FATE OF MERCURY IN THE ARCTIC Michael Evan ... - COGCI

Fate of Mercury in the Arctic 134
It is incumbent of the expedition leader (EL), who may or may not also be the primary
scientific investigator to coordinate with the appropriate permitting and control agencies in the area
of operations well in advance. Some typical permitting requirements include taking of geologic or
biologic samples, weapons and radio permits, wildlife permits, over-flight permits, military base
transit permits, insurance...each area in the Arctic has specific requirements and many have separate
permit issuing coordinators or jurisdiction depending if the purpose is scientific exploration or
mineralogical (economic geological or private) exploration.
It is appropriate to note that submitting an application to one of these agencies as the responsible EL
carries responsibility that must careful be considered namely: the expedition leader is responsible to
the agency for the safety of the team and the protection of the environment, as well as adherence to
the conditions of the permit. The expedition leader may (and in cases of larger or extended
expeditions should) delegate authority to carry out routine tasks (such as radio or wildlife watches)
but should be aware that responsibility can not be delegated and therefore the leader will be
ultimately responsible for all the team accomplishes or fails to accomplish. The 11 general planning
steps utilized are described as below. These steps expand upon and modify a military (8 step) troop-
leading procedure:
1) Receive the assignment:
Ensure that the assignment is clear and well defined. Conduct an initial analysis of the assignment
defining the: Purpose of the field work, the minimum equipment requirements to accomplish the
field work, the type of terrain and weather in the area of operations (check this against maps, photos
and meteorological data available for the area) and cross check this with equipment requirements;
the personnel and expertise required to carry out the proposed field work. Identify absolutely
assignment essential and secondary personnel to the team. Team members must know their roles