Explore a Pristine Wilderness!
Discover the untouched beauty of Svalbard, a far-flung Arctic wilderness on the edge of the Arctic
Ocean and one of the most northerly islands in the world just 600 miles from the North Pole!
Situated at 78ºN, Svalbard benefits from the warming effects of the Gulf Stream and as such, boasts an
astounding array of stunning wildlife, from seabirds and geese to the magnificent polar bear. However, the climate
can vary enormously between seasons, from an extreme -20ºC during the winter up to a toasty +10ºC during
the summer! On the expedition, you will have the rare opportunity to experience these extremes, and come to
understand this fragile Arctic environment.
What's Involved
The expedition will last 4 weeks departing mid to
late-July and will begin with vital snow and ice training on arrival at base
camp. The expedition then breaks up into smaller 'Fire' groups will then
venture off with their leaders to begin their month long adventure, each
investigating a different aspect of climate change. In the past few decades, temperatures in the Arctic have risen at nearly twice the rate
as in the rest of the world, disrupting the region in many ways.
Adventure
Svalbard is Europe's last true
wilderness and offers unrivalled opportunities for real exploration and
adventure. With more than 60% of the
islands enveloped by glaciers, there is huge scope for adventure.
Simply
living and camping in the Arctic wilderness is an adventure in itself! You will also have the chance to test
yourself at a range of exciting activities on the expedition including ice
climbing, remote country trekking and cross-country skiing.
"The Arctic is completely different to everything you've
experienced so far, seeing absolutely no other people other than the people you
are with and seeing no buildings. It was completely nature at its rawest, no
one had ever touched it before." Ben Geldeard, Greenland
Science & Fieldwork
With the
excellent geology and glacial setting, Svalbard
offers fantastic opportunities for some fascinating fieldwork projects, especially
investigating climate change as the Polar
Regions are key indicators of global warming. You will work alongside qualified scientists
from the UK,
on a range of projects investigating global warming and climate change from a
range of disciplines.
Glaciers are
sensitive barometers of climate change, growing and wasting in response to
changes in temperature and snowfall. The glaciology 'fire' group will
investigate the advance a retreat of a glacier comparing melt rates at
different sites with data collected on previous BSES expeditions. The geology
and paleobiology groups will examine species change across significant
geological periods and establish environmental conditions at the time.
The
Environmental Science and Botany group will be carrying out surveys on the rare
arctic plants including the arctic poppy and purple saxifrage. Animal projects
include investigating puffin populations and behaviour, along with migratory
seabirds such as the arctic tern and skua and the non-migratory ptarmigan.
Ringed seals, reindeer, arctic foxes and of course polar bears will from the basis
of mammal studies.
You will also have the opportunity to contribute to
human physiology studies investigating physiological performance on an arctic
expedition conducting a range of experiments including the Harvard test which
measures cardiovascular fitness.
How to Apply Complete your application form and send to the BSES Office today! Places are limited and issued on a first come first served basis after interview.
Good luck!
Cost Your contribution will be in the region of £2,900 including a deposit of £500
Flights are expected to be around £500 including all taxes
Key dates Application Deadline Friday 4th April, 2008
Compulsory Briefing Weekend Friday 18th - Sunday 20th April, 2008
Expedition Dates July and August, 2008
BSES Annual Presentation of Expedition Reports Saturday 31st January, 2009
Once you are onboard you will have access to a password protected area of the website which contains all the information you need for the expedition, from a full kit list and equipment advice to health information, suggested fitness programmes and logistical information.
All details are subject to change and correct at time of writing.
For our cancellation policy, please contact the
BSES Office.
site: © British Schools Exploring Society 2008 Registered charity no. 802196
