:00:07 +0000

Kate,
Everything you’re doing looks incredible! Glad to see the updates.
xoxo
Jessie

Comment on Mammoth Tusks and 10,000 year old Bison Skulls by Jo Beld

Jo Beld — Thu, 15 Jul 2010 19:12:02 +0000

Other people will have summer stories about a great music festival experience, or backpacking trip, or visit to a European city, or something along those lines. Not Polaris students! They talk about going on “the best sampling excursion” they have ever experienced! I love it! – Jo

Comment on Mammoth Tusks and 10,000 year old Bison Skulls by Larry Robbins

Larry Robbins — Thu, 15 Jul 2010 18:35:01 +0000

Great picture Max. Melissa could your smile be any bigger.

Comment on Polaris Project Seminar Series – July 2010 by Larry Robbins

Larry Robbins — Thu, 15 Jul 2010 13:20:40 +0000

Good point Mr. Holmes. Bet they are learning more.

Comment on Polaris Project Seminar Series – July 2010 by Max Holmes

Max Holmes — Wed, 14 Jul 2010 04:53:14 +0000

Nope, no university credit. But no university tuition either!

Comment on Polaris Project Seminar Series – July 2010 by andy

andy — Wed, 14 Jul 2010 03:27:45 +0000

Amazing organization!

Comment on Polaris Project Seminar Series – July 2010 by Larry Robbins

Larry Robbins — Tue, 13 Jul 2010 23:53:50 +0000

Wow. Does it count for credit.
Keep learning.

Comment on BOATS by Claire

Claire — Mon, 12 Jul 2010 02:25:33 +0000

Speaking of photography, Blaize, are you getting any practice after that course you took?

Comment on 10 reasons you know you are living in an Arctic science station… by Max Janicek

Max Janicek — Sun, 11 Jul 2010 16:05:47 +0000

There’s a fish tank now?! Awesome. These photos are great.

Comment on Meet the Stream Team! by Max Janicek

Max Janicek — Sun, 11 Jul 2010 16:04:33 +0000

Hey stream team, I think we all need an informative dangle-potty update.

Comment on Introducing the Terrestrial Team by Max Janiwax

Max Janiwax — Sun, 11 Jul 2010 16:02:41 +0000

Joanne, what did you catch?!

Comment on Improvisation In The Field by Max Janicek

Max Janicek — Sun, 11 Jul 2010 15:58:56 +0000

Heck yes Bug Team; it brings manly tears to my eyes when I see the necessary McGuyver-like savviness running thick in your blood. Being resourceful is indeed what the Bug Team is all about. Keep making us proud, and best of luck.

Comment on 9 Days And Counting… by Max Janicek

Max Janicek — Sun, 11 Jul 2010 15:50:56 +0000

Fantastic job with the photos dude! Keep picking the well-kempt Linder’s brain while you still can…

Comment on A lot of progress in a short time by Max Janicek

Max Janicek — Sun, 11 Jul 2010 15:47:17 +0000

Heck yea Sudeep! Keep up the hard work out there guys, and enjoy every minute of it.

Comment on BOATS by andy

andy — Sun, 11 Jul 2010 13:18:31 +0000

Great picture Max!

Comment on Improvisation In The Field by drc

drc — Sun, 11 Jul 2010 00:46:19 +0000

Kind of a funny juxtaposition from the post below about all the new analytic gear, huh? But when there is no Home Depot about you do make do with what you got.

Comment on Meet the Stream Team! by Sybil Fillman

Sybil Fillman — Sat, 10 Jul 2010 16:10:26 +0000

Hi, Travis, I enjoy reading your blogs and finding out what you are doing. I appreciate the enthusiasm you all have for your various projects. LOve, GRANDMA

Comment on Team 005 by max.wilbert

max.wilbert — Sat, 10 Jul 2010 09:11:19 +0000

Good to know you got our backs Andy!

-Max and Kate

Comment on Swimming in the Arctic by steve merry

steve merry — Fri, 09 Jul 2010 21:53:42 +0000

looks like the person in the photo is doing a flip. watch out-I hear those can be dangerous.

Comment on 10 reasons you know you are living in an Arctic science station… by rose

rose — Fri, 09 Jul 2010 06:45:27 +0000

nice work max! you are one cool dude.

Comment on Team 005 by Cassandra, Andrew, and Melissa

Cassandra, Andrew, and Melissa — Fri, 09 Jul 2010 01:48:02 +0000

Hey drc- that’s exactly what we’re trying to figure out. We all have individual projects that focus on what may be causing the 5% uptake. We don’t know if it’s being caused by a single process or the result of multiple factors. We’ll keep you updated when we have any idea ourselves!

Comment on Team 005 by drc

drc — Thu, 08 Jul 2010 21:59:01 +0000

If it’s 5% throughout then is there a single process? Or is the 5% a coincidence for a bunch of different ways of processing carbon?

Comment on 10 reasons you know you are living in an Arctic science station… by andy

andy — Thu, 08 Jul 2010 21:48:49 +0000

Great pictures Max! Keep em coming.

Comment on Team 005 by andy

andy — Thu, 08 Jul 2010 21:47:48 +0000

This is a Polaris rite of passage. Good to get it out of the way early. If the barge does break completely loose just head to the Arctic Ocean and make a right. I’ll pick you up in Seattle.

Comment on Swimming in the Arctic by deb denfeld

deb denfeld — Thu, 08 Jul 2010 21:27:30 +0000

Swimming in the Artic sounds like a very good idea, as we are having 90 – 100 degree weather here. Sounds like you are all off to a good start. Keep sending those pics. Deb D.

Comment on Swimming in the Arctic by deb denfeld

deb denfeld — Thu, 08 Jul 2010 21:25:37 +0000

Swimming in the Artic sounds like a good idea … compared to the heat wave we are having here. Sounds like you are all off to a good start. Keep sending the pics.
Deb D.

Comment on 10 reasons you know you are living in an Arctic science station… by Dad

Dad — Thu, 08 Jul 2010 16:13:29 +0000

Glad you remembered the coffee!

Comment on First Impressions of Russia by Елена

Елена — Thu, 08 Jul 2010 10:25:20 +0000

Если Андрею интересно, поселок Черский упоминается у Варлама Шаламова в “Колымских рассказах”.

Comment on Team 005 by Подольше хорошей погоды!

Подольше хорошей погоды! — Thu, 08 Jul 2010 10:13:47 +0000

Подольше вам хорошей погоды!
С удовольствием слежу за вашими новостями.
Особенно порадовала щука и купание!

Comment on Look right for tweets… by Подольше хорошей погоды!

Подольше хорошей погоды! — Thu, 08 Jul 2010 10:12:07 +0000

Подольше вам хорошей погоды!
С удовольствием слежу за вашими новостями.
Особенно порадовала щука и купание!

Comment on 10 reasons you know you are living in an Arctic science station… by Nancy Cedar

Nancy Cedar — Thu, 08 Jul 2010 02:04:10 +0000

Where is the dangle potty in all this???

Comment on 10 reasons you know you are living in an Arctic science station… by Kayla Henson

Kayla Henson — Wed, 07 Jul 2010 21:15:44 +0000

Staying in Orbita now? And a fish tank? Living the high life over there now. Great pictures Max!

Comment on From the Barge: by Nicole

Nicole — Wed, 07 Jul 2010 17:51:54 +0000

Glad you’re having a good time! Keep us updated

Comment on From the Barge: by Larry Robbins

Larry Robbins — Wed, 07 Jul 2010 13:25:09 +0000

Cool.
Good to hear from you. Keep us informed.
Dad

Comment on Glad to be back! by Moira Hough

Moira Hough — Wed, 07 Jul 2010 03:59:16 +0000

Hey all, as it turns out I’m in Southeast Alaska right now chasing deer around, but thinking of you whenever it gets buggy out (I would take 15 of your mosquitoes for every two white socks we have, no joke)! Be sure to pop over for tea with me and Sarah P sometime!

Comment on Glad to be back! by Kayla Henson

Kayla Henson — Wed, 07 Jul 2010 00:33:56 +0000

Slow eating is good for digestion… I miss you all terribly and I’m jealous of the adventures that await you. Take care of Kate and Max!

Comment on First Impressions of Russia by Ethanko Majorkov

Ethanko Majorkov — Tue, 06 Jul 2010 21:10:06 +0000

Sounds like awesome, da?

Comment on First Impressions of Russia by Max Janicek

Max Janicek — Mon, 05 Jul 2010 14:55:45 +0000

Sounds like the gentlemen sitting behind Kayla and I who polished off a solid gallon of duty-free whiskey on our flight back from Moscow to Chicago. Great success!

Comment on Look right for tweets… by Jo Beld

Jo Beld — Mon, 05 Jul 2010 13:12:55 +0000

Everyone – your blogs are awesome! I loved the Academic Speed Dating idea for sharing project ideas. You have had so many amazing experiences already, including your first glimpse of Moscow, crammed into just your first few days. I’ll be a fan all month! – Jo

Comment on First Impressions of Russia by Name

Name — Mon, 05 Jul 2010 04:07:02 +0000

That sounds all too much like Russia.

Enjoy Yakutsk. Most people only know it if they play Risk.

Comment on First Impressions of Russia by andy

andy — Mon, 05 Jul 2010 04:04:44 +0000

10 litres / 2 men + 1 flight = Don’t wanna know.

