Dr. Jason Box and members of our team are now in Greenland setting up the Dark Snow Camp.
I’m still here in the states, and still trying to raise more funds. We currently are covered for the “must do” stuff – still have a few “like to do” projects that we could use help with.
We are grateful for any help to allow us to maximize our time on the ice. Thanks to all who have pitched in so far – we work hard to live up to your expectations.
Jason Box for Dark Snow Project – June 17:
Today, we plan a 1315h take off from Kangerlussuaq (SFJ), west Greenland to our science camp that should run 2 months.
We have moved our target camp location 6 nm closer to SFJ to a place called S6; -49.3989154, 67.0784848, or in decimal minutes 49° 23.935′W, 67° 4.709′N, 1011 m above sea level.
S6 is 38 nautical miles from SFJ or ~21 minunute one-way fly time at 110 kt.
Reasons for the move:
- We have judged that S6 us better for our science to start at snowline that is today just at or below S6. Snow line had been moving fast up glacier in the past 5 days but with snow last night and clouds and more snow in the forecast, we believe our science is best to start in these conditions.
- According to the pilot, above S6 may not be land-able by the S61 that lands not on skids but relatively small wheels.
- budget projection motivate us to work closer to the airport, with each flight saving 12 nautical miles. The relatively expensive S61 helicopter is the only reliable option for us in SFJ.
- S6 has a long climate record, beginning in the 1990s.
While on camp, we may be reached by email using darksnow@onsatmail.com with a maximum 250 kb message size filter that will block your message.
For phone communications, ring us at Iridium:
primary +88 162 143 3943
secondary +88 162 143 3944Have an ice day!
The Dark Snow science team
It’d be good to have it indiegogo style, so one leaves a certain amount for a specific piece of equipment, then will see the same equipment being used
probably a good idea. We have by no means figured out the secret sauce on this yet.
One of our pet ideas is some equipment to give us good bandwidth internet on the ice – better to pursue our communication strategy.
I’ll be heading up on July 29, so still time to pull more support together.
I write this from Traverse City, MI, where I spoke at a fundraiser last night, and locals “passed the hat” – so we’re trying everything.
The talk was good, and should be available on video soon.
Best of luck, I look forward to seeing the results of this year’s study. I sure am jealous, though, your job(s) are way, WAY more interesting than mine! I want to know how I can do what you do! 🙂
Has anyone else noticed how few of the pseudo-skeptics and deniers actually go out into the field? Even those who purport to be climate scientists, like Drs Curry and Spencer, conduct their research behind the comfort and safety of their keyboards. Interesting. Perhaps it’s easier to denigrate and deny AGW and its consequences if one rarely comes face-to-face with reality. But I digress.
I have the greatest admiration and respect for the whole Dark Snow team who are literally putting themselves on the front lines of the Greenland melting. I will continue to give what money I can afford because this is a critical facet of AGW research. I urge all readers to give, too, because how often do we get a chance to see where our contributions go? That’s pretty exciting, even from the sidelines.