Journal

Are you nervous about anything?

Nervous?
Mike, trying to look nervous.
Nope. Maybe I should be… but I’m not.

Aren’t you worried about the cold?

Not really. It will be cold. Okay, it will be really cold. But we will be very well equipped. Every American is issued a full set of Extreme Cold Weather clothing in Christchurch, New Zealand before deploying to the Ice. I’ve been to a few really cold places before when I was in the Army, so I know what to expect. Fun Fact: Once when I was in the Army I had my “Arctic Canteen” freeze solid while I was wearing it, INSIDE of my sleeping bag, INSIDE of a tent!

Are you nervous about all of the flying?

I enjoy flying in both airplanes and helicopters so it is just a mode of transportation and not a new experience. Again, the Army helped with that!

Air Assault Blackhawk
This is UH-60 (Blackhawk) hovering in Air Assault training. Photo credit USMA
Sling loading a HMMWV
This shows a Bell UH-1N hovering while infantry sling load an HMMWV.

You HAVE to be concerned about going to the bathroom in really cold temperatures!

It is true that going to the bathroom in really cold temperatures can be a challenge. To make it even more interesting, ALL waste (to include our bodily wastes) have to be collected and shipped back to the United States. So… I’ll be peeing in a bottle. I’ll let you use your imagination for… the other waste.

Aren’t you apprehensive about being with strangers?

I’ve actually gotten to meet most of the people on my team. Dr. Lazzara (The PI of the project) welcomed me to Madison, Wisconsin twice. While there I met and got to know Dave Mikolajczyk and Lee Wellhouse. Both of whom will be deploying with me. So, they aren’t strangers anymore.

https://amrc.ssec.wisc.edu/people/matt.html

https://amrc.ssec.wisc.edu/people/david.html

https://amrc.ssec.wisc.edu/people/lee.html

Come on. You HAVE to be nervous about something.

Okay, if I have to pick something that I’m concerned about I would have to say that I’m concerned about doing my PolarConnect event and posting timely journals like this one. I’m very comfortable with the cold, flying, the physical challenges of the work I’m expected to do and the people I’ll be working with. I do have some concerns about balancing my responsibility to my team and the science and my PolarTREC outreach responsibilities. I like to be prepared so I’ve practiced and studied… but I haven’t actually done it yet. On the other hand, if the weather, or the satellites, or the internet connection won’t cooperate, “It’s all good.” If there is nothing I can do, there is nothing I can do. Ya Know?

Details
Author
Mike Penn
Date
Location
My living room
Expedition
Antarctic Automatic Weather Stations 2018
Weather Summary
light snow
Temperature
28˚F
Wind Speed
6 MPH
Wind Chill
25˚F

View Comments

Comments

Mon, 12/10/2018 - 07:26

Ryan urban

You are already in Antarctica so you shouldn’t be scared

Mon, 12/10/2018 - 10:21

Mike Penn

Ryan, Nope, I'm not scared. Take a look at some of the other answers that I'm written since your question has been a popular one over the past two weeks. The only thing that gives me any anxiety is making sure that I keep up on all of my PolarTREC responsibilities and write meaningful answers to students like you! Thanks for reading my journals and taking the time to write a question or statement here!

Mon, 12/10/2018 - 10:37

Mike Penn

Kiri, I've only seen two birds (Skua) and about 20 -30 seals. The seals were near the "Pressure Ridges" where the ice was buckled up and there were small areas of open water. Otherwise there have been no other animals...and of course, there are no plants, at all, on the entire continent. There are few mosses and lichens on the islands, but none on the continent. Your last question is more challenging. I'd say that Antarctica is a "better" place to visit because it is so hard to get to and so different from home. The tropics are...kind of easy to get to. But the Antarctic is much more difficult to get to and therefore much more valuable in terms of accessibility. Also, where else will you see 'Sun Dogs", Katabatic Winds, and ice fog?

Mon, 12/10/2018 - 10:46

Mike Penn

Daniel,I'm sorry for the delay in answering your question. I think the answer depends on the temperature outside. The colder it is, the faster it would freeze. If it were below -40˚ F, it would only take seconds to freeze. Getting water on you (day or night) could be deadly if you couldn't get dry almost immediately. Thanks for reading my journals and taking the time to ask a question and again, I'm sorry for the delay in getting back to you.

Wed, 11/14/2018 - 08:08

HUNTER

do you think Scott fell down a crevasse or do you think he is frozen in the snow.

Wed, 11/14/2018 - 09:10

Mike Penn

Hunter, Accounts differ on when and how Scott died. It is thought that he died on March 28th or 29th of 1912. According to a USA Today article on January 16, 2001 "In 2001 glaciologist Charles R. Bentley estimated that the tent with the bodies and presumably Scott's body, was under about 75 feet (23 m) of ice and about 30 miles (48 km) from the point where they died; he speculated that in about 275 years the bodies would reach the Ross Sea, and perhaps float away inside an iceberg."

