… was extremely enjoyable, because I was on vacation in Churchill, MB – watching polar bears, checking out the boreal forest and the tundra. I also visited the Churchill Northern Studies Centre. People there were extremely friendly and helpful and I was given an extended tour of the research station and the possibilities they offer. It is run as a facility that provides logistical support (food, lodging, transportation), local advice (sampling locations, terrain, flora & fauna) to researchers, who typically arrive with their projects. Some tasks can also be performed by the centre (sampling,…).
The place is very interesting and attractive with regard to equipment, rates, accessibility,… although, personally, I am a bit concerned about anthropogenic influence (a former rocket range, former military installations, the airport and the town are close-by), when it comes to sampling for VOC in snow and air. It would be necessary to choose sampling spots very carefully. Environment Canada is running a few automated instruments there, including a Tekran Hg Analyzer.
