05 | Dr. Alison Criscitiello - Ice Core Research

About this video

• Video Title: 05 | Dr. Alison Criscitiello - Ice Core Research
• Channel: Adventures Less Traveled
• Speakers: John Schwenck, Dr. Alison Criscitiello
• Duration: 00:41:49

Overview

This video features an interview with Dr. Alison Criscitiello, an ice core scientist, explorer, and director of the Canadian Ice Core Lab. Dr. Criscitiello discusses the science behind ice core research, its importance in understanding past climates, the challenges and unique aspects of conducting research in remote locations like Mount Logan, and her personal experiences with various adventures. The conversation also touches upon the role of this research in the broader climate change discussion and the personal impact of these expeditions.

Key takeaways

• Ice Core Science: Ice cores preserve climate signals from the past, allowing scientists to analyze atmospheric composition, temperature, and environmental changes over millennia by examining the ice itself and trapped air bubbles.
• Polar vs. Non-Polar Research: While polar ice cores offer long global climate records, non-polar ice core research, such as that conducted on Mount Logan, can provide valuable regional climate variability data specific to areas like the North Pacific.
• Data Collection and Analysis: Ice cores are drilled in sections, then transported to labs for analysis. This involves physical cutting of the ice and detailed examination of its elemental composition, stable isotopes (for temperature reconstruction), and trapped gases.
• Challenges of High-Altitude Research: Expeditions like the one on Mount Logan involve complex logistics, including transporting heavy drilling equipment via helicopter, enduring extreme weather, and the physical demands of drilling at high altitudes.
• The Role of Adventure in Research: Dr. Criscitiello highlights how her expeditions, while scientifically driven, are deeply intertwined with adventure, pushing personal boundaries and providing unique perspectives. She emphasizes the importance of embracing the unknown and building resilience.
• Communicating Climate Science: Bridging the gap between niche scientific findings and public understanding is crucial. Dr. Criscitiello points to the IPCC reports as a key resource for synthesizing climate science for policymakers and the general public.