Re: [Wikimediaau-l] opportunity

2014-01-14 Thread Gnangarra
Its beyond anything the chapter could fund in the short to medium term, yet
its results could have amazing potential in content creation, project
promotion and even personally for the individual. So if some does have the
desire to apply we should be encouraging that and supporting them.
Ultimately the chapter is here for its members to promote opportunities
that help them improve content through availability to resources.

We wouldnt approach the Foundation unless some actually requested our
support, one of the criteria is high visability so a photographer with a
history of FP  that have reached the main page would meet that part. The
whole idea of publicising it, is that there are people who meet the
criteria.  Anyone thinking should do their research because its an
environment that is substantially more challenging and rewarding.  The
application asks for support letters (references, evidence of support from
appropriate organisations e.g: publisher, art gallery, university etc.)...
primary condition 40%weight Proposals must show how they fit the objectives
of the Australian Antarctic Arts Fellowship; how they support the vision of
Antarctica being valued, protected, and understood; and how they will
benefit the Australian Antarctic program.  Not much better than Wikipedia
content for doing those three.

Additionally WMAU could consider a commitment to send the person to the
next Wikimania to talk about their experiences that'd be one hell of a
presentation, they could also support a series of public presentations
around Aust/NZ. What ever commitment are made will the decision of its
members through the committee...





On 14 January 2014 12:30, Tony Souter to...@iinet.net.au wrote:

 I don't think the Foundation will supply a letter, unless you have a
 particular person there in mind. This would not be a Wikemedian in
 residence, but an artist in residence, funded by Canberra and supported by
 a written commitment from the chapter (what would that commitment be?).

 Who is applying? They'd need to have a demonstrably good record of
 professional standard. And how to demonstrate the ability to promote 
 research,
 conservation and management endeavours. Solid relations with WPian editors
 in these fields would be an advantage. The current holder writes a blog,
 which would be worth looking at, as would the link to previous holders.
 Note that originality, innovaiton and intellectual merit carry 20%
 weighting.

 Tony




 On 14/01/2014, at 12:58 PM, Gnangarra gnanga...@gmail.com wrote:

 WMAU is Australian and thats the focus of the application and within our
 control... Yes a WMF supporting letter would also be fantastic addition and
 the committee could approach them to provide one


 On 14 January 2014 09:50, Matt Inbgn mattin...@gmail.com wrote:

 Why a letter just from the chapter. Why not one from the Wikimedia
 foundation as well?

 Sent from my iPhone

 On 14 Jan 2014, at 12:44, Liam Wyatt liamwy...@gmail.com wrote:

 It's a fantastic idea, and nice work Gnang finding it and bringing it to
 everyone's attention. I recall back for the Wiki10 (10th anniversary of
 Wikipedia celebrations) the WMF tried desperately (but in vain) to get an
 antartic research group to host a party in order that there could be a
 party on every single continent.

 Certainly a letter of support from the Chapter should be submitted in
 association with any applicant. Ideally the applicant would not only be
 taking lots of gorgeous photos but also be able to provide some kind of
 bridge between the WP editing community and the scientists down there - to
 help increase a) the quality of texts about antarctic geography, science
 and history, but also to increase the awareness and skills of the science
 community down there in potentially their becoming editors themselves.

 -Liam


 wittylama.com
 Peace, love  metadata


 On 14 January 2014 12:36, Kerry Raymond kerry.raym...@gmail.com wrote:

  Having been to the Antarctic back in 1996, I would certainly say to
 anyone “go for it”! How cool it would be to be (pun intended) to be the
 first Wikimedian in Residence in Antarctica.