Comment on Glad to be back! by Max Janicek

Max Janicek — Mon, 05 Jul 2010 01:42:58 +0000

I’m still unreasonably bitter that I never picked up one of them mesh tank-tops. They would go dashingly with the mannprees. And, of course, accentuate my guns.

Comment on Glad to be back! by Claire

Claire — Sun, 04 Jul 2010 21:06:03 +0000

Mammoth teeth, horse hooves and maps of Yakutia win, as far as souvenirs go.
Be sure to check out the map shop in Yakutsk, all the newbies! (Blaize and Cassandra – Geographers represent!)

Comment on Glad to be back! by Max Janicek

Max Janicek — Sun, 04 Jul 2010 19:28:48 +0000

you know what would make a mighty fine souvenir…

http://evert.meulie.net/wp-content/uploads/2009/07/hairy_chest_shirt.jpg

Comment on Glad to be back! by andy

andy — Sun, 04 Jul 2010 16:17:32 +0000

Max J probably can’t read this until he’s done with his morning chest waxing.

Comment on Seattle to Moscow by Beck

Beck — Sun, 04 Jul 2010 16:00:13 +0000

Fantastic description Max. It’s quite a city. Good luck on the next leg.

Comment on On the way… by Kirill Tretyakov

Kirill Tretyakov — Sun, 04 Jul 2010 11:41:23 +0000

cool, I hope we’ll meet you on tuesday morning!

Comment on On the way… by Max Janicek

Max Janicek — Fri, 02 Jul 2010 21:18:00 +0000

Mmm, nutritious and delicious. Kevin Youkilis’ beard loves it too.

Comment on On the way… by andy

andy — Fri, 02 Jul 2010 20:15:31 +0000

I love that baby chocolate. It’s made from real babies.

Comment on On the way… by Max Janicek

Max Janicek — Fri, 02 Jul 2010 19:32:32 +0000

I’ll be following closely when I’m not in the field… and I am expecting someone to bring me some baby chocolate.

Comment on On the way… by Students head for Siberia with international Polaris Project team | Clark News & Media Relations

Fri, 02 Jul 2010 18:41:13 +0000

[...] uplands to the Arctic Ocean. ** The Polaris Project team keeps a lively online site with frequent blog dispatches and great photographs, as well as Facebook and Twitter accounts. You can learn more and follow [...]

Comment on On the way… by Max Holmes

Max Holmes — Fri, 02 Jul 2010 18:40:34 +0000

We’re up to 12 people now…

Comment on A Taste of the Field by Lo

Lo — Fri, 02 Jul 2010 17:57:24 +0000

Go, Melmo! Go, go, go Melmo!

Comment on On the way… by Max Janicek

Max Janicek — Fri, 02 Jul 2010 17:22:06 +0000

Good luck ya’ll, safe travels, and enjoy the ride!

Comment on On the way… by Jo Beld

Jo Beld — Fri, 02 Jul 2010 16:17:42 +0000

Hi Max and everyone else – Exciting!!! Had a great meeting with John yesterday and stuff will be waiting for the two of you in your inboxes.

I’m planning to share the rubric John and I developed for assessing the research proposal abstracts at the AAC&U Institute for Engaging Departments next week. dissemination even before you’ve done the work!

Take care and travel safely! I’ll check the website often over the next month! Say hi to everyone! – Jo

Comment on Preparations by andy

andy — Wed, 30 Jun 2010 16:43:19 +0000

+1@OldBay

Comment on Preparations by Max Janicek

Max Janicek — Wed, 30 Jun 2010 16:03:34 +0000

Don’t forget the Old Bay! It brings out the subtle dill flavors.

Comment on Winter in June by Max Holmes

Max Holmes — Mon, 28 Jun 2010 10:13:30 +0000

Hi Joanne -

Thanks for the post. Can you tell us a bit more about your trip – who was there, what were you doing (sampling, measuring), how will the experience help you prepare for Siberia?

Cheers,

Max

Comment on Counting Down the Days by Max Holmes

Max Holmes — Wed, 23 Jun 2010 20:29:30 +0000

From one fisherman to another. On a scientific expedition, fishing should be referred to as “upper trophic level sampling”

Can’t look like we’re actually enjoying ourselves!

Comment on Howdy! by max.janicek

max.janicek — Thu, 08 Apr 2010 05:57:53 +0000

The Max legacy continues! Looking forward to all the great photography.

Comment on Prepare for your cunning adversary by max.janicek

max.janicek — Thu, 08 Apr 2010 05:48:51 +0000

She doesn’t lie!

… some shameless vintage-blog-self-promotion:

http://thepolarisproject.org/blog/?p=448

Comment on Hello! by Max Wilbert

Max Wilbert — Sun, 04 Apr 2010 18:09:22 +0000

I’ve heard to Kolyma river is great for fishing – I was thinking of looking into it, it’d be great to have fresh fish!

Max W

Comment on SoA and Introductions by Mica Waychowsky

Mica Waychowsky — Wed, 24 Mar 2010 07:55:36 +0000

may want to all care for our-self a bit better, your posting simply emphasises that.

Comment on Why do we fly all the way around the world? by BD

BD — Wed, 24 Mar 2010 05:53:55 +0000

It looks like Bering Air would be happy to charter a plane for 19 people to fly from Nome to Provideniya, all they need is evidence of your visa. You could fly Bellingham-Seattle-Anchorage-Nome on Alaska Airlines and charter the last leg. The difference on a Great Circle Map is striking.

Comment on Why do we fly all the way around the world? by andy

andy — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 16:39:38 +0000

Yes and no. Getting 20 people to north central Asia is not trivial. We need to get bulk tickets that line up flights from Yakutsk to Cherskiy and to fly over the Pacific to Yakutsk would mean going through Vladivostok. Doing this would add at least one more airline to the mix (likely flying through Seoul on Korea Air) and create extra layover days. So the combination of getting a pass on the reg to fly on Korea Air, adding a foreign layover, and extra travel days make it non tenable. What we really need is a flight from AK. However, if you’d like to be the travel agent we’d be much obliged.

Comment on Why do we fly all the way around the world? by N

Mon, 19 Oct 2009 17:54:15 +0000

So the problem isn’t the Fly America Act, but simply that there are no convenient short flights over the Bering Strait. Although that makes for a less flashy explanation than blaming some unpopular government regulations.

Comment on Missing the Arctic by Chris Linder

Chris Linder — Fri, 09 Oct 2009 04:41:17 +0000

Hi Betsy,
The exhibit will be up at the MIT Museum’s Compton Gallery through the end of 2009. The Compton Gallery is located underneath the big dome on the MIT campus. Here is a map: http://whereis.mit.edu/?selection=10&Buildings=go
Enjoy! -Chris

Comment on Missing the Arctic by Blaize

Blaize — Wed, 07 Oct 2009 20:14:22 +0000

Hey Betsy,

The photo exhibit is at the MIT Museum in Cambridge, Massachusetts from July 11, 2009 – January 4, 2010. There is more information on this website (including an 8 min flash slideshow of the exhibit): http://www.chrislinder.com/news_exhibits.html. Hope you get a chance to see the exhibit, the pictures are amazing to see in person!

Comment on Missing the Arctic by betsy

betsy — Tue, 06 Oct 2009 23:14:26 +0000

We live in Boston and would love to see Chris’s photo exhibit. Is that possible and if so, where is it?

Betsy Bunn

Comment on Back from Moscow in 32 hours by betsy

betsy — Sat, 01 Aug 2009 22:19:38 +0000

Welcome Home! All of us here, your followers, look forward to being with you again, to hearing what you have to tell us, knowing it will come out over time and not all at once. We are enormously proud of all of you and glad you are safely back on our side of the planet.

Comment on We have arrived in Moscow! The… by Carl Janicek

Carl Janicek — Wed, 29 Jul 2009 16:04:43 +0000

Wow! Time Travel is something that has always been of intrigue! Have a safe and wonderful trip home…

Comment on We have arrived in Moscow! The… by betsy

betsy — Wed, 29 Jul 2009 15:05:22 +0000

Glad you are moving through time in a different way, breakfast by breakfast rather than in great gobs of history! Welcome homecoming. Well done!

Comment on We have arrived in Moscow! The… by Monique Kantor

Monique Kantor — Wed, 29 Jul 2009 12:55:39 +0000

You are most assuredly Hobbits after all! Have a nice day’s rest because you’ll be going back in time again on the final leg–nothing like the Pleistocene, though.

Comment on The Polaris Project will leave… by Joanne's Family

Joanne's Family — Wed, 29 Jul 2009 01:36:16 +0000

Safe travels back home to all. Hope you soon fight off the jet-lag.

See you Friday Joanne.

Comment on The Polaris Project will leave… by Hans

Hans — Tue, 28 Jul 2009 09:35:43 +0000

I am excited for you all to have had such an experience in your lives and been able to share it with some very special people. May you cherish it always and help others to have similar experiences in their lives.

Now that you will be returning to western civilization, do your best to savor and record your feelings so they don’t fade…

Thank you for sharing your adventures with this blog for those of us who wish we could share it with you in person.

Hans

Comment on The Polaris Project will leave… by Monique Kantor

Monique Kantor — Tue, 28 Jul 2009 02:51:31 +0000

Vamos!