Thu, 11/29/2018 - 11:53

Daniel

If you spilled water on your clothes, how long would it take for it to freeze? Would it be dangerous if water got on you over night?

Wed, 11/14/2018 - 10:25

Ashley Luce

Why aren't you nervous for this because you could die on this trip but survive.

Wed, 11/14/2018 - 10:30

calvin

Why are't you allowed to dispose of bodily waste in the snow and ice? It will be covered with snow in a few hours so what is the point of turning it in?

Wed, 11/14/2018 - 10:32

Elijah

what position did you serve in the army? thanks for your service.

Wed, 11/14/2018 - 10:32

Alessia

How do u get water to Antarctica without the water freezing ?

Wed, 11/14/2018 - 10:32

Christopher ODell

Thank you for coming in and telling us about your trip to Antarctica the story of the guy who got frozen in an iceberg really got me interested into Antarctica.

Wed, 11/14/2018 - 10:32

Brandy Warvel

Our entire class enjoyed your visit and interesting presentation.We thank you for coming and wish you luck.One last question,What are the chances of you getting lost and if you got lost do you think your team would have the skills to find you?

Wed, 11/14/2018 - 10:33

Bailey

Are you nervous you might die or be seriously injured and what places have you been that are cold

Wed, 11/14/2018 - 10:33

Vanessa

Hi Mr. Penn. I was wondering about crevasse, like what would you do if you or one of your team members fell inside of one? would you be nervous to fall in one?

Wed, 11/14/2018 - 10:33

gracie

I was wondering if you ever got lost would you team be worried, and would they have the proper skills to come find you and get you the help you need?

Wed, 11/14/2018 - 10:34

christina

Is the tent you will be staying in just a regular camping tent, or is the material thicker?

Wed, 11/14/2018 - 10:36

Christopher ODell

how would you get extra water if you run out?

Wed, 11/14/2018 - 10:37

Adrianna

Hello Mr.Penn I was wondering if a crevasse was to come and you were on a expedition and you were tied to a helicopter would you and you had a chance to go down the crevasse would you go down the crevasse our would you rather not go down the crevasse.

Wed, 11/14/2018 - 10:38

christianwest

do you think your liquid waste will freeze after your done using the bathroom

Wed, 11/14/2018 - 10:42

Baily Hewitt

what is the first thing that you will do when you get to Antarctica?

Wed, 11/14/2018 - 10:43

Austin

l like your beard.

Wed, 11/14/2018 - 10:45

Gabriel

After the army was teaching what you wanted to do or did you have different jobs in mind ?

Thu, 11/15/2018 - 06:34

Mike Penn

Ashley, I'm not nervous because we and the United States Antarctic Program have worked very hard to make sure that we have all of the appropriate equipment, training, specialized skills, and people to avoid problems in the first place. If there is a problem we are knowledgable and cool-headed enough to successfully and safely deal with it.

Fri, 11/30/2018 - 11:58

Kiri Barney

Hi my name is Kiri, I think its really amazing you get to experience something most people will never get to. I'm super jealous! Well I have 2 questions i'd like to ask. The first one being what animals have you seen there? (if any) I really love animals, in fact I hope to study them one day for a living. Last question is what would you say makes Antarctica a better place to visit than somewhere tropical. I know that question is difficult because its hard to compare two complete opposites. But I am interested in the specific, not so obvious, differences that would make Antarctic stand out.

Thu, 11/15/2018 - 06:35

Mike Penn

Calvin, The United States signed the Antarctic Treaty where we agreed that ALL waste would be removed from the continent. The environment is pristine and we need to keep it that way.

Thu, 11/15/2018 - 06:36

Mike Penn

Elijah, I was in the Infantry for my entire Army career.

Thu, 11/15/2018 - 06:38

Mike Penn

Alessia, Fortunately, 98% of Antarctica is covered in frozen water so we don't have to bring any with us. All we have to do is dig up some ice or snow and melt it! We will each carry a personal water bottle that we will keep inside out "Big Red" coat so that it doesn't freeze.

Sat, 03/16/2019 - 18:21

Mike Penn

Christopher, I'm really glad to have gotten to come to Danville! All 350 students (I saw every student K-8) were very polite and all of you seemed really interested! It was my pleasure.

Thu, 11/15/2018 - 07:31

Alaina

Hi,my name is Alaina from Dansville Middle School. I was wondering,how is your family effected by you going to Antarctica?

Thu, 11/15/2018 - 07:31

Mariah

Hi my name is Mariah i go to dansville schools my question is what day are you going to arrive there.

Thu, 11/15/2018 - 07:32

Chloe

Hey there, i'm a student from Dansville Middle school, i know that your not very scared to go to Antarctica, but what is your most fear?

Thu, 11/15/2018 - 07:35

Jessika

I understand your perfectly fine with the trip and put your faith in the national science foundation, but is your family nervous for you?

