November 11 2005

IGPP scientist Paul Henkart crosses the Artic Ocean with an international research team

IGPP's Cecil and Ida Green Laboratory employee Paul Henkart was a member of an international team on a 56 day scientific expedition across the Arctic Ocean aboard the U.S. Coast Guard icebreaker Healy. The expedition was just the second time a U.S. surface vessel crossed the Arctic Ocean.

Figure 1: Cruise track over the Artic Ocean

As a geophysical analyst, Henkart was responsible for the real-time processing of a multi-channel seismic (MCS) reflection system developed by the University of Bergen (Norway). Over 2,000 kilometers of MCS data were collected, whereas only 6,000 kilometers in total had been collected previously.

Figure 2: Healy towing streamer and airguns

Henkart also developed a processing scheme for a high resolution chirp sub-bottom profiler (Knudsen 320B) that was used by scientists from Stockholm University.

Figure 3: Sub-bottom profiler record section

Geophysical data were collected over the Mendeleev Ridge and the Lomonosov Ridge, but heavy pack ice prevented surveying the Gakkel Ridge.

Figure 4: Polar bear eating seal