Toolik Outlet Ice

    Visiting Toolik Outlet for science!

    Toolik Outlet
    Toolik Outlet. Photo by DJ Kast

    I went with Jason Dobkowski and Chris Cook to the Toolik Outlet where they were installing a conductivity sensor.

    Chris and Jason
    Chris Cook and Jason Dobkowski installing a conductivity sensor at Toolik Outlet. Photo by DJ Kast

    Conductivity sensor
    Conductivity sensor. Photo by DJ Kast

    Toolik Lake is thawing from the winter freeze that was about 2 meters thick. Toolik Lake's top layer ice is thawing and breaking apart and much of the ice is going downstream.

    DJ photographing stream
    Getting an up close shot of the ice in the middle of the stream. Photo by DJ Kast

    Ice Closeup
    Ice Closeup. Photo by DJ Kast

    Ice Lego Scale
    Ice Lego Scale Photo by DJ Kast

    Ice on Toolik Outlet
    Ice on Toolik Outlet. Photo by DJ Kast

    Underwater ice photo
    Underwater Ice photo. Photo by DJ Kast

    While the lake thaws it creates what is called candle ice.

    Candle Ice on the landscape
    Toolik outlet candle ice on the landscape. Photo by DJ Kast

    Candle ice develops in columns perpendicular to the surface of the lake. They make a clinking sound when the candles are broken apart and float in the water bumping into each other.

    Candle Ice in hand
    Picking up Candle Ice in the Toolik outlet. Photo by DJ Kast

    USC Young Scientist Program Flag

    Toolik outlet photo with the Polar flag from Mr. Hinkel's fifth grade classroom from Weemes Elementary.

    Weemes Hinkel
    Toolik outlet photo with the Polar flag from Mr. Hinkel's fifth grade classroom from Weemes Elementary. Photo by DJ Kast

    Author
    Location
    Toolik Field Station, Alaska

    Comments

    Cara Pekarcik

    DJ - I love the sound that the candle ice makes! Thanks for sharing. I hope you are having a great time - can't wait to hear more about your research and other adventures!

    Dr. Byron Crump

    Candle ice is my favorite sound in the Arctic. I would love to record it to listen to in my office in Oregon.

    Anne Farley Sc…

    I concur! The formation and sound of the ice is fascinating!