We had our first real field sampling week last week. We have selected our sampling area, which contains 9 sampling sites, and will return to it once a week to monitor the changes in the chemistry and biology of the snow and ice. Well, last week we went twice! We got notice of an incoming storm forecast for the beginning of this week (today) and decided to squeeze in a sampling day before the weather hit. I'm glad we did because today is officially our first Condition 2 day: high winds (48-55 knots), low visibility (mostly due to blowing snow), and/or extreme cold temperatures. We only have two of those today (high winds and low vis), but it's enough to keep everyone on station. (In the process of getting this posted, the conditions on the sea ice and at the airfield have shifted to Con1, which is the most extreme weather rating.) We did have two beautiful, clear sunny days of sampling on the sea ice last week. We are gearing up for a quick trip (maybe) tomorrow afternoon and then another full sampling on Thursday. In between sampling days I have done a little bit of hiking around station, including out to hut point to see a baby seal! I'm still figuring out how to get my new computer set up on our slow network so I don't have all my pictures to post yet, but stay tuned.
2 Comments
Jessica Schiffman
11/7/2023 10:55:46 am
I love getting a sense of daily life and your work. Fascinating!
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Michele
11/11/2023 03:59:18 pm
Thanks for these fantastic updates, Emma! It’s wonderful to see what you are up to down there.
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AuthorI am a marine molecular ecologist at the University of Washington. I'm excited to share my first Antarctica trip with you! Archives
December 2023
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