Comment on The Buzz on the Barge by Doug

Doug — Tue, 28 Jul 2009 02:50:14 +0000

Great post everyone! This adventure sounds more like real science all the time.

Surprising that there are still folks questioning the climate question (Re: the NYT blog) …I write this in 91 degrees of Fahrenheit in Portland OR…I know, I know, this is weather not climate, but it does remind you that we should be paying attention!

I am jealous of the Salvelinus fishing, need to tell us fish heads what species! What are they biting on, you know, the important research data!

Keep up the good work!
Hosanna Hey!
doug!

Comment on The Polaris Project will leave… by Nancy Cedar

Nancy Cedar — Tue, 28 Jul 2009 02:38:18 +0000

I wish you all a safe journey and realize it must be difficult leaving the excitement, rigor and camaraderie of this learning environment. I know I have been living vicarioulsy through ALL of you( it is kind of like a reality TV show), so have my loss to deal with as well! But I SO look forward to your smiling faces upon return!

Comment on Sights, smells and feel…ings by Carl Janicek

Carl Janicek — Tue, 28 Jul 2009 02:28:34 +0000

What a great crew, my best wishes for all of you and your hard work… It appears that you have all worked for and been given a gift of many textures. I for one have certainly been enriched by being able to read all the new entries, see the great photos and generally share in your adventures from afar… I loved the NY Times coverage too, and I hope many more folks are appreciating the efforts you are making to better understand our world… and it’s fragile life… safe travels!
Gratitude, Carl Janicek

Comment on Probe Deep in a Thermokarst Lake by Richard Hodge

Richard Hodge — Tue, 28 Jul 2009 01:52:39 +0000

Hi Max and everyone. Sounds like you guys are having a wonderful time. Keep up the good work. Hope to see you when you get back home.

Richard & Robin

Comment on It’s snowing in Cherskiy! /kf … by Monique Kantor

Monique Kantor — Mon, 27 Jul 2009 14:58:17 +0000

Brrrr.

Comment on Sights, smells and feel…ings by betsy

betsy — Mon, 27 Jul 2009 00:47:05 +0000

Thanks for a great description, both written and visual, of the living and the goodness of that in addition to the arduousness of this trip. Wishing all of you a safe and uneventful trip home.

Comment on Sights, smells and feel…ings by Debbie Denfeld

Debbie Denfeld — Sun, 26 Jul 2009 14:28:51 +0000

Wow – thanks for allowing us to be the fly on the wall and taking it all in too, as you post the amazing photos and descriptions of what you see and do with emotion. We’ve enjoyed the journey too. Have a good trip back to the states.

Comment on Sights, smells and feel…ings by Monique Kantor

Monique Kantor — Sun, 26 Jul 2009 05:37:56 +0000

Yet another heartwarming blog–all except for the mosquitoes, of course. As was written in the New York Times article, you really seem to be the luckiest students in the world. I’ve been meaning to thank others who have helped make your experience there so successful–the boat drivers and navigators, the chef who seems to double as the collective mom of the group. It sounds as though they are an integral part of your group.

Here’s a post from home: picked a bunch of nearly wild blueberries today. You think sifting through water samples is tedious work; try sifting through 25 lbs of tiny blueberries, weeding out the twigs, leaves, greenies, and teeny spiders that end up in the pail! Brian, there should be a FEW (berries, that is) left by the time you get home. Also, we conducted our own informal anthrofaunal research and discovered that, while we are away, contrary to previous belief, Bebo sits on the 3rd step and howls. And howls. And howls. How sad is that?

As you all prepare for the return home, remember that your work will continue to make a significant impact on our understanding of and reaction to climate change, that the connections you have made will remain, and that those of us waiting at home are standing here with arms open wide.

Comment on Sights, smells and feel…ings by max

max — Sun, 26 Jul 2009 00:29:35 +0000

Fantastic post Kalya. It makes me miss being there even more…
Max

Comment on The Buzz on the Barge by betsy

betsy — Sat, 25 Jul 2009 15:09:07 +0000

Your work is sobering. Your energy, enthusiasm, and smarts are remarkable!
BRAVO!

Comment on recent doings by Zoé Thouin-Rochester

Zoé Thouin-Rochester — Sat, 25 Jul 2009 14:06:22 +0000

There is nothing like the human story to bridge the gap between the physical and environmental sciences and human understanding of climate change, something to which all individuals should be able to relate. What a wonderful approach to research!

Comment on The Buzz on the Barge by lewis

lewis — Sat, 25 Jul 2009 12:55:28 +0000

I’m the Program Director at the National Science Foundation who worked with your PI, Max Holmes, in getting this project funded. All I can say is Congratulations to Everyone! This is such a wonderful project and a great example of what we hoped International Polar Year would do!

You classroom preparation and field work are fantastic and your contributions to helping us understand global climate change are greatly appreciated.

I wish I’d had the opportunity to participate in an experience like this as an undergraduate – your world view has become larger and will be forever different. Congratulations to the faculty and students who made this happen. Eileen Lewis

Comment on The Buzz on the Barge by John

John — Sat, 25 Jul 2009 12:09:39 +0000

Love the Jesus Christ Superstar reference! What great pictures.

Comment on The Buzz on the Barge by Michele

Michele — Sat, 25 Jul 2009 05:27:35 +0000

what’s the buzz …. tell me what’s a happening? wow! sunrise and sunset as you described, Travis – must be word defying! and to be beyond the latitudinal treeline! congrats on the NY Times deal – you are all outstandingly amazing people sharing a life changing adventure! Return home and share your spirit.
MIF

Comment on The Buzz on the Barge by Monique Kantor

Monique Kantor — Sat, 25 Jul 2009 05:20:24 +0000

NYTIMES–How Fabulous! The more I read, the more fascinating, disconcerting, and real these issues have become.

We’d like to add our wishes to the many that have been bestowed upon Chris in hopes that his birthday truly is a happy and remarkable one.

Comment on The New York Times… by Nancy Cedar

Nancy Cedar — Fri, 24 Jul 2009 21:50:48 +0000

Congratulations Polaris Team on receiving the publicity this project deserves! Erin, your Grandpa Cedar is smiling down on you……The New York Times!!! His most treasured link with the world!

Comment on The New York Times… by betsy

betsy — Fri, 24 Jul 2009 21:00:23 +0000

BRAVO! This is really terrific. Not only is it great publicity; it is also exciting information, so well presented that the reader/viewer gets some sense of the enormity of the project. WELL DONE

Comment on To the Tundra! by Monique Kantor

Monique Kantor — Fri, 24 Jul 2009 15:51:29 +0000

That’s great news. It was apparent you all desperately wanted to make it there.

Comment on To the Tundra! by max

max — Fri, 24 Jul 2009 14:26:09 +0000

I’m really happy to hear that you made it to the tundra – and back. Congratulations!

Comment on Look Mom! I can time travel! by Polaris: Rising stars of the Arctic « Polar Field Services Field Notes

Polaris: Rising stars of the Arctic « Polar Field Services Field Notes — Fri, 24 Jul 2009 13:21:19 +0000

[...] harbors massive stores of organic matter. Nearby, a group of scientists led by Zimov have created Pleistocene Park, an experiment attempting to recreate and study the grassland ecosystem that disappeared 10,000 [...]

Comment on Look Mom! I can time travel! by Monique Kantor

Monique Kantor — Thu, 23 Jul 2009 15:43:53 +0000

Thank you for the resources, Max. My brief perusal was enticement enough to guarantee a further, more in-depth reading later this evening.

Comment on Onward to Duvannyi Yar by Blaize

Blaize — Thu, 23 Jul 2009 12:48:00 +0000

Thanks for following the blog Zack! There should be a detailed abstract of my project coming soon. But just to give you a sneak preview, my hypothesis is mainly focused on carbon as it travels from the ground water all the way to the ocean. I am focusing on many dynamics within the landscape, in which you will have to wait and find out about in the abstract

Comment on Student projects and an expanded science section of the website by betsy

betsy — Thu, 23 Jul 2009 12:29:04 +0000

It is great to have such a clear description of the why’s and hows of your project
Thanks!

Comment on BGAN from the barge by max

max — Thu, 23 Jul 2009 11:10:11 +0000

Hi David -

The bgan is an Explorer 500. We are very happy with the unit. It was purchased from Edward Cornely at Innovative Satellite Solutions (his customer support has been excellent) and the sim card was provided by the National Science Foundation through SRI International.

I’d appreciate a copy of your article when it is done – by email is fine.

