Students on Ice, Day 3: Ice Ice Baby

WWF

Our introduction came about through a “once in 50 years” sort of experience here in Iqaluit. This morning as the tide went out in the bay, it left behind an incredible amount of ice on the shore.

(C) Carolyn Dawe, WWF-Canada

News travelled to us fast, and though not on the agenda, our plans quickly changed as we took advantage of this opportunity to learn about sea ice in the best way possible. What we were presented with was a staggering natural event, that will stick in the memories of all of us who were able to experience it.

(C) Carolyn Dawe, WWF-Canada

Along with the fun of clambering over the ice, exploring tidal pools and discovering wayward arctic-char, we learned about the difference between sea-ice and icebergs. Sea ice is formed from frozen seawater, whereas icebergs are formed from glaciers and ice-shelves breaking off and shifting in to the ocean. Among other differences, sea ice is also slightly salty (though much of the salt is removed as the ice forms).

(C) Carolyn Dawe, WWF-Canada

There is a bit of a downside to the ice though as it is making our departure tomorrow  a bit of an unknown. Things change so fast here though and the plan is still that we will be boarding the ship and heading out down Frobeshire Bay towards Hantzch Island tomorrow. If all goes well, my next report will be from sea!

(C) Carolyn Dawe, WWF-Canada