Juneau Icefield Research Program
Undergraduate Research Program
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
The Juneau Icefield Research Program (JIRP) is a student research program that focuses on the study of the Juneau Icefield, a collection of glaciers near Juneau, Alaska. Currently run by the University of Maine with support from the University of Alaska Southeast, it is the longest running icefield research program in North America.[1][2][3] Students start in Juneau and traverse the icefield in 8 weeks, ending in Atlin, British Columbia.[1][4]
JIRP field camp 10, on the Taku Glacier. | |
| Founded | 1946 |
|---|---|
| Located | Juneau, Alaska |
| Field of Study | Glaciology |
History
The Juneau Icefield Research Program was founded in the 1940s by Maynard Miller, a glaciologist who was on a surveying expedition of the icefield led by William B. Osgood Field Jr. It was led by Miller until his death in 2014.[2][5][6] It is currently run by the University of Maine and the University of Alaska Southeast.[2]
Research
JIRP has collected and analyzed the surface mass-balance of the Juneau Icefield since 1946, primarily focusing on the Lemon Creek Glacier and Taku Glacier.[3] Students in the program learn mountaineering and glacial travel skills while conducting research on the surrounding ice.[1][4][6] Although primarily an undergraduate research program, it is open to graduate students and high school students.[2][7]
Notable alumni
Some notable JIRP alumni include:
- Steve Squyres, geologist and planetary scientist[1][8]
- Alison Criscitiello, glaciologist and mountaineer[1]
- Austin Post, photographer[1][8]