The narwhal is one of the most iconic marine mammals of the Arctic but remains virtually unstudied due to its deep diving habits and polar distribution. Of primary concern is the impact of warming oceans and the loss of ice in the primary habitats of these large, toothed whales.

On this expedition in Scoresby Sound, Greenland, above the Arctic Circle, Terrie Williams and the Williams Ice Lab team conducted some of the first thermal measurements for this species with new infrared technology. The Williams ICE Lab is dedicated to studying the comparative ecophysiology and exercise physiology of humans and the largest, most endangered mammals to walk on land and swim in the oceans.

Williams’ Flag Report documents a new discovery on the body makeup of narwhals, which is helping them to adapt to climatic change in ways in which other animals have struggled. WINGS funding provided the thermal cameras which aided in this discovery!