1999 Logistics
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Undertaking research in
the remote environment of the Canadian High Arctic brings with
it special logistical considerations. None of our research would
have been possible without the expert logistical support of the
Polar Continental Shelf Project (PCSP). PCSP operates a logistics
network which has provided support for scientific research in
the Canadian Arctic for over 40 years. PCSP provided us with
air transport between the Axel Heiberg field site and the PCSP
base in Resolute Bay, NWT. PCSP also supplied field equipment
(e.g., generators, cook stoves) to our project. For more information
on PCSP check out their web page at http://polar.nrcan.gc.ca Our project brought together a total of 13 researchers and students involved in disciplines such as paleontology, wood anatomy, isotope geochemistry, sedimentology, plant physiology, and forest ecology. Specific information on each team member may be accessed on the Project Participants web page. The 1999 field season lasted from 6/26/99 through 7/27/99. Seven team members spent the entire time period in the field. 6 team members were present for about half of the 31 day field season. The field camp was located on
an outwash plain in the valley at the base of the fossil forest
exposure (above right). Although we slept in our own tents, we
also erected two-16'x20' Parcoll Buildings (below right). One
building was used as a cooking and dining area. The second building
was used as a field laboratory. Both buildings had 120V AC electical
power supplied by a 600 W generator. Electrical power was necessary
to charge batteries for surveying equipment, Our team came well supplied to complete a diverse range of research activities. We outfitted the field lab with both a stereo-zoom microscope for studying the gross anatomy of fossil wood and foliage as well as a compound microscope for analysis of wood thin sections prepared to carry our wood identification. We were sucessful in obtaining thin sections of the fossil wood prepared in the field and were able to identify wood to the family level in the field. Basic identification in the field aided us in developing sampling strategies and eliminated the need to remove large quanities of fossils from the site in order to make identifications. Other essential equipment included
three Pentium laptop computers loaded with statistical analysis
s Mapping of geological structure as well as sample locations was undertaken using a Trimble ProXR GPS mapping system capable of sub-decimeter accuracy. Due to a lack of differential GPS radio and satellite beacons at the high latitudes of our site, it was necessary to employ one ProXR system as a static base station and the other ProXR station as a roving unit (right). The rover is outfitted with an "Asset Surveyor" data logging hand set for on the fly data collection. Data were post-processed in the field using Trimble Pathfinder software. We found that satellite availability and signal strength were adequate for all of our surveying and mapping needs, even at ca. 80 ° N latitude.
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computers, and radios. Both buildings were
equipped with propane heaters. The buildings proved instrumental
in making the best use of our limited time in the field. During
times of inclement weather, when working outdoors was not feasible,
the shelters allowed us to process data and analyze samples in
a warm, dry environment. 
oftware and ArcView GIS software with the
3D-Analyst and Spatial Analyst modules. This allowed us to process
information collected during mapping and surveying activities
and enhanced our ability to complete data analysis in the field.
Reduntant computer systems insured virtually no down time due
to computer software or hardware problems.