10 October 2009 Palm Trees and Antarctica, an interesting combination!

A few days ago, I found myself on a plane to La Jolla, California to get my introduction to ice core drilling and Antarctic ice core science. I couldn't help but be confused why I was heading to the beach to learn about ice! We'll truth be told, even Polar scientists like warm weather and great surfing!

At the hotel, I was introduced to my future tent-mates and colleagues. Suddenly, it all felt real...I am really going to Antarctica! This West Antarctic science meeting involved anyone heading to the WAIS Divide site to work this season and any scientists or students working with the ice cores collected at WAIS. We spent the two days listening to talks on several topics including the last 2200 years of atmospheric CO2 (carbon dioxide) recorded in the WAIS cores, the volcanic record of the WAIS core, and warming of the West Antarctic Ice Sheet.

The most exciting part of this meeting was getting know the other science technicians, the Chief Scientist, Ken Taylor, and our Field Representatives, Bruce Vaughn and Anais Orsi. Once in Antarctica I will update you on who these individuals are and their role in the WAIS project.

After the meeting, the field team spent a day hiking along the beach. It was loads of fun, especially the body surfing! At the end of the day, we were all grateful of the warm weather and gorgeous sunset...two experiences we won't have while on the ice!

From this brief introduction in La Jolla, I realize that ice can tell a fascinating story and that the people involved in this science are equally as fascinating. Follow along as I prepare to head to Antarctica to collect ice cores and learn more about how ice can preserve changes in the Earth's climate. It will surely be an adventure!