Atqasuk, Alaska

Atqasuk, Alaska

Location: 70°29’N, 157°25’W

Atqasuk is approximately sixty miles south of Barrow and has a population of roughly 230 people. The town was once host to a properous mine and shipped goods to other villages along the Meade river. Atqasuk is in an arctic climate, but the temperatures are significantly warmer than those found in Barrow, and in the summer it can get up to 70°F. Atqasuk is often visited by researchers interested in the tundra ecosystem and primarily reached using small planes.
Top 5


Field



Pictured above is the Atqasuk dry site. Atqasuk has a much more varied landscape than Barrow (which is very flat). We spend long days out in the field and eat lunch in the tent to escape the mosquitoes and wind.


Lab



Research facilities in Atqasuk

Lab space in Atqasuk is limited. The Atqasuk research center (top) was used for storage when the team stayed at the house provided by BASC. The office space (above) is located in the new, dorm-style housing, also called the "Atqasuk Hotel". Generally, the dining room doubles as lab space and is used for data entry, identifying and pressing plants, and preparing for the next field day.


Housing
 
BASC House 
BASC House

 
Atqasuk Hotel


In Atqasuk the research team is housed in a residential house maintained by BASC, or in the new dorm-style living center maintained by UMIAQ (Atqasuk Hotel). The AEP has agreements with locals for use of equipment and the Atqasuk Corporation to do research on their land. The laboratory space as well as field tents are provided by UMIAQ or BASC through its NSF contract.