Multimedia Gallery
Arctic native ice testing stick (Image 1)
Two people on sea ice in the north Bering Sea hold Arctic native ice-testing sticks called "unghaqs." The hooks visible at the top of the sticks are used for retrieving things, such as grabbing an individual's clothing if they fall in the water, and the other end is used for poking the ice. In the background is the Russian icebreaker Magadan.
Unghaqs are a highly valued safety tool for Alaskans who live in coastal communities and venture onto the ice for hunting in the winter. By testing the ice in their path with the stick, they can prevent accidentally falling through weaker patches.
The ice-classed research vessel Sikuliaq, owned by the National Science Foundation, will be equipped with about a half dozen of these sticks as part of the ships safety outfit on an upcoming voyage. (Date of Image: 2006) [See related image Here.]
Credit: Anatoly Kochnev, National Park Beringia
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