Ok, so our suite of scientific measurements has been finalized at last.
Here's a list of instruments:
1. 3D Laser Scanner - this really is the centerpiece of the project, it will basically take the surface of the Arctic as it is and put it on your computer in 3D.
2. Two GoPro Cameras - to be mounted on the helicopter and take aerial photos of the survey sites (which can be stitched together and produce huge, beautiful mosaics)
3. Magnaprobe - measuring snowdepth and giving GPS readings
4. Total Station - to tie in the snowdepth readings with the scanner data, and produce low resolution surveys of the ice topography
5. Drills - electric and petrol driven, to measure ice thickness
6. Corer - to take samples of the ice, which tell us how old it is, what it's salinity, density and other properties are
The following is taken from an email I sent to Malcolm Davidson of ESA (European Space Agency) and colleagues.
Detailed surveying of first year and multi-year pressure ridges. In order to do so we are taking a 3D laser scanner with us (+ an expert to work it) which will hopefully produce 3D profiles of ridges to a mm resolution. This will be supplemented with extensive snowdepth readings (using a magnaprobe). Snowdepths and scanner data will be tied together using a Leica Total Station. We're also planning on obtaining thicknesses by drilling (as much as feasible). To get an idea of the properties of ice and snow we'll be taking cores (mainly of the undeformed ice sheets on either side of the surveyed ridges). Finally we'll use the Greenpeace helicopter and imaging technology supported by WHOI to produce mosaicked aerial imagery of the ice surveyed.
We're planning on performing similar measurements on meltponds. The ice conditions will determine whether and when we'll be focusing on ridges/ melt ponds.
Note that this is a very optimistic plan, assuming we'll be having 4 weeks of sun, perfectly functioning equipment, endless battery power and a never ending supply of helping hands.