There are no weekends off on a polar research expedition. On Saturday we tied up to an ice floe that was several hundred meters wide for Ice Station #2 and today we tied up to a flow that was nearly a mile wide and 1.5 miles long. Most of the sea ice is about 3 feet thick with 2 feet of snow on top. Once the ship is secured to the flow with massive ropes and even more impressive stakes, the science teams walk down the gangplank to establish ice stations. For safety, each team has a radio and is in constant contact with the bridge. No one can go on or off the ice without alerting the officer in charge. Everyone is also required to wear the yellow and blue safety suits that make us easy to see and also make us float, just in case. It takes the teams about 4-5 hours to collect the ice and water samples and then they head into the labs to begin analysis. While all of this is happening, the physical oceanographers are busy lowering their CTDA research tool that is submerged in the water to measure conductivity (salinity), temperature, and depth. toward the bottom of the sea as it collects data and water samples along the way. This morning, the seal research team searched for miles on foot and in their inflatable Zodiac boat but could not find a seal. Then, as I worked on the bridge writing this journal, I spotted two crabeater seals leap from the water and move out onto our flow only a few hundred meters from the ship. I alerted the seal scientists (who were already tired) and they rushed off. Within an hour they had captured and release both seals and had collected valuable information about the health and disease susceptibility of these beautiful animals. The seal guys will sleep well tonight!
Flags of the Day
The following members of "Team Oden" created the flags below:
Mrs. Cousineau, 4th Gr. Solvay, NY.JPG Mrs. Calderwood's 3rd Gr, Soule Road Elem, Liverpool, NY Ally Germinara, age 5, Auburn, NY Cassady Konu & Brigid Lawless, Camp Talooli, Pennellville, NY Phoenix HS Drama Club, Phoenix, NY Ms. Figura's 5th Gr, Long Branch Elem, Liverpool, NY Mrs. Resseguie's Class, Soule Road Middle Sch, Liverpool, NY Syracuse Univ Bands and Kappa Kappa Psi Mr. Peneston's Block 1AC Earth Science class, Liverpool HS Mrs. Barnell's 9th Gr Earth Sci class, Liverpool HS, Liverpool, NY Ms. Fix's Art Club, Chestnus Hill Elem, Liverpool, NY Ms. Bushnoe's 3rd Gr, Liverpool Elem, Liverpool, NY Mrs. Kires 6th Gr, Nate Perry Elem, Liverpool, NY
Photo of the Day!
A Reminder,
Be sure to go to the Live From IPY section and register to participate in our first live webinar from the Oden that will take place this Tomorrow! It will start on Monday at 12:30 East Coast time.
A Gift,
As a teacher and camp program director who has participated in many Live from IPY web conferences, I have created a document for teachers and others who are planning to participate with their classes on Monday. It is a series of tips and suggestions for how to prepare yourself, your students and your equipment. The document is attached to the bottom of this journal post.
Take care, have fun & make memories,
Jeff Peneston
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