 Kerry




  --

 *From:* wikimediaau-l-boun...@lists.wikimedia.org [mailto:
 wikimediaau-l-boun...@lists.wikimedia.org] *On Behalf Of *Gnangarra
 *Sent:* Monday, 13 January 2014 8:50 PM
 *To:* Wikimedia-au
 *Subject:* [Wikimediaau-l] opportunity



 There is an opportunity for someone to spend time in Antartica, as
 photographer I love to be able to do this, as Wikimedian imagine what
 content you could enhance. For me I it's either 20 years too late or 10
 years too soon, given the skills and knowledge of many people here if your
 able to apply I say go for it... applications close 30 March 2014 so give
 it some thought... Become the first Wikimedian in Residence in Antartica.


 http://www.antarctica.gov.au/media/news/2013/antarctic-arts-fellowship-apply-now

 *I havent brought this matter to the committee but I'm

[Wikimediaau-l] opportunity

2014-01-13 Thread Gnangarra
There is an opportunity for someone to spend time in Antartica, as
photographer I love to be able to do this, as Wikimedian imagine what
content you could enhance. For me I it's either 20 years too late or 10
years too soon, given the skills and knowledge of many people here if your
able to apply I say go for it... applications close 30 March 2014 so give
it some thought... Become the first Wikimedian in Residence in Antartica.

http://www.antarctica.gov.au/media/news/2013/antarctic-arts-fellowship-apply-now


*I havent brought this matter to the committee but I'm sure if you were to
apply WMAU committee would consider requests for supporting documentation
where appropriate*
Gideon
___
Wikimediaau-l mailing list
Wikimediaau-l@lists.wikimedia.org
https://lists.wikimedia.org/mailman/listinfo/wikimediaau-l


Re: [Wikimediaau-l] opportunity

2014-01-13 Thread Leigh Blackall
Perhaps those of us who can't go could help complete the application for
others. ..
On 13/01/2014 9:49 PM, Gnangarra gnanga...@gmail.com wrote:

 There is an opportunity for someone to spend time in Antartica, as
 photographer I love to be able to do this, as Wikimedian imagine what
 content you could enhance. For me I it's either 20 years too late or 10
 years too soon, given the skills and knowledge of many people here if your
 able to apply I say go for it... applications close 30 March 2014 so give
 it some thought... Become the first Wikimedian in Residence in Antartica.


 http://www.antarctica.gov.au/media/news/2013/antarctic-arts-fellowship-apply-now


 *I havent brought this matter to the committee but I'm sure if you were to
 apply WMAU committee would consider requests for supporting documentation
 where appropriate*
 Gideon

 ___
 Wikimediaau-l mailing list
 Wikimediaau-l@lists.wikimedia.org
 https://lists.wikimedia.org/mailman/listinfo/wikimediaau-l


___
Wikimediaau-l mailing list
Wikimediaau-l@lists.wikimedia.org
https://lists.wikimedia.org/mailman/listinfo/wikimediaau-l


Re: [Wikimediaau-l] opportunity

2014-01-13 Thread Charles Gregory
Thanks for sharing that Gideon - there is at least one Australian
Wikimedian who this would be highly relevant to.  I notice one of the
selection criteria:

*Impact, including capacity to reach a significant audience: Your proposal
must show it will have an impact, and show a capacity to reach a
significant audience which is preferably, though not necessarily,
Australian.*

Clearly the ability to publicise content on the 6th most visited website in
the world will give any WMAU endorsed candidate a strong advantage!

I agree with Gideon that I find it likely that the committee would be happy
to provide supporting materials to any Wikimedia Commons photographer who
wishes to apply.

Regards,

Charles




On Tue, Jan 14, 2014 at 7:34 AM, Leigh Blackall leighblack...@gmail.comwrote:

 Perhaps those of us who can't go could help complete the application for
 others. ..
 On 13/01/2014 9:49 PM, Gnangarra gnanga...@gmail.com wrote:

 There is an opportunity for someone to spend time in Antartica, as
 photographer I love to be able to do this, as Wikimedian imagine what
 content you could enhance. For me I it's either 20 years too late or 10
 years too soon, given the skills and knowledge of many people here if your
 able to apply I say go for it... applications close 30 March 2014 so give
 it some thought... Become the first Wikimedian in Residence in Antartica.


 http://www.antarctica.gov.au/media/news/2013/antarctic-arts-fellowship-apply-now


 *I havent brought this matter to the committee but I'm sure if you were
 to apply WMAU committee would consider requests for supporting
 documentation where appropriate*
 Gideon

 ___
 Wikimediaau-l mailing list
 Wikimediaau-l@lists.wikimedia.org
 https://lists.wikimedia.org/mailman/listinfo/wikimediaau-l


 ___
 Wikimediaau-l mailing list
 Wikimediaau-l@lists.wikimedia.org
 https://lists.wikimedia.org/mailman/listinfo/wikimediaau-l


___
Wikimediaau-l mailing list
Wikimediaau-l@lists.wikimedia.org
https://lists.wikimedia.org/mailman/listinfo/wikimediaau-l


Re: [Wikimediaau-l] opportunity

2014-01-13 Thread Kerry Raymond
Having been to the Antarctic back in 1996, I would certainly say to anyone
go for it! How cool it would be to be (pun intended) to be the first
Wikimedian in Residence in Antarctica.

