Field Experience in the Canadian High Arctic (2016)

Photo Credits: John Pohl (2016)

After my first year of undergraduate studies at Dickinson College, I had the privilege to go to the Canadian High Arctic for fieldwork experience. Although I knew I wanted to study earth sciences for my bachelor's degree, I was unsure about my specific area of specialization. Camping on the annually formed sea ice between Baffin and Bylot Islands at 72° N latitude ignited my passion for the cryosphere. Working and interacting with the Inuit Community at Pond Inlet, Nunavut, and hearing about their concerns about the Arctic re-established my connections to the mountain landscapes back home in India. It was also the first time I was introduced to the concept of traditional knowledge and its vital importance in climate science. Exploring the regional geology, measuring the thickness of sea ice, watching the Canada goose in it’s natural habitat and listening to the sound of narwhals, seals and bowhead whales using a hydrophone was an incredibly unique experience that clearly aligned my future trajectory into pursuing glaciology and it’s impact on various ecosystems.

The expedition was led by the incredible Dr Benjamin Edwards and funded by generous alumni John and Susan Pohl.