Thanks,

Max Holmes
rmholmes@whrc.org

Comment on BGAN from the barge by David Murphy

David Murphy — Thu, 23 Jul 2009 10:45:43 +0000

Hi
I am writing an article about your project for Via Inmarsat magazine. Can you please tell me the make and model number of the BGAN terminal you are using?
Many thanks
David Murphy

Comment on Look Mom! I can time travel! by max

max — Thu, 23 Jul 2009 08:52:33 +0000

A few years ago Sergey Zimov wrote a superb article in Science magazine about Pleistocene Park. As you might imagine, the argument that Zimov makes is rather controversial. You can get the article at http://thepolarisproject.org/readings2009/Zimov_et_al_2005_Science.pdf

A longer list of key papers related to the work we’re doing in the Siberian Arctic is here:
http://thepolarisproject.org/field2009.shtml

Comment on Look Mom! I can time travel! by Robert Kantor

Robert Kantor — Thu, 23 Jul 2009 05:36:16 +0000

Erin and Blaze….absolutely fascinating. The description took me away to another world almost like you must have felt while experiencing this first hand. How long has Dr. Zimov been working on this ecosystem restoration, return to the Pleistocene? The introduction of so many large herbivore varieties must have taken quite a team of people. Who else is providing assistance in his efforts? Is there also a natural progression of carnivore and higher food chain species that become established once herbivores are introduced?
Hope the plans for Tundra became a reality….will be thrilled to hear about that outing.
As for Wilco……not sure if listening to this 5 times per day is worse than listening to Brian singing solo to Wilco while ear plugs are in use while those around him get no Wilco at all. Sort of a “is the glass half full or half empty” scenario.
Sleep well…….keep smiling…you are doing incredible work, all of you.

Comment on Look Mom! I can time travel! by betsy

betsy — Wed, 22 Jul 2009 21:06:47 +0000

Your blogs are all incredibly well written. Thanks for taking us to Pleistocene Park. I heard about it last year, but this description really makes it come alive…..as we hope it may continue to do! Thanks all.

Comment on Look Mom! I can time travel! by Monique Kantor

Monique Kantor — Wed, 22 Jul 2009 19:10:00 +0000

These blogs keep getting better and better all the time! We know you’re quite busy, but we at home crave them like starved mosquitoes for Hobbits after second breakfast! Erin and Blaize, I really enjoyed your description of Pleistocene Park. When delineated like that, it seems so clear and wise. That’s what good science does, yes?

Max and Travis–thanks for the fly-on-the-wall perspective. It is truly enlightening. It does our hearts good to know there’s such good camraderie on board. Sorry about Wilco. I can’t blame that one on genetically inherited metabolism. You might suggest “Flight of the Conchords” instead. Caution: Nonsensical French Phrases May Fly.

Saw on Chris’ website that he’s taken 15,000 photos so far. That’s incredible.

I hope you make it to the tundra.

Brian–I like how you are capturing the words, thoughts, and spirits of the people there. Theirs are voices we all need to hear.

To all the PIs: thank you for your enthusiasm, patience and guidance.

Comment on Look Mom! I can time travel! by Nancy Cedar

Nancy Cedar — Wed, 22 Jul 2009 19:07:56 +0000

Thanks Erin for validating our time travel theory! The explanation of the grassland ecosystem was fascinating. I realize daily through all your posts how little I know! I still am not sure what exactly a larch and boreal forest is! I am so impressed with all you are doing and learning!

Comment on Probe Deep in a Thermokarst Lake by Carl Janicek

Carl Janicek — Wed, 22 Jul 2009 13:57:29 +0000

Great entry! I got some great laughs out of reading this one!
I hadn’t heard much from Max on the last few blog posts… so of course… as his Dad, I am pleased to hear he was not a functional part of the out-potty facilities when it disappeared…. and also… I can see that Max’s usual sense of humor and brevity are intact… stay as well as possible you guys… wishing you all the best of adventures and much more good humor.
Carl Janicek

Comment on Polaris State-side by andy

andy — Wed, 22 Jul 2009 10:28:55 +0000

Hey Boyd. We miss you and look forward to your results.

Comment on recent doings by Boyd Zapatka

Boyd Zapatka — Tue, 21 Jul 2009 15:57:42 +0000

I think this is a great concept and am glad someone decided to look at the local culture! Hope it works out, Brian!

Comment on Fog on the Panteleikha, 2am on July 19 by andy

andy — Tue, 21 Jul 2009 10:20:02 +0000

Monique, it is light here all the time. The sun is just starting to get close to the horizon at this time of year. It might be that by the time we leave Cherskiy there will be some dusk at least. Thanks for asking!

Comment on Fog on the Panteleikha, 2am on July 19 by andy

andy — Tue, 21 Jul 2009 10:17:48 +0000

Hi Nancy,

Facebook and the blog are mostly separate entities (they are always united by our tweets). When something substantial happens we try to make sure all the bases are covered. Everybody has been working very hard on science over the past few days but we hope to have new updates up tomorrow. /ab

Comment on Fog on the Panteleikha, 2am on July 19 by Nancy Cedar

Nancy Cedar — Tue, 21 Jul 2009 04:29:26 +0000

Just an FYI..are you aware that there are postings and updates on Facebook that are not appearing on the blog? This may be intentional, but I just was curious.

Comment on Fog on the Panteleikha, 2am on July 19 by Monique Kantor

Monique Kantor — Mon, 20 Jul 2009 14:17:45 +0000

Beautiful. I imagine the photographer waking at 5 or 6 am for an early morning walk, capturing the scene while the rest of the barge is fast asleep, but then I remember you’re in the land of the “Midnight Sun” (a la Robert W. Service, poet), and a very simple question comes to mind, and that is, does the sun set where you are and, if so, at what time? How many hours of darkness do you have?

Comment on Duvannyi Yar Recap by Carl Janicek

Carl Janicek — Sun, 19 Jul 2009 18:39:02 +0000

WoW, these pictures look fantastic, very primal… few people get to see the magic of this place in person…. You are all witnesses to the past, present and maybe the future of this special place…

I just finished the book “The Beast in the Garden” about cougars and their reemergence as a common predator in North America, specifically the Rocky Mountain Eastern slopes… and now I see I see the pictures of these tracks in the sands of Siberia…
I love all the pictures that you are posting!

Maybe with the model of scientists and scientific endeavors that your quest is supporting, we will as humanity, know more about how to manage as well as preserve our relationship and our stewardship with our fragile world… Many thanks and safe returns… Carl Janicek

PS.. Hey Max J, Joe Sakic, captain of the Avalanche, has officially retired… thought you’d want to know..

Comment on Duvannyi Yar Recap by Robert Kantor

Robert Kantor — Sun, 19 Jul 2009 06:53:18 +0000

Your steps into yesteryear, amongst the great wholly mammoth and other animal remnants, the 10,000 year old seeds awakening from their long sleep, and the mud sink holes and inorganic obstacles in your path, absolutely takes the breath away from this regular Polaris blog reader. I can only imagine the imprint these memories will leave within each of you, even for those who may be experiencing this a second or third time already. I hope you all realize how proud we are of you. Your efforts and dedication to this endeavor are truly inspirational.

Back in the Midwest of USA we currently experience a record breaking coolness in mid July, a time when the seasonal temperatures are commonly at their highest. Likewise, at the Tour de France the bike riders (I knew the Hobbit in the group might like to know) toil through unusual coolness on this year’s routes through France and portions of Spain. These weather patterns lead some to question global warming (I invite a visit to the Polaris Project website when I hear this) while others more firmly believe that something is truly changing in this world. Your work on this trip to Siberia is invaluable in more ways than you can realize.

In closure I send my well wishes and a welcome back for your return to home base. Looking forward to your next stories and pictures from this compelling trip. And hopefully the mosquitos have tired of your absence and have drifted elsewhere (at least I can hope for this).
Robert Kantor

Comment on From 68 31′N and 161 02′E and heading N at 8 km/hr. by betsy

betsy — Sat, 18 Jul 2009 19:55:31 +0000

I knew the Kolyma was a long river. It looks very, very long on the map. It is good to see where you are and to hear from you. Good luck!

Comment on From 68 31′N and 161 02′E and heading N at 8 km/hr. by Nancy Cedar

Nancy Cedar — Sat, 18 Jul 2009 05:08:31 +0000

Those of us who are addicted to your blogs have missed you! Welcome back!!!

Comment on Still steaming back to Cherski… by Monique Kantor

Monique Kantor — Sat, 18 Jul 2009 02:04:00 +0000

I can’t even imagine how mind-boggling that must be on so many levels. That their reactions are such speak highly of them and of their mentors.

Comment on Snow in July and Pie for Breakfast by Monique Kantor

Monique Kantor — Thu, 16 Jul 2009 23:46:36 +0000

I couldn’t let the “Pie for Breakfast” blog pass by without comment. Some of Brian’s passion for the outdoors can be traced back to his grandfather, my dad, who used to haul me out into the blizzarding (snow or mosquitoes–take your pick) woods to explore or sneak me out of bed and into the yard at midnight to admire the aurora borealis (northern lights) from our vantage point in northern Minnesota. Here’s the important part: He–my dad–was a staunch proponent both of pie for breakfast AND caring for the environment , and although he is, sadly, no longer walking on this earth among us, it’s great to know that his spirit lives on in all of you.

Comment on Rivers and Lakes from Space! by Brenda Nikas-Hayes

Brenda Nikas-Hayes — Thu, 16 Jul 2009 13:05:14 +0000

hi Clarie, just read your blog, I am so excited for you and sounds like you are doing some really wonderful things. Send along my congrats to Karen, I just saw a picture of her with other students as I scrolled through. Looks like you are all safe and doing well. Keep up the good work, want to hear more about it when you get back.
Brenda

Comment on Onward to Duvannyi Yar by Zack Denfeld

Zack Denfeld — Thu, 16 Jul 2009 05:47:58 +0000

Cool update Blaize. What is your hypothesis about how the water chemistry varies along the length of the watershed? Or are you collecting the data first analyzing it, and then making a hypothesis? (Sorry if it is a naive question, I am pretty new to this geology / hydrology stuff).