 

Kerry

 

 

  _  

From: wikimediaau-l-boun...@lists.wikimedia.org
[mailto:wikimediaau-l-boun...@lists.wikimedia.org] On Behalf Of Gnangarra
Sent: Monday, 13 January 2014 8:50 PM
To: Wikimedia-au
Subject: [Wikimediaau-l] opportunity

 

There is an opportunity for someone to spend time in Antartica, as
photographer I love to be able to do this, as Wikimedian imagine what
content you could enhance. For me I it's either 20 years too late or 10
years too soon, given the skills and knowledge of many people here if your
able to apply I say go for it... applications close 30 March 2014 so give it
some thought... Become the first Wikimedian in Residence in Antartica.

http://www.antarctica.gov.au/media/news/2013/antarctic-arts-fellowship-apply
-now

I havent brought this matter to the committee but I'm sure if you were to
apply WMAU committee would consider requests for supporting documentation
where appropriate

Gideon

___
Wikimediaau-l mailing list
Wikimediaau-l@lists.wikimedia.org
https://lists.wikimedia.org/mailman/listinfo/wikimediaau-l


Re: [Wikimediaau-l] opportunity

2014-01-13 Thread Liam Wyatt
It's a fantastic idea, and nice work Gnang finding it and bringing it to
everyone's attention. I recall back for the Wiki10 (10th anniversary of
Wikipedia celebrations) the WMF tried desperately (but in vain) to get an
antartic research group to host a party in order that there could be a
party on every single continent.

Certainly a letter of support from the Chapter should be submitted in
association with any applicant. Ideally the applicant would not only be
taking lots of gorgeous photos but also be able to provide some kind of
bridge between the WP editing community and the scientists down there - to
help increase a) the quality of texts about antarctic geography, science
and history, but also to increase the awareness and skills of the science
community down there in potentially their becoming editors themselves.

-Liam


wittylama.com
Peace, love  metadata


On 14 January 2014 12:36, Kerry Raymond kerry.raym...@gmail.com wrote:

   Having been to the Antarctic back in 1996, I would certainly say to
 anyone “go for it”! How cool it would be to be (pun intended) to be the
 first Wikimedian in Residence in Antarctica.



 Kerry




  --

 *From:* wikimediaau-l-boun...@lists.wikimedia.org [mailto:
 wikimediaau-l-boun...@lists.wikimedia.org] *On Behalf Of *Gnangarra
 *Sent:* Monday, 13 January 2014 8:50 PM
 *To:* Wikimedia-au
 *Subject:* [Wikimediaau-l] opportunity



 There is an opportunity for someone to spend time in Antartica, as
 photographer I love to be able to do this, as Wikimedian imagine what
 content you could enhance. For me I it's either 20 years too late or 10
 years too soon, given the skills and knowledge of many people here if your
 able to apply I say go for it... applications close 30 March 2014 so give
 it some thought... Become the first Wikimedian in Residence in Antartica.


 http://www.antarctica.gov.au/media/news/2013/antarctic-arts-fellowship-apply-now

 *I havent brought this matter to the committee but I'm sure if you were to
 apply WMAU committee would consider requests for supporting documentation
 where appropriate*

 Gideon

 ___
 Wikimediaau-l mailing list
 Wikimediaau-l@lists.wikimedia.org
 https://lists.wikimedia.org/mailman/listinfo/wikimediaau-l


___
Wikimediaau-l mailing list
Wikimediaau-l@lists.wikimedia.org
https://lists.wikimedia.org/mailman/listinfo/wikimediaau-l


Re: [Wikimediaau-l] opportunity

2014-01-13 Thread Matt Inbgn
Why a letter just from the chapter. Why not one from the Wikimedia foundation 
as well?

