Registration is required for this free, virtual event. Go to: https://bit.ly/LarramendiTalk
Hamptons Observatory and co-host, Suffolk County Community College, are honored to present a free, virtual lecture by polar explorer, expedition leader, and inventor, Ramon Larramendi.
The annual North Greenland WindSled Expeditions (NGWE) plays a vital role in sustainable and ongoing data acquisition to understand the changes occurring in the ice cap and their implications for the health of the Arctic ecosystem and the global environment. These expeditions, which monitor activity in Greenland’s northern ice cap, are essential for understanding the dynamics of the ice sheet, its response to climate change, and its potential impact on global sea level rise. The program uses an innovative, zero-emissions, wind-powered form of transport, the “WindSled,” which was invented by Ramon Larramendi. It serves as a portable lab, that enables scientists to travel across previously inaccessible ice-covered regions to collect samples and study specific features of the environment. For example, on the last Antarctic expedition scientists from the UMaine Climate Change Institute obtained snow and ice samples to study the history of climate change. Other monitoring activities may include remote sensing satellite data validation; establishing climate, weather and meteorological monitoring stations; taking geological measurements; and much more. Collected data are analyzed to identify trends, patterns, and potential correlations. Computer models are generated and used to simulate the behavior of the ice sheet under different climate scenarios, thus helping scientists make predictions about future changes. Overall, the goal of these monitoring activities and expeditions is to contribute to global climate change research, to enhance our understanding of the northern Greenland ice sheet and provide valuable insights into how its dynamics impact our planet.
Ramon Larramendi is the inventor of the WindSled and the Founding Director of the NGWE. He specializes in traditional Inuit travel and survival techniques. During his 30-year career, he has led more than 20 of the most significant polar expeditions and has made over 100 trips to polar regions; this is not counting the expeditions he will be leading later this year. One of his most renown trips was the Circumpolar Expedition during which he traveled nearly 14,000 kilometers by dogsled, kayak and other non-motorized means from Greenland to Alaska across the Northwest Passage (see National Geographic’s “Global Edition,” January 1995). He has lived more than 8 years in the Arctic and currently resides between Spain and Greenland. He is a decades-long member of the Explorer’s Club in New York.
Hamptons Observatory extends its deepest thanks to Ramon for generously taking the time to share his expertise, and is also grateful to co-host Suffolk County Community College, and to Carin Eve Cole, for their kind collaboration.
While this lecture is free, donations to support our programs are needed and deeply appreciated regardless of the amount. To make a tax-deductible donation to support our mission, please go to https://bit.ly/HO-Zeffy. Thanks!
Hamptons Observatory (HO), a 501(c)(3) New York State nonprofit, has served the community since 2005 and operates exclusively through public support. It’s mission: to foster interest in science, particularly astronomy, through quality educational programs. Lectures, star parties, portable planetarium shows and other events are held frequently and often in collaboration with other nonprofit organizations.
HO has an observatory in East Hampton that it is endeavoring to restore and to make accessible (in-person and remotely) to students, researchers, educators and the general public. We offer our public programs free of charge so that everyone has the opportunity to learn about and enjoy the wonders of the universe. For further information about us or to join our mailing list, please visit our website: https://HamptonsObservatory.org
