Lab Day
Today, I got to help out with several projects. I started out helping Mandy run the Spectrometer to determine the pH of each tank. There are close to thirty buckets that are all under specified temperatures and carbon dioxide concentrations. First, the temperature of each tank is taken. Then, water samples are pulled. Next, we run the sample through the spectrometer both with and without dye. These measurements will be evaluated with a computer program to precisely calculate the pH of the sample. This process is done twice per week to make sure all the tanks are held consistently under the proper conditions.
Heading Home
Last, we went out to the Jetty to collect some fresh fish and release ones that we had collected last time. I said goodbye to the cute adults before they left!
Artists on Ice
Every year, in an effort to bring awareness about the beauty and uniqueness of Antarctica to the general public, National Science Foundation sponsors a select few writers and artist to come to Antarctica. The goal is to inspire regular citizens to value the pristine nature of the continent and foster stewardship that comes with knowledge. They want the public to understand both the nature of polar science, and the importance of this work. I have been fortunate to meet a few of this year's artists.
This projects shows the retreat of the glaciers in GlacierA mass of ice that persists for many years and notably deforms and flows under the influence of gravity. National Park in Montana.
New Project
In Antarctica, they plan to embed with scientist John Higgins’ team as they drill ice cores in the Allan Hills. They hope to drill cores that will reveal the climate for the last 2 million years using air bubbles trapped in ancient ice sheets. Then they will go to the Taylor Valley to photograph glaciers. They are concerned with showing the beauty, as well as the science, of Antarctica with their latest project, "Ice CoreA cylindrical section of ice removed from a glacier or an ice sheet using a specialized type of hollow drill. Enter the definition here. Time Capsules."
They have been here a little over a week, so I asked them what they thought of Antarctica so far. Ian mentioned that what struck him was the contrast in terms of color and features between the minimalist landscape and the cool colors and cool people of McMurdo Station. He said, "It's a stunning contrast that I've never seen anywhere else."
Todd commented that he is surprised how egalitarian it is. All people are considered equal. Everyone is welcome at every table at meal time. It also struck him how important and valued the work here is. It makes him proud to be an American where money is invested in the science going on down here. In a world where it can be in short supply, "This place still has a lot of pride."
Ian and Todd are anxiously awaiting deployment of their team to their field station. I want to thank them for taking the time to sit with me and explain their project and share Antarctica through their eyes. I am truly looking forward to seeing their new project.
Tomorrow
Tomorrow starts out with Skyping with my favorite CCDS Otters in Ms. hardoy's Class. I can't wait to meet you all! Then we head out for a field day. We are heading out to dive and look for fish at Turtle Rock. I hear that it's about an hour and a half away....but I'm planning on looking for penguins the whole way!
Stay Cool,
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