Sent from my iPhone

 On 14 Jan 2014, at 12:44, Liam Wyatt liamwy...@gmail.com wrote:
 
 It's a fantastic idea, and nice work Gnang finding it and bringing it to 
 everyone's attention. I recall back for the Wiki10 (10th anniversary of 
 Wikipedia celebrations) the WMF tried desperately (but in vain) to get an 
 antartic research group to host a party in order that there could be a party 
 on every single continent.
 
 Certainly a letter of support from the Chapter should be submitted in 
 association with any applicant. Ideally the applicant would not only be 
 taking lots of gorgeous photos but also be able to provide some kind of 
 bridge between the WP editing community and the scientists down there - to 
 help increase a) the quality of texts about antarctic geography, science and 
 history, but also to increase the awareness and skills of the science 
 community down there in potentially their becoming editors themselves. 
 
 -Liam
 
 
 wittylama.com
 Peace, love  metadata
 
 
 On 14 January 2014 12:36, Kerry Raymond kerry.raym...@gmail.com wrote:
 Having been to the Antarctic back in 1996, I would certainly say to anyone 
 “go for it”! How cool it would be to be (pun intended) to be the first 
 Wikimedian in Residence in Antarctica.
 
  
 
 Kerry
 
  
 
  
 
 From: wikimediaau-l-boun...@lists.wikimedia.org 
 [mailto:wikimediaau-l-boun...@lists.wikimedia.org] On Behalf Of Gnangarra
 Sent: Monday, 13 January 2014 8:50 PM
 To: Wikimedia-au
 Subject: [Wikimediaau-l] opportunity
 
  
 
 There is an opportunity for someone to spend time in Antartica, as 
 photographer I love to be able to do this, as Wikimedian imagine what 
 content you could enhance. For me I it's either 20 years too late or 10 
 years too soon, given the skills and knowledge of many people here if your 
 able to apply I say go for it... applications close 30 March 2014 so give it 
 some thought... Become the first Wikimedian in Residence in Antartica.
 
 http://www.antarctica.gov.au/media/news/2013/antarctic-arts-fellowship-apply-now
 
 I havent brought this matter to the committee but I'm sure if you were to 
 apply WMAU committee would consider requests for supporting documentation 
 where appropriate
 
 Gideon
 
 
 ___
 Wikimediaau-l mailing list
 Wikimediaau-l@lists.wikimedia.org
 https://lists.wikimedia.org/mailman/listinfo/wikimediaau-l
 
 ___
 Wikimediaau-l mailing list
 Wikimediaau-l@lists.wikimedia.org
 https://lists.wikimedia.org/mailman/listinfo/wikimediaau-l
___
Wikimediaau-l mailing list
Wikimediaau-l@lists.wikimedia.org
https://lists.wikimedia.org/mailman/listinfo/wikimediaau-l


Re: [Wikimediaau-l] opportunity

2014-01-13 Thread Gnangarra
WMAU is Australian and thats the focus of the application and within our
control... Yes a WMF supporting letter would also be fantastic addition and
the committee could approach them to provide one


On 14 January 2014 09:50, Matt Inbgn mattin...@gmail.com wrote:

 Why a letter just from the chapter. Why not one from the Wikimedia
 foundation as well?

 Sent from my iPhone

 On 14 Jan 2014, at 12:44, Liam Wyatt liamwy...@gmail.com wrote:

 It's a fantastic idea, and nice work Gnang finding it and bringing it to
 everyone's attention. I recall back for the Wiki10 (10th anniversary of
 Wikipedia celebrations) the WMF tried desperately (but in vain) to get an
 antartic research group to host a party in order that there could be a
 party on every single continent.

 Certainly a letter of support from the Chapter should be submitted in
 association with any applicant. Ideally the applicant would not only be
 taking lots of gorgeous photos but also be able to provide some kind of
 bridge between the WP editing community and the scientists down there - to
 help increase a) the quality of texts about antarctic geography, science
 and history, but also to increase the awareness and skills of the science
 community down there in potentially their becoming editors themselves.

