April 7, 2009 | UCAR photographer Carlye Calvin snapped this photo of dramatic ice on the Arctic Ocean near Barrow, Alaska, in March during OASIS (Ocean–Atmosphere–Sea Ice–Snowpack). The field project, which is part of International Polar Year, is the most detailed study to date of the chemical and physical exchange processes between the ocean, atmosphere, and cryosphere (Earth’s frozen realms). Researchers are studying how these processes impact atmospheric chemistry, climate, and Earth’s ecosystems.

For a photo slide show from OASIS, click here.