Comment on Updated pictures, comments, and getting ready to ship out by Monique Kantor

Monique Kantor — Thu, 16 Jul 2009 04:22:46 +0000

The recent updates to the 2009 Student Bios wherein their respective projects are described serve as great reference points/frameworks to the specific experiments delineated in their blog posts. Thanks–it helps complete the picture for us here at home. We greatly appreciate any and all info/stories/pics you have to share. It is almost mind-blowing to imagine all the hypotheses, sample collecting, and tests taking place on that barge, not to mention the significance of the work as well. And speaking of pictures, as I did earlier, the new shots of the 2009 team are superb!

Comment on My Bear Grylls Experience by Family

Family — Thu, 16 Jul 2009 01:13:31 +0000

Hi Joanne,

Looks like you hit some chilly times. Don’t need a fire here 95 and Reno 98
It seems you are having some good experiences and sharing them with other students with similar interests.

Comment on Yakutsk art museum by max

max — Thu, 16 Jul 2009 00:43:39 +0000

I’m happy to see that you are following the website Anya! For those of you that don’t know, Anya was one of the Polaris Project participants last year – and once a Polaris Project participant, always a Polaris Project participant! Anya is from a small town on the Lena River in the Siberian Arctic (Zhigansk), and has been working with scientists on climate change research since she was 13 years old. She is currently a student at Yakutsk State University and just returned from a summer internship in Sweden. Well done Anya!

Comment on Rivers and Lakes from Space! by PolarisProject » Blog Archive » Updated pictures, comments, and getting ready to ship out

Wed, 15 Jul 2009 08:06:02 +0000

[...] We’ve added some pictures to the student blog posts again. Here, here, and here for [...]

Comment on From Peat to Pittsburgh by PolarisProject » Blog Archive » Updated pictures, comments, and getting ready to ship out

Wed, 15 Jul 2009 07:57:56 +0000

[...] We’ve added some pictures to the student blog posts again. Here, here, and here for [...]

Comment on Yakutsk art museum by Anya from Zhigansk

Anya from Zhigansk — Wed, 15 Jul 2009 03:57:54 +0000

John you did great!!! Yesterday I was talking to Galina (director of the museum) she told me about your speech. I think it is very important for young generation. Thank you.
It was published in many leading newspapers)))))

Anya

Comment on It’s snowing in Cherskiy! /kf … by andy

andy — Tue, 14 Jul 2009 21:54:53 +0000

It’s not so sweet.

Comment on It’s snowing in Cherskiy! /kf … by Matt

Matt — Tue, 14 Jul 2009 21:34:27 +0000

What’s it like to be bitten by a mosquito and snowed on at the same time?

Comment on BGAN from the barge by betsy

betsy — Tue, 14 Jul 2009 15:42:15 +0000

Photos and information are coming through wonderfully well. We are following every day, and love knowing what you all are doing and learning.

All good wishes to all of you
betsy and frank

Comment on The Prowess of Siberian Mosquitoes by Nat

Nat — Mon, 13 Jul 2009 16:33:07 +0000

Max
I have never laughed so hard reading about something. I have recently been attacked my horse flies but not even close to the level u and ur fellow comrades have endured. Reading this made me itch!! Ur leg looks pained and swollen man, u should put some ice on that bad boy.
Miss you much, we shall hang when ur back.

Nat attack.
Ps
Jon and deb vacate the house for a week…. U know what this means!

Comment on From Peat to Pittsburgh by Monique Kantor

Monique Kantor — Mon, 13 Jul 2009 13:38:53 +0000

This blog hit home as “Minnesota has about 7 million acres of peatlands, the most of any state in the Lower 48. Even though large expanses of them have been drained for farming, they are still the state’s largest intact original ecosystem and perhaps its largest wilderness. Peatlands cover about 14 percent of the state’s land area, but they hold 37 percent of its stored carbon, the highest of any land or vegetative form.” This taken from an article I found at: http://www.startribune.com/local/13581681.html as I am aware that this issue is of great concern to environmentalists here in Minnesota.

Comment on An Apple, an Orange, and a Dead Duck by Monique Kantor

Monique Kantor — Mon, 13 Jul 2009 13:26:33 +0000

Erin, Moira, and all: Thrilled to hear of your fiber, fish, and foul feast (not to mention the food-of-the-gods: chocolate)! Although it’s good to hear that Brian’s appetite is intact, I’d like to offer, as his mom, my apologies to the Team–he comes by it honestly, with a metabolism profile somewhat akin to that of a hummingbird. OK, I’m no biological scientist, but the image of the bird with its body’s super-motor just popped into my mind and seemed like a good metaphor. The condition seems to run in the family’s genes and manifests itself most fully on adventurous treks, such as those into the Siberian Arctic. Here’s hoping you ALL continue to eat well!

Comment on Bugs by John

John — Mon, 13 Jul 2009 10:31:06 +0000

Mother’s milk?

Comment on From the new lab facilities by andy

andy — Sun, 12 Jul 2009 04:12:14 +0000

Thanks Brian. I’ve come a long way since staying at your place in the UP a few weeks ago. Thanks for keeping up with us. -AB

Comment on From the new lab facilities by Bryan Spencer

Bryan Spencer — Sun, 12 Jul 2009 01:37:50 +0000

Great Tundra Technology… What a surreal juxtaposition – and what an amazing world we live in. Thanks for your research! My thoughts have been with the ‘Polaris’ crew and your travels and experiences often; looking forward to checking back. Be well. I will find it more humbling to complain one bit about these Upper Peninsula ‘skeeters.

Comment on Updating the blog with pictures by betsy

betsy — Sat, 11 Jul 2009 18:52:04 +0000

The new facility looks really impressive. And it is exciting and hope-making that there is forward motion in the science capability there. The G/8 conference on the environment was sluggish at best. Your data matters, and we wish you well.

Comment on An Apple, an Orange, and a Dead Duck by Hugh

Hugh — Sat, 11 Jul 2009 16:44:39 +0000

Sounds like quite a feast! Enjoy the freshies. Judging from your picture, I think that duck might be a female scaup, not a teal though. Just a hunch. Say hi to Chris L., the guy holding the camera, for me. – Hugh

Comment on Home Sweet Barge by andy

andy — Sat, 11 Jul 2009 00:30:41 +0000

The walkway is a big improvement for sure.

Comment on Home Sweet Barge by Matt Ruppel

Matt Ruppel — Fri, 10 Jul 2009 16:37:25 +0000

I do miss that barge…but not the mosquitoes. and whats with the new ramp onto the barge? no more rope tied to a tree?

Comment on a room and a tree by PolarisProject » Blog Archive » Updated student info, blog pictures

PolarisProject » Blog Archive » Updated student info, blog pictures — Fri, 10 Jul 2009 04:53:07 +0000

[...] Finally, we’ve updated some of the recent blog posts with additional pictures. Here and here. [...]

Comment on The Prowess of Siberian Mosquitoes by PolarisProject » Blog Archive » Updated student info, blog pictures

PolarisProject » Blog Archive » Updated student info, blog pictures — Fri, 10 Jul 2009 04:37:50 +0000

[...] PolarisProject « The Prowess of Siberian Mosquitoes [...]

Comment on The Prowess of Siberian Mosquitoes by MoMo45

MoMo45 — Fri, 10 Jul 2009 02:16:04 +0000

Go Blaize!! haha

Comment on Home Sweet Barge by Helen Fields » Blog Archive » 30 days in siberia

Helen Fields » Blog Archive » 30 days in siberia — Thu, 09 Jul 2009 20:18:42 +0000

[...] and most of his work won’t appear until later on. But he’s posting a few of his pictures as he goes along, and of course they’re fantastic. Check it out! 0 Comments [...]

Comment on The Prowess of Siberian Mosquitoes by Susan Drake

Susan Drake — Thu, 09 Jul 2009 16:39:41 +0000

Travis,
I’m so glad malaria is not endemic in Siberia (it’s not, is it???)… Your posts are hilarious, I can’t stop thinking about meat donuts, Dr. Evil would eat them right? Wearing a meat helmet… Maybe I can make some for you when you get back! Take care and eat your cabbage!
Love, Susan

Comment on Updating the blog with pictures by betsy

betsy — Thu, 09 Jul 2009 16:15:45 +0000

Wonderful to know you are safely there, doing battle with the mosquitoes, and beginning the research. The photos and text provide a great sense of your life and work. Thanks and all best to all of you.

(Andy, Just back from your wonderful family. All well!)

Comment on The Prowess of Siberian Mosquitoes by Carl Janicek

Carl Janicek — Thu, 09 Jul 2009 15:03:44 +0000

Hey Max, being your Dad I do look forward to seeing your pictures as well as all the others on this blog/site…

Donating blood to the local ecosystem is, and will be, a memorable part of your adventure I am sure …

Not one I expected to see a picture of though… a nice opportunity to see if your first aid kit is useful.. Love ya!