 -Liam


 wittylama.com
 Peace, love  metadata


 On 14 January 2014 12:36, Kerry Raymond kerry.raym...@gmail.com wrote:

   Having been to the Antarctic back in 1996, I would certainly say to
 anyone “go for it”! How cool it would be to be (pun intended) to be the
 first Wikimedian in Residence in Antarctica.



 Kerry




  --

 *From:* wikimediaau-l-boun...@lists.wikimedia.org [mailto:
 wikimediaau-l-boun...@lists.wikimedia.org] *On Behalf Of *Gnangarra
 *Sent:* Monday, 13 January 2014 8:50 PM
 *To:* Wikimedia-au
 *Subject:* [Wikimediaau-l] opportunity



 There is an opportunity for someone to spend time in Antartica, as
 photographer I love to be able to do this, as Wikimedian imagine what
 content you could enhance. For me I it's either 20 years too late or 10
 years too soon, given the skills and knowledge of many people here if your
 able to apply I say go for it... applications close 30 March 2014 so give
 it some thought... Become the first Wikimedian in Residence in Antartica.


 http://www.antarctica.gov.au/media/news/2013/antarctic-arts-fellowship-apply-now

 *I havent brought this matter to the committee but I'm sure if you were
 to apply WMAU committee would consider requests for supporting
 documentation where appropriate*

 Gideon

 ___
 Wikimediaau-l mailing list
 Wikimediaau-l@lists.wikimedia.org
 https://lists.wikimedia.org/mailman/listinfo/wikimediaau-l


 ___
 Wikimediaau-l mailing list
 Wikimediaau-l@lists.wikimedia.org
 https://lists.wikimedia.org/mailman/listinfo/wikimediaau-l


 ___
 Wikimediaau-l mailing list
 Wikimediaau-l@lists.wikimedia.org
 https://lists.wikimedia.org/mailman/listinfo/wikimediaau-l


___
Wikimediaau-l mailing list
Wikimediaau-l@lists.wikimedia.org
https://lists.wikimedia.org/mailman/listinfo/wikimediaau-l


Re: [Wikimediaau-l] opportunity

2014-01-13 Thread Tony Souter
I don't think the Foundation will supply a letter, unless you have a particular 
person there in mind. This would not be a Wikemedian in residence, but an 
artist in residence, funded by Canberra and supported by a written commitment 
from the chapter (what would that commitment be?).

Who is applying? They'd need to have a demonstrably good record of professional 
standard. And how to demonstrate the ability to promote research, conservation 
and management endeavours. Solid relations with WPian editors in these fields 
would be an advantage. The current holder writes a blog, which would be worth 
looking at, as would the link to previous holders. Note that originality, 
innovaiton and intellectual merit carry 20% weighting.

Tony




On 14/01/2014, at 12:58 PM, Gnangarra gnanga...@gmail.com wrote:

 WMAU is Australian and thats the focus of the application and within our 
 control... Yes a WMF supporting letter would also be fantastic addition and 
 the committee could approach them to provide one
 
 
 On 14 January 2014 09:50, Matt Inbgn mattin...@gmail.com wrote:
 Why a letter just from the chapter. Why not one from the Wikimedia foundation 
 as well?
 
 Sent from my iPhone
 
 On 14 Jan 2014, at 12:44, Liam Wyatt liamwy...@gmail.com wrote:
 
 It's a fantastic idea, and nice work Gnang finding it and bringing it to 
 everyone's attention. I recall back for the Wiki10 (10th anniversary of 
 Wikipedia celebrations) the WMF tried desperately (but in vain) to get an 
 antartic research group to host a party in order that there could be a party 
 on every single continent.
 
 Certainly a letter of support from the Chapter should be submitted in 
 association with any applicant. Ideally the applicant would not only be 
 taking lots of gorgeous photos but also be able to provide some kind of 
 bridge between the WP editing community and the scientists down there - to 
 help increase a) the quality of texts about antarctic geography, science and 
 history, but also to increase the awareness and skills of the science 
 community down there in potentially their becoming editors themselves. 
 
 -Liam
 
 
 wittylama.com
 Peace, love  metadata
 
 
 On 14 January 2014 12:36, Kerry Raymond kerry.raym...@gmail.com wrote:
 Having been to the Antarctic back in 1996, I would certainly say to anyone 
 “go for it”! How cool it would be to be (pun intended) to be the first 
 Wikimedian in Residence in Antarctica.
 
