Latitude: 70.58 S Longitude: 105.11W Temperature: -4 degrees C Wind chill: -15.5 degrees C
I begin with a thumbs-up photo from some of the CTDA research tool that is submerged in the water to measure conductivity (salinity), temperature, and depth. crew. Water and ice core sampling are now well underway, as well as the other on-going projects. Today we are stopped for a 24 hour testing station. Eight CTDA research tool that is submerged in the water to measure conductivity (salinity), temperature, and depth. casts are planned, with the last one occurring around 5AM tomorrow.
Three different teams were ferried onto the ice today, and I went with the first one! Dr. Melissa Chierci and Dr. Agneta Fransson from Götenburg University invited me to help. They are studying the role of the Polar oceans in the exchange of CO? between the atmosphere and the sea using measurements from surface waters to 8 meters deep to make vertical profiles of the water column. Their work includes sampling water, ice snow, and doing plankton tows. Dr. Henrik Kylin and Dr. Rebecca Dickhut are also sampling ice cores to detect the presence of pollutants in the ice. Atmospheric pollutants are deposited on the ice where algae live. This alga is the food source for krill so any pollutants that are taken in by the algae become part of the food chain. Ice stations are planned for as many stops possible along the way!
Lollie in the basket -What a view from up here!*
Rebecca is ready to work.*
Ice team at work.*
While we were working the ice station we met our first local visitors! An Emperor penguin who kept his distance even though he was very curious watched us while we worked, and then three Adeles came out when the second team was on the ice. They were not as shy as the Emperor and came close to the ships side where cameras were clicking away.
A welcome from the Adeles.*
Ake Wallin, Agneta, Melissa, and Lollie-mission accomplished!*
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