Q&A with Glaciologist, Dr. Ulyana Horodyskyj
With polar bear encounters, weathering dangerous storms, and surviving life on board, the Mission Arctic extreme eco-expedition team members experienced endless adventures during their time at sea. We recently had a chance to catch up with Dr. Ulyana Horodyskyj for a Q&A about her experiences with this incredible journey.
Q: What is Mission Arctic?
Dr. Ulyana Horodyskyj: Mission Arctic is a blend of science, adventure and exploration. As climate continues to change, the melting ice is providing new passageways through previously inaccessible regions. How is all the melting ice (both sea ice and ice from Greenland) affecting our planet, on a regional and global scale? As a glaciologist, this type of research interests me the most.
Q: How did you become involved with the expedition? What sparked your interest in becoming a crew member?
UH: I’ve spent most of the last decade studying glaciers, glacial lakes, and glacial floods in the Himalaya. Last year I ventured to the Penny Ice Cap on Baffin Island in the Canadian Arctic and was captivated by the landscape. The Arctic focus of this expedition attracted me as it’s a region that is changing rapidly, much like the Himalaya, and is another extreme environment in which to conduct field work and test the limits of technology.
Q: What makes technology so important to the success of the expedition?
UH: Technology provides us with the advantage of conducting field work at a safe distance. For example, underwater drones can provide “eyes” under the ice. They can venture close to icebergs and the sea ice, exploring in detail, limited only by battery power.
Q: What are you most looking forward to in the months ahead?
UH: I’m looking forward to seeing some of the initial results from the ice and ocean water surveys.
To stay up-to-date with Mission Arctic news, follow the adventures on @LenovoPress, @MissionArctic and Mission Arctic’s website.
