Follow along as participants in the cruise provide updates and reflections on their experiences, the science, the technology, and other elements of the expedition.
January 14, 2016 | By Bradley W. Barr
We went to the Arctic to write the final chapter of this compelling story of American whaling heritage, and believe we have assembled the information to complete this task.
Read moreOctober 5, 2015 | By Bradley W. Barr, Grace Cardarelli, Myles Riddell, and Devon Snell
As a University of New Hampshire senior project team, we were tasked to develop a cost-efficient and mission-specific drop camera system to explore shipwrecks off the coast of Wainwright, Alaska.
Read moreOctober 2, 2015 | By Hans Van Tilburg
The R/V Ukpik, making long close-to-shore transits in the survey area, provides the perfect platform for observing the state of coastal erosion here in the Arctic.
Read moreAugust 16, 2015 | By Bradley W. Barr
Video courtesy of the Search for the Lost Whaling Fleets of the Western Arctic 2015 Expedition. Download (mp4, 28.8 MB).
The Research Vessel Ukpik (pronounced “ook-pik”) was purchased by Southern Cross, LLC, in 2011 as a platform to conduct research in the Alaskan Beaufort and Chukchi Seas.
Read moreSeptember 28, 2015 | By Hans Van Tilburg
What was the impetus for thousands of young men taking up a dangerous and remote profession in unfamiliar waters? What was their experience on board the foreign vessels like?
Read moreAugust 14, 2015 | By Bradley W. Barr
Video courtesy of the Search for the Lost Whaling Fleets of the Western Arctic 2015 Expedition. Download (mp4, 17 MB).
Video Report from the Chief Scientist, Brad Barr, Ph.D.
Read moreSeptember 22, 2015 | By Hans Van Tilburg
One of our tasks prior to conducting the side scan and magnetometer survey was to go ashore near Point Franklin and establish the base station for accurate navigation. The small inflatable boat was large enough for Arthur, myself, and Matt.
Read moreSeptember 18, 2015 | By Bradley W. Barr
On this day, 144 years ago, the rescue fleet was beginning its journey back to Honolulu, having taken aboard the 1,219 survivors of who had successfully navigated the ice-choked and stormy waters along the Chukchi sea coast to safety.
Read moreSeptember 13, 2015 | By Matthew Lawrence
During the search for shipwrecks, archaeologists rely on magnetometers to locate ferromagnetic material associated with the shipwreck. Magnetometers detect variations in the Earth’s magnetic field caused by iron or other magnetized material such as brick or rock.
Read moreSeptember 12, 2015 | By Bradley W. Barr
On this date, 144 years ago, a momentous and unprecedented decision was being made. The captains of the 33 whaling ships caught in the ice had convened aboard the Champion to consider their options for saving the 1,219 officers, crew, and in some cases, families, from their fate.
Read moreAugust 18, 2015 | By Bradley W. Barr
It should be of no surprise to anyone that weather in the Arctic is often a challenge.
Read moreAugust 3, 2015 | By Bradley W. Barr
In 1871, 32 whaling ships were abandoned by their captains and crews who were here to catch whales. The best laid plans, as they say, often go awry.
Read moreAugust 8, 2015 | By Bradley W. Barr
After a long but largely uneventful flight, the mission team arrived in Prudhoe Bay, Alaska, where we were to meet the boat.
Read more