Comment on a room and a tree by Monique

Monique — Thu, 09 Jul 2009 14:15:10 +0000

Quotidian: adj.= of or occurring every day. Got it, Webster! ; )

Comment on Sarah are you there? by Nancy Cedar

Nancy Cedar — Thu, 09 Jul 2009 03:20:10 +0000

IlLove this single piece of artwork you have posted here. I tried it as my desktop background which did not do it justice. I just love it!! I thought it would keep me cool in the summer months.

Comment on Yakutsk art museum by Nancy Cedar

Nancy Cedar — Thu, 09 Jul 2009 03:14:31 +0000

As a Coordinator of federally funded afterschool programs, I also concur on the importance of the Arts. I am glad to see that this is valued there! I love the picture Erin posted on the blog of a student’s art work. Interesting mix..the arts and science!

Comment on Yakutsk art museum by Monique

Monique — Wed, 08 Jul 2009 22:40:16 +0000

Kudos! Art is the language of the soul.

Comment on Updating the blog with pictures by Monique

Monique — Wed, 08 Jul 2009 20:42:40 +0000

The photos and all the blogs are fascinating! Thanks to all the bloggers, we at home have a fantastic ability to follow the team on this incredible mission–already, I feel as though I have learned a lot. Your enthusiasm, sense of purpose, and senses of humor are palpable. Keep up the great work!

Comment on We made it! We made it! We mad… by betsy

betsy — Wed, 08 Jul 2009 18:15:22 +0000

Good news that you are safely there and setting up and holding your own against the mosquitoes.

(Andy, I just returned from a great visit with your family; they are truly wonderful)

Comment on Updating the blog with pictures by ned schofield

ned schofield — Wed, 08 Jul 2009 14:45:11 +0000

Your work is both exciting and inspirational!
The ins and outs of your data collection will ultimately have a great impact on our view of this fragile planet..
Keep it up!

Comment on Home Sweet Barge by Helen

Helen — Wed, 08 Jul 2009 14:09:07 +0000

That is a lot of freaking mosquitoes. Ugh.

Comment on Just arrived by Helen Fields » Blog Archive » 30 days in siberia

Helen Fields » Blog Archive » 30 days in siberia — Wed, 08 Jul 2009 14:06:18 +0000

[...] scientists), and most of his work won’t appear until later on. But he’s posting a few of his pictures as he goes along, and of course they’re fantastic. Check it out! 0 [...]

Comment on We made it! We made it! We mad… by andy

andy — Wed, 08 Jul 2009 11:27:49 +0000

Max, we are working to get the get pictures up – still gettting a routine going. All is well so don’t worry.

Comment on Home Sweet Barge by andy

andy — Wed, 08 Jul 2009 11:25:45 +0000

Summer feels cool and buggy to most of us. We will be updating as much as possible as we settle into a routine. We hope to keep the pictures rolling out especially. Thanks for the comments.

Comment on Just arrived by PolarisProject » Blog Archive » Updating the blog with pictures

PolarisProject » Blog Archive » Updating the blog with pictures — Wed, 08 Jul 2009 11:07:19 +0000

[...] omnipotence on the blog to go back in time and insert some images in the existing posts. Look here, here, and [...]

Comment on Home Sweet Barge by PolarisProject » Blog Archive » Updating the blog with pictures

PolarisProject » Blog Archive » Updating the blog with pictures — Wed, 08 Jul 2009 11:05:12 +0000

[...] PolarisProject « Home Sweet Barge [...]

Comment on Home Sweet Barge by Nancy Cedar

Nancy Cedar — Wed, 08 Jul 2009 04:02:21 +0000

Polaris Group! We love hearing your posts which provide a wonderful taste of what you are experiencing. Keep them coming!

Comment on Home Sweet Barge by Zack Denfeld

Zack Denfeld — Wed, 08 Jul 2009 03:51:11 +0000

Thanks for the updates guys! The descriptions of the landscape are particularly intriguing. I agree that the landscape has a profound impact on one’s mental space, and sometimes words capture that better than images, although I am looking forward to pictures from the barge. I am interested to see how the ecosystems on land and water change your brain. I really only noticed the calm that slowly changing New England forests in autumn brought me after l lived in India, where the passage of seasons is less visible. How does summer feel there?

Good luck on your research!

Comment on We made it! We made it! We mad… by matt evans

matt evans — Tue, 07 Jul 2009 15:55:09 +0000

Yay! Glad everyone is there safe and sound! K I hope your voice comes back at some point. Lance is 0.2 seconds off the overall lead@ stage 4.
B safe!

Comment on We made it! We made it! We mad… by Hoot

Hoot — Tue, 07 Jul 2009 15:43:14 +0000

Hoot wants to tell KF that Wes DID have a girlfriend!

Comment on We made it! We made it! We mad… by M

Tue, 07 Jul 2009 15:42:08 +0000

Good work! Glad you all made it safely.

Comment on We made it! We made it! We mad… by Carl Janicek

Carl Janicek — Tue, 07 Jul 2009 12:52:49 +0000

Yahooo! Congratulations!
Sounds like the travel was a bit of work and well worth the effort. Hope to hear and see more as you get settled.

Watch out for those mosquitos the size of aircraft… Best to you all… Carl Janicek

Comment on We made it! We made it! We mad… by rebecca bunn

rebecca bunn — Tue, 07 Jul 2009 12:29:30 +0000

Hurray! It seems like eons since your group left Chicago. It must feel like you are (almost) a world away from here too.

Send the ice report ASAP.

(Andy – tooth fairy failed in her latest duty tonight, but was (sort of) excused based on the reasoning that there must have been a lot of teeth to collect last night. real reason of course is that the tooth fairy is currently residing in siberia…)

Warm wishes to you all. Rebecca

Comment on We made it! We made it! We mad… by max

max — Tue, 07 Jul 2009 09:35:50 +0000

Fantastic – can’t wait to see some photos. Wow, I really miss being there!

All the best to everyone at the Station.

Max Holmes

Comment on hello there, my dear fellow bloggers. by Veronica

Veronica — Mon, 06 Jul 2009 14:58:02 +0000

Brian,
I hope you’re having a great time wherever this reply finds you! We missed you at the family reunion, but knew you were having a great experience where you were.
Veronica

Comment on D-Day! (Departure Day) by Veronica

Veronica — Mon, 06 Jul 2009 14:51:33 +0000

Brian, glad you got a haircut just before you left so that your aunt could find you in the crowd!! ha ha. Hope you’re having a great time.
Veronica

Comment on Where is “the Arctic”? by John

John — Mon, 06 Jul 2009 06:50:55 +0000

Comment on Hello from Yakutsk by Carl Janicek

Carl Janicek — Sun, 05 Jul 2009 15:14:39 +0000

Regarding the Jetlag… Max Janicek has a homeopathic medicine kit that includes Arnica… if feeling a chill use Aconite instead …. both a natural and safe herbal remedy… useful for trauma and jetlag… about 2-3 of tiny pills in a glass of water will help… take upon arising or before sleep… for a day or two… Safe travels!

Comment on Hello from Yakutsk by Debbie Denfeld

Debbie Denfeld — Sun, 05 Jul 2009 12:29:39 +0000

Glad to hear all are well and the travels going as planned.
The city of Yakutsk is interesting as explained in the URL below.

http://www.bootsnall.com/articles/04-11/a-city-of-gold-and-diamonds-yakutsk-russia.html

Did you make it to the permafrost museum?

Safe travels on the next leg of your journey to the research vessel.

Comment on Asleep (hopefully) in Moscow… by Rebecca and Betsy Bunn

Rebecca and Betsy Bunn — Sat, 04 Jul 2009 18:55:06 +0000

Thanks for the update Max. Andy’s mom and I (wife) are sitting in a cafe in Traverse City, MI catching up on the Polaris Project whereabouts. We are excited to follow the adventure (and science!) through the words and pictures of all you participants. Please keep the posts coming.

Comment on 2009 sea ice bets by max

max — Sat, 04 Jul 2009 10:17:03 +0000

The ARCUS (Arctic Research Consortium of the United States) report that Andy refers to above is the Sea Ice Outlook Report, which is coordinated by the SEARCH (Study of Environmental Arctic Change) Science Steering Committee. As a member of that committee, I can report that there was actually a lot of discussion and disagreement about whether SEARCH should undertake this endeavor. I was in favor of doing so, but some of the reluctance by others was related to concern that we didn’t know enough to make good predictions of future Arctic ice conditions and therefore risked looking foolish. My view is that publicly making “predictions” will help us to sharpen our understanding of Arctic change – and besides, I’m used to looking foolish!

Comment on Asleep (hopefully) in Moscow… by Teresa Griffin

Teresa Griffin — Sat, 04 Jul 2009 02:42:31 +0000

Thanks Max for the update. I received a text from Claire when they arrived in Moscow. I will rest easier tonight knowing they all made it safely to the hotel! Moms worry, you know, and I really appreciate the website. I’m looking forward to updates and especially photos.

Teresa

Comment on Clarkies at Logan by Harold and Teri

Harold and Teri — Sat, 04 Jul 2009 02:03:57 +0000

Have a wonderful trip Blaize!
Love,
Harold and Teri

Comment on D-Day! (Departure Day) by Monique

Monique — Fri, 03 Jul 2009 03:37:50 +0000

Thanks Erin for the airport photo! As they say, a picture is worth a thousand words (altho I lappreciated your synopsis as well). Everyone looks happy and eager for the adventure ahead. Best of luck, from one of those parental units to which you have referred.

