29 September 2016 Gerlache Strait

Science Update

The science team has been working non-stop for the past few days. Between wrapping up the first incubation experiment, moving ahead with the next two incubation experiments, setting up individual experiments and station sampling along the Palmer LTER, every member of the science team has been working long hours. Today, we didn't start sampling until after breakfast. This gave most a chance to sleep a bit and to head to the bridge to check out some of the amazing scenery (see below). After spending a few days offshore in the Drake PassageStrait, connecting the Atlantic and Pacific oceans between Tierra del Fuego and the South Shetland Islands. Located about 100 mi (160 km) north of the Antarctic Peninsula, it is 600 mi (1,000 km) wide., we were happy to move closer to land.

Ice From Above

Rain early in the evening followed by snow overnight created a coating of ice on most of the decks of the RVIB Palmer. The exception, however, is the main deck. This deck is heated to allow for safe operations on deck. Other locations of the ship that are coated in ice require care when walking or even standing. One major safety concern is ice falling from above. With sunny conditions throughout the morning and afternoon, many people headed to the decks for pictures. You must always look up to be sure you are in a safe location. During CTDA research tool that is submerged in the water to measure conductivity (salinity), temperature, and depth. deployments, you are sometimes required to stand in a particular spot. In these situations, hard hats are an important piece of on-deck safety equipment.

After sampling a Palmer LTER station in the southern Drake PassageStrait, connecting the Atlantic and Pacific oceans between Tierra del Fuego and the South Shetland Islands. Located about 100 mi (160 km) north of the Antarctic Peninsula, it is 600 mi (1,000 km) wide., we left the Drake PassageStrait, connecting the Atlantic and Pacific oceans between Tierra del Fuego and the South Shetland Islands. Located about 100 mi (160 km) north of the Antarctic Peninsula, it is 600 mi (1,000 km) wide. and headed toward sampling stations in more protected regions closer to land. Overnight, we entered the Gerlache Strait, a well-known body of water separating the Palmer ArchipelagoA chain of many islands. from the continental Western Antarctic Peninsula.

The Gerlache Strait was first explored between January and February 1898 during an expedition led by Lt. Adrien de Gerlache. Gerlache originally named the body of water Belgica after the expedition ship, but the name was later changed to honor the leader. This area is known for its beauty and for numerous wildlife sightings.

After sampling off the coast of Brabant Island (just under the red marker on the map), we continued to travel in a southwesterly direction to a narrow section of the strait. We turned to port and entered Wilhelmina Bay. I have one word for this location - BREATHTAKING! Wilhelmina Bay was named by Gerlache after the Queen of the Netherlands. It is a large bay surrounded by tall peaks and filled with ice. For many, this was our first opportunity to see the peninsula. This peninsula, while only a small portion of the continent, represents the entire land mass of Antarctica. We are looking at the tip of the 14.0 million square kilometer (5.4 million square mile) coldest continent on Earth. I don't know if I can speak for everyone aboard, but it is a special moment for me - a realization of a dream. I wake up every day and can't believe that I am here. I have one word for this entire experience - AMAZING!

After another set of CTDA research tool that is submerged in the water to measure conductivity (salinity), temperature, and depth. casts to sample the Palmer LTER station in Wilhelmina Bay, we will head back to the Gerlache for the night and continue to navigate the Gerlache Strait to other sampling stations.