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“It’s Cold, but Not Cold Enough”: Observing Ice and Climate Change in Gambell, Alaska, in IPY 2007–2008 and Beyond

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SIKU: Knowing Our Ice

Abstract

The chapter discusses the main outcomes of 3 years (2006–2007, 2007–2008, 2008–2009) of systematic observation of ice and weather conditions in the community of Gambell (Sivuqaq) on St. Lawrence Island, Alaska. The 3-year recording of ice and weather in Gambell by local monitors was a part of a larger observation effort under the SIKU project. Observers from eight communities in Alaska and Russian Chukotka took daily notes of ice and weather around their home areas for several consecutive winters. Data from Gambell are the longest and the most comprehensive within this larger SIKU data set. Observations by local monitors reveal a very complex signal of change that often differs by season or location, even among the nearby communities. The 3-year record of ice and weather observations offers new insight to Arctic climate and ice scientists. It will also help Arctic residents document their cultural tradition, ice use, and knowledge in the time of rapid environmental and social change.

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Acknowledgments

This chapter is a product of a 4-year partnership and a much longer collaboration between indigenous experts and scientists on St. Lawrence Island and Bering Strait region. It is also our tribute to the Yupik wisdom and teaching that help keep the Yupik knowledge of ice, animals, and hunting vigorous and strong. Elders Conrad Oozeva (Akulki), Willis Walunga (Kepelgu), Ralph Apatiki, Sr. (Anaggun), Chester Noongwook (Tapghaghmii) advised us at various stages of our project and hunters of today, George Noongwook (Mangtaaquli), Merle Apassingok (Wawiita), Branson Tungiyan (Unguqti), Aaron Iworrigan (Yupestaaq), and Edwin Campbell (Iiyiitaq) shared their knowledge in interviews from 2004 to 2008. Gary Hufford (Alaska Weather Service, Anchorage) and Martha Shulski (Geophysical Institute, University of Alaska Fairbanks) supplied historical weather records and ice satellite images. Our colleagues, G. Carleton Ray, Gary Hufford, Hajo Eicken, and James Overland offered valuable insight; Ray, Eicken, Claudio Aporta, Shari Gearheard, and Cara Seitchek commented on the first draft of this chapter. Matt Druckenmiller produced the map. We thank you all.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Anthropology, National Museum of Natural History, Smithsonian Institution, Washington, DC, 20013-7012, USA

    Igor Krupnik

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  1. Igor Krupnik
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  2. Leonard Apangalook Sr
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  3. Paul Apangalook
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Correspondence to Igor Krupnik .

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Editors and Affiliations

  1. National Museum of Natural History, Dept. Anthropology, Smithsonian Institution, 10th and Constitution Ave. NW.,, Washington, 20013-7012, District of Columbia, USA

    Igor Krupnik

  2. Dept. Sociology & Anthropology, Carleton University, Colonel By Dr. 1125, Ottawa, K1S 5B6, Ontario, Canada

    Claudio Aporta

  3. National Snow & Ice Data Center, University of Colorado, Boulder, Clyde River, Nunavut, Canada

    Shari Gearheard

  4. Dept. Geography &, Environmental Studies, Carleton University, Colonel By Drive 1125, Ottawa, K1S 5B6, Ontario, Canada

    Gita J. Laidler

  5. Inuit Circumpolar Council, Greenland, Dr. Ingridsvej 1, Nuuk, 3900, Greenland

    Lene Kielsen Holm

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Krupnik, I., Apangalook, L., Apangalook, P. (2010). “It’s Cold, but Not Cold Enough”: Observing Ice and Climate Change in Gambell, Alaska, in IPY 2007–2008 and Beyond. In: Krupnik, I., Aporta, C., Gearheard, S., Laidler, G., Kielsen Holm, L. (eds) SIKU: Knowing Our Ice. Springer, Dordrecht. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-90-481-8587-0_4

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