Select the audio file below to hear my PolarTREC introduction.

    My journey to Antarctica began with the 2008 PolarTREC orientation in Fairbanks, AK March 2-9, 2008. Traveling from southern California to Fairbanks was not easy and I almost missed the connection for the Anchorage to Fairbanks leg, but got a great shot of a sunset near Anchorage.

    Sunset from the airplane near Anchorage AK
    Sunset from the airplane near Anchorage AK

    My journey begins with trip to the PolarTREC 2008 Orientation. Photo taken from airplane near Anchorage AK.(Image credit: Jacquelyn Hams)

    I arrived in Fairbanks and met an exciting group of motivated and dedicated teachers from around the country who would share an adventure with me for the next week and participate in individual adventures over the next year.

    2008 PolarTREC Teachers
    2008 PolarTREC Teachers

    2008 PolarTREC teachers and participants in a group photo at the 2008 PolarTREC oriention at the Westmark Hotel in Fairbanks, AK, March 2008. (Image credit: Jillian Worssam)

    After a long day of asking lots of questions, learning how our computers and software function, and getting to know each other, the PolarTREC teachers went to a group dinner. My first orientation to the colder temperatures ahead of me came from my fellow TRECers. Who says southern Californian’s can’t take the cold?

    PolarTREC teacher Jackie Hams outfitted for snow in Fairbanks, AK
    PolarTREC teacher Jackie Hams outfitted for snow in Fairbanks, AK

    A southern Californian outfitted for the snow.

    If you think this is snow, wait until you get to Antarctica!
    If you think this is snow, wait until you get to Antarctica!

    Hey guys, it's only 17 degrees!

    Hey guys, it's only 17 degrees!
    Hey guys, it's only 17 degrees!
    Jackie Hams gets snow-dunked by fellow PolarTRECers
    Jackie Hams gets snow-dunked by fellow PolarTRECers

    If you think this is snow, wait until you get to Antarctica!

    The day ends with the first of many firsts to come for all of us. Cameo Slaybugh has her first taste of Thai food in Fairbanks, AK.

    Cameo's first Thai food experience is in Alaska.
    Cameo's first Thai food experience is in Alaska.

    Cameo's first Thai food experience is in Alaska.

    The Cold Facts

    What is the difference in longitude in degrees between Burbank CA and Fairbanks AK?

    What is the time difference between Burbank CA and Fairbanks AK?

    What is the time zone designation for Burbank, CA?

    What is the time zone designation for Fairbanks, AK?


    GeologyThe science that deals with the dynamics and physical history of the earth, the rocks of which it is composed, and the physical, chemical, and biological changes that the earth has undergone or is undergoing. of Antarctica


    My field camp will be the West Antarctic Ice Sheet (WAIS) Divide. A divide in geologic terms is a topographic high that separates two adjacent drainage basins. In the case of Antarctica, an ice divide separates opposing ice flow directions on an ice sheet.

    Download the map of Antarctica below and draw a line where you think the ice divide is located.

    http://lima.usgs.gov/

    Date
    Location
    Fairbanks, AK Westmark Hotel
    Weather Summary
    Mostly cloudy, visibility 10 miles, wind from NE
    Temperature
    10.4
    Wind Speed
    3

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