Journal

Dr. Adams, Matt Heddin, and myself climbed aboard a helicopter this morning and crossed the McMurdo Sound for another one of Antarctica's Dry Valleys. Garwood Valley was our destination. I will not try and explain my day to you in words. It could not be done. My hope is that this little video can convey some of the beauty and science I experienced today. Enjoy the beauty of this special place.

Blue surface ice
Click on the video above to view more scenery like this, and to learn about the science we performed, while working in another one of Antarctica's Dry Valleys, Garwood Valley.

Please send your comments or questions, kdickerson [at] alpinedistrict.org

Details
Author
Kevin Dickerson
Date
Location
Garwood Valley Experiment Site, Garwood Valley, Antarctica
Expedition
Dry Valleys Ecosystem Study
Weather Summary
Partly cloudy, light winds
Temperature
23F

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Comments

Sat, 02/02/2019 - 11:05

Ryatt

How long ago were the volcanoes active? Is it possible that the volcanoes are the key to the life in Antarctica puzzle? Also, is it possible that types of cyanobacteria like the type shown in the video are what could be decomposing the mummy seals?

Sun, 02/24/2019 - 12:40

Kevin Dickerson

Mt. Erebus, the volcano that is on the same island as McMurdo (Ross Island), is still active. We see steam rising off of it's summit most days. Yes, scientists think that the volcanoes might have played an important roll in the life of Antarctica. Volcanoes might have been another type of nunatak which could have held it's isolated ecosystem. A nunatak is a mountains that have been above the ice. Kind of like an island in the ocean.