  
 
 Kerry
 
  
 
  
 
 From: wikimediaau-l-boun...@lists.wikimedia.org 
 [mailto:wikimediaau-l-boun...@lists.wikimedia.org] On Behalf Of Gnangarra
 Sent: Monday, 13 January 2014 8:50 PM
 To: Wikimedia-au
 Subject: [Wikimediaau-l] opportunity
 
  
 
 There is an opportunity for someone to spend time in Antartica, as 
 photographer I love to be able to do this, as Wikimedian imagine what 
 content you could enhance. For me I it's either 20 years too late or 10 
 years too soon, given the skills and knowledge of many people here if your 
 able to apply I say go for it... applications close 30 March 2014 so give it 
 some thought... Become the first Wikimedian in Residence in Antartica.
 
 http://www.antarctica.gov.au/media/news/2013/antarctic-arts-fellowship-apply-now
 
 I havent brought this matter to the committee but I'm sure if you were to 
 apply WMAU committee would consider requests for supporting documentation 
 where appropriate
 
 Gideon
 
 
 ___
 Wikimediaau-l mailing list
 Wikimediaau-l@lists.wikimedia.org
 https://lists.wikimedia.org/mailman/listinfo/wikimediaau-l
 
 
 ___
 Wikimediaau-l mailing list
 Wikimediaau-l@lists.wikimedia.org
 https://lists.wikimedia.org/mailman/listinfo/wikimediaau-l
 
 ___
 Wikimediaau-l mailing list
 Wikimediaau-l@lists.wikimedia.org
 https://lists.wikimedia.org/mailman/listinfo/wikimediaau-l
 
 
 ___
 Wikimediaau-l mailing list
 Wikimediaau-l@lists.wikimedia.org
 https://lists.wikimedia.org/mailman/listinfo/wikimediaau-l

___
Wikimediaau-l mailing list
Wikimediaau-l@lists.wikimedia.org
https://lists.wikimedia.org/mailman/listinfo/wikimediaau-l


Re: [Wikimediaau-l] opportunity

2014-01-13 Thread Lyle Allan
The Conversation today has this piece that anyone thinking of applying might
like to look at. I've removed the pictures, so if you are interested go to
The Conversation and look at the real thing.

 

Scientists at work: stuck in the Antarctic ice we set out to study 

Antarctica is a desolate place. That much we know, but nothing prepares you
for it until you actually get there. It's cold, windy and lonely. Everything
about it is the exact opposite of my normal summer.

Author

1.   http://theconversation.com/profiles/erik-van-sebille-90793 

Erik van Sebille
http://theconversation.com/profiles/erik-van-sebille-90793 

Physical Oceanographer at University of New South Wales
http://theconversation.com/profiles/erik-van-sebille-90793 

 

Disclosure Statement

Erik van Sebille receives funding from the Australian Research Council
(ARC).

University of New South Wales does not contribute to the cost of running The
Conversation. Find out more.
http://theconversation.com/who-funds-the-conversation-13921  

The Conversation is funded by CSIRO, Melbourne, Monash, RMIT, UTS, UWA, ACU,
ANU, Canberra, CDU, Curtin, Deakin, Flinders, Griffith, JCU, La Trobe,
Massey, Murdoch, Newcastle, QUT, Swinburne, Sydney, UniSA, USC, USQ, UTAS,
UWS and VU. 

University of New South Wales Jobs

*   Lecturer / Senior Lecturer in Art Education REF 9828
http://jobs.theconversation.edu.au/jobs/6570-lecturer-senior-lecturer-in-ar
t-education-ref-9828?utm_source=theconversation.comutm_medium=websiteutm_c
ampaign=article 

More JobsWhere experts find jobs
http://jobs.theconversation.edu.au/search/organisations/university-of-new-s
outh-wales?utm_campaign=articleutm_medium=websiteutm_source=theconversatio
n.com 

On board the wonderful Australian icebreaker Aurora australis. Intrepid
Science 

Antarctica is a desolate place. That much we know, but nothing prepares you
for it until you actually get there. It's cold, windy and lonely. Everything
about it is the exact opposite of my normal summer destination. But
scientists value the continent like an uncut gem.

