During EGU 2014, APECS and PYRN hosted a fieldwork panel discussion. Our four invited speakers (Andreas Richter, John Connelly, Marc Oliva and Bryn Hubbard) each gave a short presentation full of tips, anecdotes and inspiration.
-
Here are some of their top tips:
- Keep equipment simple and take things that can be repaired easily.
- Test all your equipment (in representative conditions) and make necessary adjustments before you go.
- Don't rely on other people to supply critical equipment e.g. generators.
- Take spare tools and parts.
- Budget logistics into funding proposals – freight is expensive!
- Prioritise your research plan and keep it flexible.
- Keep an organized field notebook and back it up (take a picture of each page).
- Connect to local people and researchers: they know the area best.
- Read local regulations (e.g. Antarctic Treaty) before you go.
- Sleep and food are vital!
- Be prepared for bad weather days.
- Be prepared to miss home.
- Well worth asking to join other groups.
- Lastly, remember that everything is possible!
Thank you again to our speakers and audience!
