Jennifer Kingsley
April 11, 2016

(Post 2 of 3)

Andrew Arreak takes a break from towing his research sled which measures sea ice thickness. he equipment behind him has been functioning but finicky so far. It relies on Bluetooth and batteries, and the cold temperature plus a bumpy ride are hard on the electronics. We listen for the digital beep that tells us the signal is working; it’s strange to hear that kind of sound on the sea ice.

This setup is a balance of old and new technology. We learn about satellites and sea ice modelling, but I am more interested in the knowledge Andrew brings to the table: how to travel safely in this environment. Without knowledge of the ice, weather, wildlife, and local routes, the electronics would be useless. (His hat, by the way, says SMART ICE)

#pondinlet #nunavut #arctic #communityresearch #ikaarvik #meetthenorth #lindbladexpeditions #seaice #traditionalknowledge #smokebreak

Andrew Arreak smokes a cigarette while standing astride his snowmobile.