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

Fate of Mercury in the Arctic 136
3) Make a tentative plan to accomplish your assignment:
Accomplish a more careful and complete analysis with your assistant expedition leader, find and
define the explicit tasks to accomplish the field work (e.g., sample peat) and the implied tasks (i.e.,
need a peat sampler if don’t already have one!). Remember to take into account the weight of
samples leaving when planning for what can be brought out coming. Consult with a pilot if flying to
determine if fuel weight loss compensates from the in-bound flight compensates for this (if they
will fly with less than a full tank). Determine the need for fuel and store depots and make a plan for
their pre-placement (to be initiated upon receipt of permits). Estimate how weather and terrain will
affect your mobility and survivability. Task-organize your planned field work and teams. Allow for
flexibility! Develop primary and alternate courses of action. Talk these through with your assistant.
Make a decision as to the primary plan. Update the appropriate agencies of your finalized plan and
team list.
4) Initiate transport of equipment and personnel
Cargo must often be requisitioned long in advance, if borrowed from agency stores. Other cargo
should be shipped well in advance since cargo will have a lower priority on flights in and out of the
Arctic than personal equipment (due to safety considerations). Flights (commercial or military) in
and out of the Arctic are always weather dependent and personnel movement should allow and plan
for delays prior to the start of the assignment. Ensure that control agencies, charters or guides in the
fields are informed of any changes that may occur. Upon arrival to the Arctic airport, check
equipment and personnel. Ensure that all assignment and survival essential gear is functioning.
Communications and weapons are key tools. Ensure that everyone on the team knows how they
function. Don’t mix equipment – your equipment should function as a back-up to the other, so that
you always have one set functioning. Communications should be checked with the local controlling
authority. Leave a map with your routes and plan and leave your frequency and contact plan with