Every bit of data retrieved from Antarctica pushes science forward. Which is
why just over a month ago, we set out on the Australasian Antarctic
Expedition 2013 http://www.spiritofmawson.com/ . Our goal was a survey of
the Southern Ocean near a place called Commonwealth Bay, which is unique
because its conditions changed dramatically a few years ago.

Ever since Sir Douglas Mawson first arrived in Commonwealth Bay in 1912, the
place has been ice-free and directly connected to the Southern Ocean in
summer. But in 2010 a giant iceberg (B09B, almost 100km wide) ran aground in
the middle of the bay and since then sea ice has been building up around the
berg. There is now 70km of ice between the ocean and the site where Mawson
sailed in.

Mawson's original Australasian Antarctic Expedition Intrepid Science

Scientifically, the iceberg offers a wonderful opportunity. Climate change
in Antarctica means melting of the ice sheet, but also an increase in sea
ice. While the extra sea ice in Commonwealth Bay is not directly due to
climate change, the site offers a unique glimpse of how it affects the
ecosystems.

Commonwealth Bay is as close to a controlled lab experiment as one can get
in Antarctic science. So despite my aversion to cold, I joined a team of
ecologists, glaciologists, ornithologists and oceanographers heading south.
Along with us, we had journalists, teachers and nearly two dozen paying
science volunteers. We set out to study what difference an iceberg makes.

With the birds

I've been at sea before, having spent a total of 15 weeks aboard four
different research vessels, measuring the temperature and salinity of the
ocean. But all of these expeditions were in the subtropics. There isn't much
ice around there.

Taking observations on ice is much more difficult than in open water. Going
off the ship is an endeavour - the Antarctic equivalent of a spacewalk. It
requires careful planning and preparation. Even a short trip requires a full
survival kit, including tent, sleeping bag, freeze-dried food and a plastic
bag to use as toilet. This is because blizzards can trap people in the open
without warning. Fortunately, we never needed to use the survival kit. Nor
the plastic bag.

We returned to the ship with some amazing data. My ecologist colleagues
found that kelp forests are dying in Commonwealth Bay because the sea ice
blocks sunlight. My ornithologist colleague found that penguin colonies are
in decline as the penguins need to walk so much further to get to open
water. And I found that the water below the sea ice has become less saline.

The cyclic freezing and melting of the bottom parts of the sea ice annually
has created a 40m thick freshwater lens. As freshwater freezes more easily
than saltier water, the drop in salinity below the sea ice means that it is
easier to form new sea ice. This is called a positive feedback cycle, and it
means that the bay is likely to 

Re: [Wikimediaau-l] opportunity

2014-01-13 Thread Kerry Raymond
Cold, windy, lonely? Surely not, we went to Antarctica to hang out with
friends on the beaches and go swimming :-)

 

http://www.chapelhill.homeip.net/Antarctica/slide_30.htm

 

Seriously, it was actually bright and sunny a lot of the time making the top
half of the body quite warm, but your feet are usually standing in freezing
water or in snow or on ice and are generally a lot colder. You need your
sunglasses because you get a lot of reflection off the snow and ice. You can
see us here bare-headed but rugged up more below that.

 

http://www.chapelhill.homeip.net/Antarctica/slide_33.htm

 

Kerry

 

 

 

 

 

  _  

From: wikimediaau-l-boun...@lists.wikimedia.org
[mailto:wikimediaau-l-boun...@lists.wikimedia.org] On Behalf Of Lyle Allan
Sent: Tuesday, 14 January 2014 2:52 PM
To: 'Wikimedia Australia Chapter'
Subject: Re: [Wikimediaau-l] opportunity

 

The Conversation today has this piece that anyone thinking of applying might
like to look at. I've removed the pictures, so if you are interested go to
The Conversation and look at the real thing.

 

Scientists at work: stuck in the Antarctic ice we set out to study 

Antarctica is a desolate place. That much we know, but nothing prepares you
for it until you actually get there. It's cold, windy and lonely. Everything
about it is the exact opposite of my normal summer.

 

___
Wikimediaau-l mailing list
Wikimediaau-l@lists.wikimedia.org
https://lists.wikimedia.org/mailman/listinfo/wikimediaau-l