Polar Outreach Catalogue

Contemporary studies of tidewater glacier margins in Kongsfjord, Svalbard (79oN), provide an unparalleled opportunity for introducing motivated third year undergraduate students to the challenges and rewards of polar field research. Rates of rapid change in this high-latitude Arctic environment emphasizes the complexity of the Earth System at the interface of the ocean, atmosphere and cryosphere. Given background information in glaciology, glacial geology, hydrology, climatology and fjord oceanography not routinely offered in undergraduate curricula, students develop the science questions to be addressed and establish a field plan for instrumentation and sampling. Working together in small boats in one of the most challenging natural environments, the students expand their leadership skills, learn the value of teamwork and collaborative data sharing while maintaining a strong sense of ownership over their individual science projects. The rigors of studying an actively calving tidewater glacier also builds on their outdoor skills, especially when it is necessary to improvise and become resourceful due to instrumentation failures or weather-related delays. Self-confidence and problem solving skills emerge from both field and laboratory research operations when students draw upon and expand their base of practical knowledge via trial and error. The Kings Bay logistical facilities in Ny lesund offer an international experience with opportunities for dialog with scientists of a wide variety of disciplines working at research stations representing more than 12 different European and Asian countries. All students in the program complete yearlong senior theses or independent studies and make presentations at a professional meeting to complete the scientific process.