In March, researchers from  Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution (WHOI)  performed sea ice and underwater acoustic surveys in preparation for a return trip in March 2009  to make the first direct measurement of Pacific Ocean water flowing into the western Arctic in winter. This flow plays a role in maintaining the Arctic ice cap .The researchers are working in the Chukchi Sea off Point Barrow, Alaska. In this region, huge volumes of sea ice are formed, helping to shield and protect the polar ice cap. 

The problem for researchers is that the process occurs under the ice in winter. Their solution is an autonomous underwater vehicle (AUV) with strategically placed acoustic transponders. The AUV will do much of its work out of transponder range, using only internal navigation to find its way back home to an ice hole. 

Other equipment the researchers are checking out in preparation for their tasks are snowmobiles, sleds, ice-augers, tents and heaters. Also on the list is a human look-out for the polar bears who are always curious about tents on their ice.