Journal

I Made it to the Arctic Ocean!!

Arctic Ocean coast line seen from Alaska Airlines flight
My first view of the Arctic Ocean coast line seen from Alaska Airlines flight with the town Utqiagvik in the center of the photo. Photo by Sarah R. Johnson

Today, two years later than expected (covid delays) I have made it to the 'top of the world' in Utqiagvik, Alaska.

Sign post with signs to various places
Barrow sign post in downtown core of the town. Photo by Sarah R. Johnson

I met part of my team (the rest come in a few days) for the first time in person and not just on zoom... yet I failed to take a photo of us together. Ignatius Rigor, Director of the International Arctic BuoyA float moored in water or ice to mark a location, warn of danger, or indicate a navigational channel. Program from the University of Washington as well as his satellite technician Ben Cohen and I are here together so far.

Flying north across the entire state of Alaska from one ocean to the next, I witnessed my first glacier sighting. The clouds cleared just in time as we flew over Denali National Park.

Glacier terminus in Denali National Park as seen from Alaska Airlines
Glacier terminus in Denali National Park as seen from Alaska Airlines. Photo by Sarah R. Johnson

Once in Utqiagvik (how to pronounce it), we started at the UIC Science Facilities BARC building to get an introduction to the NARL area and Ukpik Nest II; both the logistics of being here as well as a great introduction to the people who have made this area their home since time immemorial. Enjoy this video from the Arctic Slope Regional Cooperation as well as another from UIC (click on 'videos' below) to learn more about the rich culture of this place.

Engage with IABP AK Spring 22 Deployment Expedition

Details
Author
Sarah Johnson
Date
Location
Ukpik Nest II
Expedition
International Arctic Buoy Program
Weather Summary
Cold, blowing snow, sunny day
Temperature
-2 F
Wind Speed
30mph

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Comments

Tue, 03/29/2022 - 07:11

Judy Fahnestock

We're so happy that you are finally there! Looks like you had a perfect day to arrive (blue skies and clear views). Love your first view of the Arctic Ocean!

Tue, 03/29/2022 - 10:43

Erin T.

Splendid! Love the picture of the Arctic Ocean first sighting. Excited to follow along. Like your list of ways to engage. Thank you.

Tue, 03/29/2022 - 13:19

Tammy Orilio

Excellent! I am so happy you're able to get up to this amazing place. Looking forward to learning from you and your team!

Tue, 03/29/2022 - 14:22

Mr. Penn's classes

Sarah,
My classes are following you! We are very interested in your research!
Mike Penn in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

Tue, 03/29/2022 - 20:51

Sarah Johnson

Hello Mr. Penn's class! We are thrilled you're following along. We are collecting weather data in the Arctic as you know. We know that Mr. Penn was part of the Antarctic weather data collection project a few years ago. I hope you will post some questions and comments over the next two weeks and we'll be sure to try to answer them. Glad you're on board!

Tue, 03/29/2022 - 18:45

Amy Hadden Marsh

This is so much fun! Great photos and the glacier! AHM

Tue, 03/29/2022 - 18:47

Amy Hadden Marsh

Also... I didn't know that this was also known as Barrow nor that the town gets completely buried in snow for some of the year. So wonderfully remote... AHM again

Tue, 03/29/2022 - 20:54

Sarah Johnson

'Buried in snow' is relative as you know with your experience in the Colorado mountains. Utqiagvik is actually a very dry place with only an average of 10 inches of precipitation a year... it's technically a desert which is super surprising to most. Thanks for following along Amy! Let me know if you think of any media outlets to share any of this adventure. Take good care!