 This summer, Professor John A. Tarduno led the second expedition based from the University of Rochester to the High Canadian Arctic. The group established 4 base camps on western Axel Heiberg Island at approximately 79 degrees north latitude. The fiords of western Axel Heiberg afford spectacular exposures of Cretaceous sediments and volcanic rocks, and are often partially to completely snow-free in July. |
 The expedition had both research and teaching components, and involved 4 undergraduate students. During the expedition, students learned basic field techniques as part of the Department of Earth and Environmental Science's course in Field Geology offered by Professor Tarduno (EES 299). |
 Students are also introduced to a range of research sampling techniques, focusing on paleomagnetic sampling, but also involving geochemical sampling, and stratigraphic and paleontologic studies. Some students become involved in the research studies on their return to the University and work toward the completion of Undergraduate theses. |
 The principal research goal of the expedition centers on gaining new information about the Arctic large igneous province (see description in our 1996 expedition report). This year, a reasonable number of sunny days allowed the group to complete paleomagnetic sampling, and to complete stratigraphic measurements on, and collecting of an important fossil locality first discovered during the 1996 expedition. The Paleomagnetic Research Group and its collaborators are busy analyzing the samples collected and preparing manuscripts on the results. The work of the Paleomagnetic Research Group is supported by the Arctic Natural Sciences Program (Office of Polar Programs, National Science Foundation) and by the Canadian Polar Continental Shelf Project. |
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