HIGH-SCHOOLERS ON ICE-JUNEAU ICEFIELD RESEARCH PROGRAM'S PRE-COLLEGE EXPERIENCE IS OFF AND RUNNING

In July of 2011 the first group of students in the 3 week long pre-college JIRP ventured up onto the icefield to experience first hand how expeditionary science is done. A hike to the Mendenhall glacier while still in Juneau provided the setting for what was to follow. After a strenuous hike up to JIRP's Camp 17, students were introduced to camp manager Gary Linder and the structure of camp life - each taking responsibility for various aspects of the running of the camp. Dr. Cathy Connor from the University of Alaska Southeast, and Dr. Jeff Kavanaugh and PhD student Dan Sturgis from the University of Alberta provided on site lessons in glaciology and glacial research methods, and students ventured out on the ice daily to gather data pertinent to determining the mass balance of the icefield. Data analysis and ideas for further study were explored during evenings and when weather kept the group off the ice. Students received training in mountaineering and safe travel over ice by guide Cameron Miller, who also led several day hikes to surrounding peaks and aretes. Students' field experience was rounded out with several mapping exercises, including the making of a geologic map of the Camp 17 arete. The program is on the JIRP schedule for 2012, and we're looking for enthusiastic new participants.