Comment on D-Day! (Departure Day) by max

max — Fri, 03 Jul 2009 01:35:47 +0000

Good news. Though the flight from Boston to Chicago was significantly delayed, it finally made it to Chicago just in time for the connection to Moscow – otherwise, 5 participants would have been scrambling to catch up with the rest of the group in Moscow before their departure to Yakutsk. Whew – first hurdle cleared – the 2009 Polaris Project group, minus the participants that will join us in Russia, is finally assembled and are all now somewhere over the Atlantic Ocean heading for Moscow..

Next significant hurdle – customs clearance at Moscow Domodedovo Airport… in about 7 hours…

Comment on Polaris Project in the News by PolarisProject » Blog Archive » Polaris in Eos

PolarisProject » Blog Archive » Polaris in Eos — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 13:28:57 +0000

[...] considerably. Max Holmes will provide a link to the pdf of the article shortly. Update: Look here for a link to the [...]

Comment on Why do we fly all the way around the world? by andy

andy — Tue, 30 Jun 2009 15:09:42 +0000

The lack of good alternative route is the issue. Get on it Ted and play travel agent!

Comment on Why do we fly all the way around the world? by Ted Bunn

Ted Bunn — Mon, 29 Jun 2009 14:22:13 +0000

According to the Wikipedia page, there are a couple of exceptions to the law:

Travel to and from the US. Use of a non-US carrier is permissible if:

* The airport abroad is the origin or destination airport, and use of a US carrier would extend the total travel time 24 hours or more than would travel by non-US carrier; or
* The airport abroad is an interchange point, and use of a US Carrier would require the traveller to wait six (6) hours or more to make connection or would extend the total travel time six (6) hours or more than would travel by non-US carrier.

If you can find a decent alternative route, it looks to me like these would cover you.

Comment on Google “sea ice pool” by PolarisProject » Blog Archive » 2009 sea ice bets

PolarisProject » Blog Archive » 2009 sea ice bets — Fri, 26 Jun 2009 21:18:03 +0000

[...] on the minimum extent of arctic sea ice in 2009. We did this last year and then wrote about it again this year. We are not alone. Look here, here, and here. All Polaris folks are welcome to compete [...]

Comment on The Sea Ice Pool by PolarisProject » Blog Archive » And the race is on…2009 sea ice bets

Fri, 26 Jun 2009 04:50:26 +0000

[...] at Polaris headquarters are betting on the minimum extent of arctic sea ice in 2009. We did this last year and then wrote about it again this year. We are not alone. Look here, here, and here. All Polaris [...]

Comment on Outreach Abroad by Jane Salerno

Jane Salerno — Mon, 15 Jun 2009 14:06:06 +0000

You must have inspired many students.
The project is fascinating … so glad to learn that you’re returning.

Comment on Welcome Chris Linder by PolarisProject » Blog Archive » Chris Linder joins the Polaris…

PolarisProject » Blog Archive » Chris Linder joins the Polaris… — Mon, 08 Jun 2009 19:07:10 +0000

[...] PolarisProject « Welcome Chris Linder [...]

Comment on ресторан москва кафе стоп банк россна by Адам

Адам — Sun, 31 May 2009 10:11:39 +0000

Ну точно, как говорят, интересное рядом!

Comment on The Sea Ice Pool by PolarisProject » Blog Archive » Google “sea ice pool”

PolarisProject » Blog Archive » Google “sea ice pool” — Fri, 29 May 2009 19:47:26 +0000

[...] ahead. Last year we had a Polaris Project bet going to see who could guess the minimum sea ice extent in 2008. Here were our guesses: 2007 data [...]

Comment on A Journey Back to the Pleistocene! by Ryan

Ryan — Fri, 20 Mar 2009 23:04:07 +0000

My response would be that it doesn’t need to be perfect. You just need to get the ball rolling and help them out a bit until its self sustaining. The land that has been donated appears to be enough to do this on a limited scale. Of course it will be unstable at first but the bigger it gets the more stable it will be. Seems relatively simple to me.

Comment on Into the tundra! by Uncle Ken

Uncle Ken — Fri, 29 Aug 2008 19:26:54 +0000

Your description does make it sound like an absolutely pristine wilderness. You and your associates certainly have experienced some great natural beauty, as well as performed some meaningful research. Not only for the wildlife and the ecosystem, but now we know that Heinz ketchup may be more popular with the natives in the Artic circle than tartar sauce for fresh fish and other fresh game! (Heinz may to have to consider creating a biodegradable ketchup bottle so the reindeer don’t have to worry about recycling the plastic.)

Comment on The Sea Ice Pool by PolarisProject » Blog Archive » Back up

PolarisProject » Blog Archive » Back up — Tue, 19 Aug 2008 23:09:41 +0000

[...] in the next few months. Until then, we’ll make occasional updates to the blog (like on our sea ice predictions) and get some new photos up. Some of the students are also threatening to bring the project to [...]

Comment on Into the tundra! by Sam

Sam — Fri, 25 Jul 2008 06:27:56 +0000

Dear Miss Kate,

Bring me home a reindeer, preferably with a red nose.

-S.

Comment on Life on a Barge by Rose Ronnow

Rose Ronnow — Thu, 24 Jul 2008 19:44:10 +0000

Hey Matthew… I am at Penny’s house and loved seeing your blog….love the pictures..Wasn’t Red Square amazing?? Hope all is well and look forward to hearing all about your visit….
Rose and Mark Ronnow and Chris and Deirdre

Comment on Into the tundra! by Andres

Andres — Thu, 24 Jul 2008 13:01:34 +0000

Sounds like an amazing landscape… how do your measure light absorbency in water?? why is that significant? how far away was this sight from Cherskiy? and… what kind of engine did the boat have? good luck getting home!

Comment on A Journey Back to the Pleistocene! by Sarah OTB

Sarah OTB — Wed, 23 Jul 2008 11:54:12 +0000

Sounds like an interesting experiment and reminds me of comparisons of South African grassland ecosystems to those of Australia. Megafauna is now absent from the Australian ecosystem, which is very similar to that of South Africa, though South Africa still has naturally occuring populations of megafauna. Since megafauna no longer exist naturally in Pleistocene Park, wouldn’t attempts to restore it lead to instability, not stability as suggested above? I find it hard to believe that humans could recreate conditions that once supported natural populations of megafauna.

Comment on Our last days… LAB work! by Susan Carp

Susan Carp — Wed, 23 Jul 2008 10:19:19 +0000

We have so enjoyed all of the writings from the students and professors. The depth of information provided brings us right there with you. By the content of your posts, the weeks in Siberia have been much more than one could have imagined! To all, we wish you safe travels back to your respective colleges/universities and thank you for allowing us to visit the PolarisProject blog.

Comment on Into the tundra! by hane

hane — Wed, 23 Jul 2008 01:51:03 +0000

sounds beautiful! AND unlike scenery most of us will ever see…thanks for the captivating descriptions! Sorry, you didn’t meet the reindeer herders, though! How are you all feeling about leaving Cherskiy?And the barge?

Comment on Kolymskoe and river water sampling by hane

hane — Tue, 22 Jul 2008 11:19:40 +0000

Helloooooo Polaris Project team! Any signs of the Nomadic Reindeer herders? Any unusual wildlife sightings? I am hoping to hear some descriptions of the tundra! Good luck with Internet access…….we miss it when it’s not there. Thank you so much for taking the time for such wonderful documentation of your trip!

Comment on Kolymskoe and river water sampling by Chip & Roxie

Chip & Roxie — Tue, 22 Jul 2008 11:18:06 +0000

have you seen any Siberian Huskies?

Comment on Kolymskoe and river water sampling by Scottski and Marthaski

Scottski and Marthaski — Sun, 20 Jul 2008 14:05:44 +0000

Hi Kate- Sounds like a great adventure. I especially liked the description of the Soviet-era store…there must be many like it all across the country, remnants of the coldwar years that time has passed by. I wonder if the people are nostalgic for that time, or hopeful for the future, or a mixture of both. Carry on!

Comment on Kolymskoe and river water sampling by rpw

rpw — Sat, 19 Jul 2008 11:56:24 +0000

the field testing sounds fascinating .. you guys are certainly covering a lot of ground . It sounds like you are taking baseline measurements of all sorts … are there specific theories or hypotheses that you are trying to test or will that come later ?

Comment on Kolymskoe and river water sampling by hane

hane — Sat, 19 Jul 2008 02:14:10 +0000

so, I am wondering how the 24 hours of sunlight is affecting you all??? Any delirium? Also. I would like to hear more about this “themesong”……where are you off to next???

Comment on Day 1 of fieldwork! by Caitlin

Caitlin — Fri, 18 Jul 2008 15:05:02 +0000

Katy my squish.
Looks like you are having fun wearing big hats and observing fossils. Not to mention living on a barge! Have you seen the Siberian buckthorns yet? I agree with Paul and Abby that your skills should be made known. We have already built the bridge out to the chinampas and started the frame for the bed!

Comment on Day 1 of fieldwork! by rpw

rpw — Fri, 18 Jul 2008 01:16:20 +0000

Q: How many Arctic Scientists does it take to cook dinner ?
A: 10. One to cook the fish and 9 to analyze the data.

