Norm Lasca
Dr. Norman P. Lasca is Professor of Geology and Senior Research Scientist at the University of Wisconsin. Widely traveled, for much of his professional life he has worked extensively in the Arctic and subarctic areas, surrounding the Arctic Ocean, as well as in the Antarctic. Dr. Lasca is a widely published scholar, and editor and contributor to the Geological Society of America's volume entitled: the Archaeological Geology of North America.
Norm has joined these expeditions:
When did you begin working in the polar regions?
"In the Arctic in 1961, as a geologist. It was 1978 in Antarctica. I was a lecturer and geologist."
When did you join Quark's Expedition Team?
"I was one of the first as I joined in 1991."
What skills do you call on to perform your job on our ships?
"Over 45 years of geological research in glaciated terrains - especially in polar regions. I've been teaching geology and Earth surface processes at the university level all my adult life."
What keeps you coming back year after year?
"The wonders of the polar regions; sharing my knowledge of the geology and natural history of the Arctic and Antarctic with first, or multi-time, adventurers who join us."
If you could time travel, which historic expedition would you like to join, and why?
"In the Antarctic: as a geologist on Shackleton's 1907 Nimrod Expedition to make the first ascent of Mt. Erebus, to do geological mapping, and to be the first team to reach the south magnetic pole. In the Arctic: as a geologist on Rasmussen's First Thule Expedition, to supplement the expedition's biology and archaeology by mapping the geology across coastal Arctic Canada and Alaska."
Norm's Advice to Polar Travelers
"Read as much as you can about the exploration, human and natural history of the area you're going to visit, before beginning your journey."