Most evenings, we have a lecture from one of the scientists or artists explaining their profession and the reason for being on this expedition. Debora Iglesias-Rodriguez gave us a very interesting presentation on ocean acidification.
Debora studies microscopic plant cells called coccolithophores. They produce tiny platelets termed coccoliths that accumulate on the sediment and represent one of the largest carbon reservoirs on Earth. Invisible to the eye, these cells control large scale processes that maintain the carbon balance in the Earth.
The coccolithophore blooms can be seen from outer space so Debora uses both satellites and scanning electron microscopy in order to understand how the huge populations or blooms change in space and time, and how climate change is affecting the production of coccoliths. Her research focusses on the evolution of these and other chalk producing animals and plants and how changes in these populations can affect the global carbon cycle. This results in some very beautiful imagery.
hey Matt,
Justin hogged the email and i wanted to say we are all missing you, but we are very proud of what you have acheived and my god what a trip of a lifetime!
Its the home stretch now and what a trip you must of had, we cant wait to hear all about it.
Caz said you were nearly airlifted to safety and surrounded by polar bears!!!
Bloody scary man !
But I wanna know did u get to see the northern lights ?
Sending loads of love Den, Just, Harry and Jessica x x
I have thought from time to time – ‘where is he now?’
Loved the posts, and the pictures. Looks like its been a feast for the senses and the imagination.
Its the small details that have given me the biggest insights – lying in bed at sea level, crashing through ice… sky never quite getting dark… air trapped in ice for thousands of years…
An amazing place.
Stay warm!!!
Look forward to catching up when you get back to old Blighty
Jim xxx
Hi Matt,
I have a feeling we may be looking at inspiration for new sculptural forms. Keep warm. xx Karen