Learning from Firsthand Experience

To the untrained eye, the samples stored in baggies and plastic vials look like everyday run of the mill mud and rocks

. Time cannot be wasted when it comes to these samples from the Larsen Ice Shelf in Antarctica and the scientists will be busy. It has been said by a college senior that mud is very informative. For this college senior, a trip to Antarctica became possible with other people from a college and university as the National Science Foundation provided the necessary funds. When it comes to research travel, these schools have been exposed to them already.

It was in early February when the group left on a research vessel from Punta Arenas Chile. Where they went was somewhat uncultivated, the Larsen Ice Shelf, located on the eastern side of the Antarctic Peninsula. It has been said that they were the first explorers to reach that place. Using sonar to measure the depth of the ocean, the boat moved slowly. While on the deck, the students and researchers were able to videotape their exploits and gather water and sediment samples. It may take decades before all the samples are analyzed.

From the amount of water it holds to the composition they determine from the mud, all of these will help them see its possible relation to global warming. A majority of the students agree that such a trip happens by chance. It was said by a student that you could really have a taste of how things are. Studying global warming when she reaches graduate school is this student who is a native of Scotland. Not minding spending the rest of her life on a ship is one more student who will be studying at the school of Oceanography in one university next year.

For them, even the most severe weather conditions in the Southern Hemisphere can be managed. Somewhat similar was Upstate New York. There is nothing more extreme, including cold days, than sunrise at 430 am setting at 930 pm. Having a really bright sun did not make it easy to look out the window. Regardless of civilization being limited, everyday there was science. The other way around or midnight to noon were shift options for a student. Either students sleep on bunk beds during their time off or watch movies in the group lounge.

Students were still expected to abide by some regulations. It is important that seniors are informed about serious events. Other than go to a newly found surface volcano, a senior student needed to go to an emperor penguin as well. You don't want to sleep at all, said the Dryden native. Everybody wants to experience everything. A trip to Vega Island was the best moment for her during the trip. With only 10 other people ever setting foot on that place, she says it was extremely amazing.

The span of the trip led to five weeks of missed classes for the students. During the trip not much work was done in terms of their schoolwork for they had busy schedules and their vessel dealt with several environmental perils. When their ship is always on the go they face more difficulty. Two emails a day became their only connection back home. Still a closeness was established with the students and faculty due to the absence of distractions and close quarters. From a student came the comment of having no escape. People grew close as a result of being in a deserted location with a harsh environment.

All of the samples were carried in coolers once they were brought back to the United States with specially prepared paperwork for such bizarre cargo for the customs officials. Some other things a student had were 323 digital pictures and five film rolls. For a student who was part of last year's exploration, it was simply better to experience the surroundings. Experiences cannot be replaced by pictures. You need to be aware of your surroundings.

Learning from Firsthand Experience

By: devina

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