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Chris Polashenski

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Chris Polashenski

Professional Title
Scientist
Department
USACE CRREL / Dartmouth College
Home State
Al
MOSAiC Team
Sea Ice
Funders
National Science Foundation

Tasks

I will be collecting terrestrial laser scanner observations of snow accumulation, observations of stress, strain, and fracture in the ice, via the PROMIS project.

Science Questions

I want to quantify the thermal conductivity of the snow and ice cover, and how this governs winter ice growth. I also seek to describe how force propagates through the sea ice, causing it to break and deform.

What are you most excited about the expedition?

I'm excited by the opportunity to work with such a diverse group of scientists. I will do work that benefits other's projects while I am on the boat, and they will do work that keeps my data sets continuous as well. In the process we'll learn about eachother's work and likely learn a lot of ways we can help eachother collect better data.

What do you love most about the Arctic?

I love the austerity. The Arctic is remote, cold. The Arctic still demands individuals use both mind and body to get work done. I work with my hands and back as much as my brain to get science done. I also love . The Arctic is also a place where the presence of other humans and chance meetings are a welcome occurrence. Cooperation is critical for success and the necessity brings out the best in the teams I get to work with.