Next Generation Ecosystem Experiment

Characterized by vast amounts of carbon stored in permafrost and a rapidly evolving landscape, the Arctic is an important focal point for the study of climate change. These are sensitive systems, yet the mechanisms responsible for those sensitivities remain poorly understood and inadequately represented in Earth System Models. The NGEE Arctic project seeks to reduce uncertainty in climate prediction by better understanding critical land-atmosphere feedbacks in terrestrial ecosystems of Alaska.

Thursday, June 14, 2012

Preparations in Fairbanks

This morning we took care of some last minute jobs. This included purchasing a printer for the NGEE lab, a cordless harmer drill for placing marker posts in the tundra, and for Margaret, painting some PVC pipe in a parking lot.

Bear safety is a complex issue that became at lot clearer after attending Joe Nava's Bear Safety Course this afternoon. We learned a lot from a no-nonsense, straight-talking, bear expert, including how to recognize different bear behavior, the use of bear spray, and instruction on the safe use of shotguns for bear defense. It was a great course and "team veggie" did some good shooting.