Arctic Researchers Visit A.C.S.A.

by: Melozi Scott & Ben Peterson

Four scientists; Lisa Clough, Deb Meese, Jeffery Johnson, and David Griffith came to the A.C.S.A. to give a presentation on the Arctic and Antarctica. Mr. Hindman, who worked with Dr. Clough two summers ago, worked out the arrangements for the scientists to come to our school to give the presentation.

Before they came here, they were in Kotzebue to interview the citizens. The scientists are working on a study comparing how Native Alaskans and classical scientists learn about the environment. During the slide show Dr.Clough talked about ice algae. She showed us a movie that was taken by a ROV, remotely operated vehicle. The movie showed how the ice algae hangs to the bottom of sea ice. The ice algae provides food for fish and brittle stars.

Jeffery Johnson told us how people in Antarctica don’t really have to worry about food spoiling since they live in a “giant freezer”, and there are no land predators.These days the scientists in Antarctica have improved the camps and are being used by researchers who are studying Antarctica, like Jefferey Johnson. Mr. Johnson studies the effects of isolation on scientist who are in Antarctica.

The scientists also visited with elementary and high school students, as well as community members, before they left.