Comment on Coring Trees and Scaling Fish by Claire Griffin

Claire Griffin — Thu, 17 Jul 2008 23:22:13 +0000

Hey Boyd, any stickleback? Baker tried to con me into getting some for him.
Can’t wait to hear the results of all this! Sounds like y’all are having a blast.

Comment on Reflections on a meat donut by Mary Alice Llewellyn

Mary Alice Llewellyn — Thu, 17 Jul 2008 22:16:28 +0000

We enjoyed reading your analogy to the piroshky. We think you can get a good explanation of the Rettkowski version of a Wilbur, WA version of a Mexican/American piroshki from Tyler! Piroshkis are a “staple” food in our family for camping!

Comment on Finally in Cherskii! by Penny Herbert

Penny Herbert — Thu, 17 Jul 2008 21:47:39 +0000

Mathew hope you’re getting the recipes so you can replicate what you’ve had( that is if you can get the ingredients, we can always send you somewhere to hunt down a moose) Your trip sounds so interesting! I’m envious! Molly’s taking care of your bird and fish this weekend, we’ll make sure she doesn’t kill them. Hope you took enough mosquito repellent with you.

Comment on Coring Trees and Scaling Fish by Jim and Debbie Llewellyn

Jim and Debbie Llewellyn — Thu, 17 Jul 2008 02:35:49 +0000

Sounds like your data collection is progressing nicely. It is very interesting all the information you can obtain from your samples.

Keep the blogs coming we greatly enjoy reading about your adventures!

Comment on Здравствуите из Якутска! by Jeanine Pedersen

Jeanine Pedersen — Wed, 16 Jul 2008 19:40:20 +0000

Wow, I had no idea that all my years of playing Risk would ever pay off. I actually know where Yakutsk is.

Comment on Day 1 of fieldwork! by Jane Salerno

Jane Salerno — Tue, 15 Jul 2008 19:29:37 +0000

I’m truly enjoying the blog entries by all.

Your experiences are making it harder than ever to sit before a computer screen here at Clark. What an adventure!

Here’s to great weather and lots of discovery.
Jane
(in Clark’s Media Relations office)

Comment on New pictures by Todd Ruppel

Todd Ruppel — Mon, 14 Jul 2008 22:46:57 +0000

Wow so interesting, amazing and a fleet of boats at your disposal. Whatelse could yu ask for. Way cool. Enjoying your adventure.

Todd.

Comment on Day 1 of fieldwork! by Alyssa

Alyssa — Mon, 14 Jul 2008 21:40:48 +0000

Hello Miss Ket,

I just wanted to say that since I am in Alaska right now, I am closer to you than anyone else from Lincoln! Ha!

Loff,
Alyssa

Comment on New pictures by Jim and Debbie Llewellyn

Jim and Debbie Llewellyn — Sun, 13 Jul 2008 14:47:37 +0000

It is really fascinating to watch your progress and the complexity of your adventure. We love all the pictures!! They really are worth a thousand words! It is great to see everyone as they do their work.

We hope everything continues to go well and many new scientific opportunities lay before you for your team’s investigation. This website has extended the value and scientific worth of this project to reach many more people than word of mouth. I think your viewers are growing daily.

Take care, be safe, and have fun. We will check regularly for new updates.

Jim and Debbie Llewellyn

Comment on Data analysis and swimming in the Lena by brian

brian — Sun, 13 Jul 2008 01:25:34 +0000

hey boyd!

glad you made it safely to serbia! haha anyways, sounds like you are really enjoying your time in russia! everyone in 35 says hello, especially charlay.

keep safe!

Comment on Finally in Cherskii! by Susan Carp

Susan Carp — Sat, 12 Jul 2008 20:08:17 +0000

Hi Boyd. Heard there was some “other” excitement on the plane or should I say landing. We are enjoying reading everyone’s entries – hope you ended up purchasing one of those hats with a net built in to protect you from all of those mosquitoes! I think it is much better to focus in on permafrost.

Hope you are taking lots of pictures. Will keep reading as the days go by.

Comment on Day 1 of fieldwork! by Paul D. & Abby L.

Paul D. & Abby L. — Sat, 12 Jul 2008 16:53:23 +0000

Pryvet, Keterin! Kakdela?
Sounds like an intense first day.
I have to say, the Pleistocene is in my top 5 favorite geological time periods. Does the rest of your group know you have an extensive background in aquatic horticulture and lumber hauling? I think these skills should be brought to bare up in Siberia.
We’re looking forward to hearing more about your methane emissions.
PS. Can you bring us back some larch?
-Paul & Abby

Comment on Day 1 of fieldwork! by Sam

Sam — Sat, 12 Jul 2008 06:10:20 +0000

Miss Keterin Villis,

I didn’t know you could measure the carbon dioxide level of soil. Heh. Sounds like you are having a most lovely time and learning a ton. I send my love and some Indian cows. Mmmm, delicious.

-S.

Comment on Well wishes from the States… by Max Holmes

Max Holmes — Sat, 12 Jul 2008 04:07:34 +0000

Hi Holly,

It’s great to hear from you! We’ve all been thinking about you and are really sad that you are not physically here with us. But you are still part of the team – now and in the future.

All the best,

Max

Comment on Day 1 of fieldwork! by Bryan Abbott

Bryan Abbott — Fri, 11 Jul 2008 13:35:51 +0000

Hi Katie. We are thrilled. I have sent a link to your website out to family and friends and we are getting a lot of responses from everyone, excited for you and your trip.

We are reading along with the blogs, thrilled about feeling like we are a part of the trip and happy to be getting such regular updates. I would imagine that despite any lack of creature comforts you might be experiencing, this adventure is far more than you’d ventured to imagine.

Keep up the good work. Take in everything you see. Capture all the memories you can cram in, and come home safe to tell us all about it.

Dad

Comment on Just about ready.. by boyd.zapatka

boyd.zapatka — Fri, 11 Jul 2008 06:38:16 +0000

Im in Cherskiy! Glad to hear you are keeping up! Look for more posts later!

Comment on Здравствуите из Якутска! by Jim and Debbie Llewellyn

Jim and Debbie Llewellyn — Wed, 09 Jul 2008 02:46:38 +0000

We are greatly enjoying reading about your adventures. It sounds like everything is going great and very well planned! Your group will have a wonderful experience and will see things most of us can only read about. I’m glad you will have more time in Moscow. It sounds like a fascinating city.

Comment on ресторан москва кафе стоп банк россна by Michelle

Michelle — Mon, 07 Jul 2008 16:27:41 +0000

Wow, already sounds like an amazing trip! Glad the food is tasty. Remember to take LOTS of pictures!!!

Comment on ресторан москва кафе стоп банк россна by brian

brian — Mon, 07 Jul 2008 13:43:02 +0000

boyd! sounds like you are having fun! say hi to the gulag ghosts for me!

Comment on Leg one completed by Todd Ruppel

Todd Ruppel — Mon, 07 Jul 2008 12:28:36 +0000

You made it. Nas-strovia(sp).

Comment on Leg one completed by Mom

Mom — Mon, 07 Jul 2008 01:34:57 +0000

Hang in there, Holly. You look like you could use a good nap. Hopefully you got some rest on some of the other flights. I’m looking forward to following your adventure as it unfolds.

Comment on Just about ready.. by Susan Carp

Susan Carp — Sun, 06 Jul 2008 12:11:40 +0000

Hi Boyd. We wanted you to know we are thinking about you! Where are you NOW?

Comment on Leg one completed by D-Rod

D-Rod — Sat, 05 Jul 2008 16:29:56 +0000

So… Rose from the Golden Girls is from St. Olaf.

Comment on Max’s Update from Yakutsk, Siberia by danny bloom

danny bloom — Fri, 30 May 2008 14:32:55 +0000

Max

what about the idea of polar cities for survivors of global warming in year 2500? see my blog here

http://pcillu101.blogspot.com

Sergie knows my work, so does Lovelock

danny

Comment on Frey to conduct fieldwork in the northern Bering Sea on the Coast Guard Cutter Healy icebreaker by Carbon Cutters unearthed. » Blog Archive » Fast Sunday links

Carbon Cutters unearthed. » Blog Archive » Fast Sunday links — Sun, 09 Mar 2008 21:06:37 +0000

[...] http://thepolarisproject.org/blog/?p=22My fieldwork for this project takes place on the US Coast Guard Cutter Healy, a 420’ foot icebreaker that spends up to eight months each year carrying out National Science Foundation-funded scientific missions in arctic marine … [...]

Comment on The winter weather in Cherskii by brittany snow

brittany snow — Mon, 18 Feb 2008 21:08:16 +0000

brittany snow…

Thanks for the nice read, keep up the interesting posts…..

Comment on Sea ice by Brendan Fraser

Brendan Fraser — Sun, 27 Jan 2008 03:08:22 +0000

Hello webmaster…Man i just love your blog, keep the cool posts comin..holy Saturday

Comment on The winter weather in Cherskii by valentin

valentin — Fri, 18 Jan 2008 00:18:50 +0000

It’s -43 C in Yakutsk right now.

Comment on 14,000 and growing… by andy

andy — Tue, 08 Jan 2008 23:07:39 +0000

Thanks for updating the blog Max. We’ll look forward to a similar AGU picture in a few years with students attendance. -Andy