Flying Practice at Lyon for Antarctic Observations

Recent visitors to Lyon Arboretum may have noticed an unusual sight: a drone flying overhead. Although drones are normally forbidden at the Arboretum, special permission has been granted to a team of researchers. They are honing their flying skills before they travel to Antarctica, where they will be studying an area that is thawing due to climate change. Their study area now has exposed rock and even hosts a variety of plant life. The researchers, led by Dr. Beilman of the University of Hawaii’s Department of Geography and Environment, will use drones to fly over the Antarctic area and map plant growth and surface temperatures to better understand the changes in this region.

For more information about this project, contact Dr. Beilman at beilman@hawaii.edu