On Thin Ice: Current Events as Seen Through a Different Lens

LEENKAN, ALASKA. — The privately-funded Frozen Lakes Ecosystem research expedition led by Dr. Anitta Mawter, has been at the forefront of controversy as criticism mounts over safety concerns and lack of proper safety measurements.

For 10 months out of the year, Mawter and her team are stationed in Alaska, conducting research on the many frozen lakes found in the Arctic Circle. There is a permanent base located here in Leenkan, Alaska, with the team setting up temporary camps at each of the lakes being studied.

This has been standard procedure in previous years. However, given a rapid and unexpected flare up in greenhouse gases earlier this year, critics are adamant against the setting up of a temporary base on the for-now-frozen lakes.

In speaking with Dr. Anton Faicu, risk management expert, he said, “Given the current circumstances, it is absolutely outrageous that [Dr.] Mawter would choose to still take her team and set up operations on any of those lakes. To have all the members of the expedition gather in such a localized space, knowing the risks that this year’s heat increase brings, it is not hard to see how something bad is very likely to happen, and our models back up that conclusion. Sure, the lake research is important and it should continue, but discontinuing the practice of temporary bases for now would be the best thing to ensure the safety of everyone involved in the expedition.”

Responding to the criticism, Mawter stated, “Going out on the ice as a group has been an integral part of this research experience. It helps build community and improves the efficiency of our research. We are well aware of the concerns cited by certain people and are taking full measures to ensure the safety of our whole team. We have ordered waterproof equipment and clothing, flotation devices, and in the event of lake ice breaking, we are currently training several members to be lifeguards.”

As of the writing of this article, Dr. Mawter and her team are set to carry on with their plans, regardless of the mounting criticism; one can only hope that this time Icarus has learned how to swim.

Update: A government researcher has been rescued after having been trapped and isolated on a chunk of ice after the collapse of the lake he was crossing. Upon reaching out to Dr. Mawter’s team for comment, the only response was “Not at our sites!”

Dad Joke of the Week:

Why are penguins really bad at arguing logically?

 They fall down too many slippery slopes.

Samuel Ortiz is a Sophomore

Nursing Major from

Orlando, Florida