Past Trips
Every trip to Utqiagvik, Alaska was build upon the previous trip. The focus: sea ice, and how it impacts the Earth's climate. Dr. Rhett Herman and his student researchers have used a variety of equipment to test theories, answer questions and develop new approaches to studying the arctic and its influence. Check out the galleries below to learn more about the past trips and what the teams learned and encountered in their adventures.
With temperatures in the -40s, the Radford University researchers were unable to work on the ice, but instead tested their equipment and data collection process on the tundra.
The arrival of a second team of Radford University researchers meant they had to complete safety training in order to obtain their land use permits. They were able to explore the ice for a short time in -40 degrees Fahrenheit conditions. With those temps, they took the opportunity to modify their data collection equipment.
The Radford University student researchers went into town and visited the Inupiat Heritage Center to learn more about the Inupiat people and traditions.
Dr. Rhett Herman and a team of Radford University student researchers were able to get back out on the ice after a weather delay.
The Radford University researchers were able to do multiple data collection runs on the sea ice using the OhmMapper, ice drill, microclimate sled and ground penetrating radar.
The Radford University student researchers and their professor, Dr. Rhett Herman, had an opportunity to see the aurora borealis in Utqiagvik (ne’ Barrow), Alaska.
Radford University student researchers and their professor, Dr. Rhett Herman, took a tour of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration facility in Utqiagvik (ne’ Barrow), Alaska.
Radford University researchers spent the morning ensuring functionality of equipment and testing new methods of data collection.
During their final day in Utqiagvik (ne’ Barrow), Alaska, the Radford University researchers gave a presentation to community members at the local library about their research.