Thu, 11/15/2018 - 07:35

Haydon

what was your favorite training for Antarctica?

Thu, 11/15/2018 - 07:39

Riley

Hello Mr.Penn i was wondering seen Antarctic is a vary cold place when you get back to the united stats will it fell weird because of the temperature .

Thu, 11/15/2018 - 07:41

Guest

Hello Mr.Penn what would happen if you didn't have your gear would you freeze to death or what would happen?From: Karley Warvel

Thu, 11/15/2018 - 07:46

Abby Post

Is there any heated houses?

Thu, 11/15/2018 - 07:46

Gage

are you actually nervous or no cause i believe you might be nervous

Thu, 11/15/2018 - 07:51

Riley

Hello Mr.Penn do you think Scott got stuck in a cave or froze from hypothermia.

Thu, 11/15/2018 - 07:51

Haydon

hello Mr.Penn what do you think happen to Scott and GOOD LUCK on the trip

Thu, 11/15/2018 - 10:57

Mike Penn

Brandy,We will keep a very close watch on the weather forecasts. If the weather is likely to get bad, we won't fly. In that way, we can avoid the likelihood that we could get caught in conditions that would have limited visibility.

Thu, 11/15/2018 - 10:59

Mike Penn

Bailey, I'm not nervous at all about the cold or really any part of what we will be doing or where we will be. I've been to Alaska several times and have a good bit of training in wilderness survival. Thanks for your concern!

Thu, 11/15/2018 - 16:04

Mike Penn

Vanessa, We are not likely to be in "shear zones" while in Antarctica. The AWS need to be on stable ice. That isn't to say that a crevasse can't happen on any ice sheet, but we should avoid areas that are likely to have crevassing. My team told me that sometimes, in areas that may have crevasses they will bring a team member who is qualified as a "Mountaineer" who is specially trained to detect snow-covered crevasses. All known crevasses are marked with black flags so that they can be avoided. Some vehicles have a sonar-like device on a boom extended in front of the vehicle to detect crevasses before the vehicle crosses the thin snow covering the crevasse. People are often tethered with ropes in case that becomes an issue.

Thu, 11/15/2018 - 16:09

Mike Penn

Gracie, My team and I will stick very close together when we are installing and maintaining the Automatic Weather Stations. I understand that there is a very strict check-in system for when teams are out at remote locations. Teams are expected to check-in by radio at very specific times. If they do not check in within an expected and very tight range, the protocol for a rescue team is initiated. No worries!

Thu, 11/15/2018 - 16:23

Mike Penn

Christina, The tents that are used in Antarctica are not a regular camping tent. One type of tent that is commonly used in Antarctica is called an "Arctic Oven Tent." It is double walled and the material is much thicker than a normal tent and the frame is strong enough to handle strong winds. I just looked them up again and just as a reference they cost between $1500 and $3500. That is expensive, but worth the money protection from the weather.

Thu, 11/15/2018 - 16:24

Mike Penn

Christopher, At the South Pole, we will be standing on 9300 feet of ice and snow. If we run out of water we can just dig up some snow and melt it!

Thu, 11/15/2018 - 16:27

Mike Penn

Adrianna, If I have the choice, I will do everything in my power to AVOID being anywhere near a crevasse. I was told about some Ice Caves that I may be able to go into. They are much more stable and I think I would really like to experience that. Ice caves - Yes. Crevasse - NO!

Thu, 11/15/2018 - 17:40

Mike Penn

Alaina, My family is supportive. They are sorry that I won't be home over the holidays and may even miss Christmas, but they know what a great opportunity this is and how much I want to do it. It looks like all of our children will be home over at least part of the time I'm gone so the house will be bustling even when I'm not here.

Thu, 11/15/2018 - 18:15

Mike Penn

Christian, That is a good question. This is probably more than you want to know, but... I think it depends on the temperature outside and how long we (or it) is out in the cold temperatures. I did a little research and although urine is generally (depending on the hydration of the person) 95% water, the other 5% is a mixture. According to a summary on Wikipedia, "Urine is an aqueous solution of greater than 95% water, with the remaining constituents, in order of decreasing concentration urea 9.3 g/L, chloride 1.87 g/L, sodium 1.17 g/L, potassium 0.750 g/L, creatinine 0.670 g/L and other dissolved ions, inorganic and organic compounds." The freezing point of urine, given those components in those concentrations, is about 21˚F. That is 11˚F colder than water, so that means it is less likely to freeze than my water bottle and therefore could be out in the cold longer before freezing.

Thu, 11/15/2018 - 18:19

Mike Penn

Bailey, That is a good question. I think I will want to take a moment and realize that I'm on a continent that very very few people ever get to visit, let alone work on a scientific research project. I want to try to be very aware of how unique and different it is compared to here at home in Pittsburgh or there in Michigan.