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Lake Ecosystems in Antarctica

Ms. Ellwood,

Our class is so pumped and excited about your trip!!!!

Ques #1. How do you become a master SCUBA diver with credentials good enough for diving in Antarctica?

Ques #2. How did you become interested in polar research & ice diving?

Ques #3 We know that the temp of the water under the ice should be close to 4 degrees C YIKES!! But how cold is the air in the Dry Valleys where you will be living?

Ques #4 How long will it take for you to go from NH to NZ to McMurdo to The Dry Valleys?

Thanks,

Mr. Peneston’s 2nd block Earth Science class.

Tue, 10/14/2008 - 15:41

Robin Ellwood

Hello Mr. Peneston's class!Great to hear from you!
1) There are SCUBA classes that one can take. Basically, one needs at least an advanced diver certification with dry suit training and experience. I was a SCUBA instructor for about 10 years, so I have advanced diving degrees of all sorts! I also have done a considerable amount of dry suit diving and had been under the ice in NH a few times prior to my first experience in Antarctica! Nothing compares to diving in Antarctica - it is simply amazing!
2) I have been interested in polar regions for quite some time; I find them fascinating! I also am interested in issues around climate change. My participation in a workshop about climate change initiated my connections to Antarctic research. Here I am!
3) Actually, the water temperature is just about 0 C. The air temp in the Dry Valleys will most likely be somewhere around -9 C! Camping will be fun!
4) Strictly talking time in the air, it takes about 24.5 hours. It's a LONG TIME! Add in airport layovers, plane changes, and it takes even longer! 
My first flight left NH at 11 am on Monday 10/13. I have just arrived at my hotel in Christchurch, NZ and it is 12:40 pm on Wednesday! Don't forget though, that I lose a day crossing over the international date line!
Keep in touch!
Cheers,
Robin