12 November 2019 Potpourri

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.

Then, I got to help Andrew with a behavior analysis test. He uses two Gopros for each tank. One is facing straight down while the other is shooting the fish from the side.

This data is combined with all of the other tests to give a complete picture of how the fish are handling the stress of their new environment. We also take tail clippings and they will have DNA analysis completed back at UC Davis to ensure that they are actually the species that we think they are.

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.

Ian Van Coller and Todd Anderson have come to Antarctica to tell the story of climate change through art. Ian is a Guggenhein scholar award winning photographer and Todd is a renown reductive wood print artist. You can see one of their previous projects, in collaboration with artist Bruce Crownover, titled, "The Last GlacierA mass of ice that persists for many years and notably deforms and flows under the influence of gravity.," at https://www.thelastglacier.com/about-glacial-retreat
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.

In addition, their projects have taken them around the world as they artistically document the effects of the global climate change crisis. They produced a few limited original prints bound as huge books to be displayed in museums and several private collections. These books have amazing photographs, original prints, and informative science all combined in one place.

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,