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Polar Hands-On Laboratory
What to Expect at Toolik Lake, Alaska
The Toolik Field Station, in the foothills of the Brooks Range about 350 miles south of the Arctic Ocean, is the US’s most important Arctic scientific research station and the site of the National Science Foundation’s Arctic Long Term Ecological Research Site. The station accommodates nearly 100 scientists and students each summer. Station residents live dorm style in simple but comfortable rooms. Meals are served in a communal dining hall overlooking beautiful Toolik Lake. Scientists work in a variety of laboratory buildings on the Station’s grounds. Fellows will work in a specially-outfitted field laboratory with heat, electric power and fast internet access.
Fellows will experience Toolik bathed in 24 hours of sunlight. Daytime high temperatures range from the mid 40s to about 70° F, but Arctic weather is fickle and can change on a dime. Freezing temperatures and snow are possible at any time. Fellows should plan to spend at least half of each work day in the field, whatever the weather. Come prepared with a good raincoats, rain pants and warm waterproof boots. At Toolik, researchers are adorned with outer layers of Gore-Tex, inner layers of polar fleece, and a warm hat and gloves they carry into the field at all times. Fellows should plan to do the same.
What to Expect at Palmer Station, Antarctica:
Palmer Station, operated by the US Antarctic Program and host for Palmer LTER and other scientific research projects, is located on Anvers Island, at 64°46’S, 64°03’W and is accessed via a 4-day sail from Punta Arenas, Chile (there is no routine air service). Palmer Station is a year-round research base with a maximum capacity of 45 including scientists and students, logistics support personnel, cooks, and a fulltime doctor.
Wildlife at Palmer Station is abundant which makes it superbly located for biological studies of birds, seals, and other components of the marine ecosystem. Housing at Palmer Station is similar to college dormitories with community bathrooms. Linens, blankets and pillows are provided. Participants are assigned a roommate. Washing machines, dryers and detergent are provided free of charge. There is also a sauna. Everyone participates in household duties, such as cleaning common areas. A physician, with emergency dental training, is accessible on station at all times.
Palmer’s climate is milder than that of the other U.S. antarctic stations primarily because it comes under the influence of a polar-maritime air mass. The mean annual temperature is –3°C (27°F). Average temperatures range between 2°C (36°F) in the summer and –10°C (14°F) in the winter. The annual average wind is about 10 knots. Compared to other U.S. Antarctic Program stations precipitation is high, with ample rainfall. The water equivalent in snow and rain averages 81 cm (32 inches) per year.
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