Submitted by Anonymous on Wed, 11/18/2009 - 07:37
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CReSIS Aerial Survey of the West Antarctic Ice Sheet

Dear Mr. Wesche, We read on http://www.antarcticconnection.com that there isn't much snow in Antarctica, but when we read Ms. Knippenberg's journal of 11-17 she commented about a snowstorm that kept her from reaching Cape Evans. Does it Snow in Antartica?

EL Rosehill Wednesday (Snowstorm Smarties)

Wed, 11/18/2009 - 17:06

Guest

I believe from what Mr.Wesche has told us in class that it doesnt snow it just has very stong winds that blows the ice, so it makes it look like it is snowing.

Thu, 11/19/2009 - 17:46

Gary Wesche

Hey what a great question. 
It is true it snows very little on Antarctica.
Conditions can also be perfect for snow fall. The temperature and the humidity can create these conditions for snow as well. 
It is also true that many of the "storms" that I will experience will be caused by the wind blowing snow and ice around from the ground into drifts creating blizzard-like conditions.
What do the conditions have to be for you to have snow where you live?
Have a great day Trekkers,
Mr. Wesche

Fri, 12/04/2009 - 13:13

joseph 6o

i heard it snowed in texas but no snow for us:(

Sat, 12/05/2009 - 13:38

Gary Wesche

Hi Joseph,
I haven't had any snow here either.  In fact, I think it has been warmer here than it has been at home in Missouri.  We do have a lot of wind though that make it feel tons colder.  I went on a hike last night to the "Pressure Ridges"  located where an Ice sheet has fed into an ice shelf which has pushed against the frozen sea ice creating these giant ridges of ice.  Looks like something from the old superman movie.  
I am writing a journal about them today so check it out,
Mr. W

Wed, 12/09/2009 - 12:26

joseph 6o

we had our first snow day today. and NO SCHOOL !!!!!!!!!!!!!

Wed, 12/09/2009 - 15:05

Deron 6W

TWO DAYS IN A ROW AND ONE DAY BECAUSE OF SNOW !!!!!!!! :)

Thu, 12/10/2009 - 08:17

kyle Eckart

I cant believe it doesnt snow! Its just so weird, because everyone thinks you have blizzards there EVERY DAY! I mean, in books ,games and pictures its always snowing when they talk about Antarctica! My brother abd I have always wanted to go its just so cool = ) . Kyle Eckart

Thu, 12/10/2009 - 08:18

gavin

What
do you mean no SNOW where Mr. Whesche im confused. I thought you get snow everyday Or a blizzerd do you see a lot of snow leperds or killerwhale.

Thu, 12/10/2009 - 08:21

Hayden Decker

Hi we had a little snow 2inchs .How are those animals doing down there its cold down here but not as cold were you are . You might want some HOT CHOCOLATE I`m gussing. I`m Wyatts Decker little brother.
BYB

Thu, 12/10/2009 - 08:23

Nick

Gavin, It doesen't snow much in antartica. As some people before said, it is tiny pieces of ice coming off the endless sheets, making it look like snow. Sometimes you will seesnow, but most of the time it's ice. And snow leopards dont actually live in antartica. Just in high mountanois areas where it's so high it always snows. Temperatureincreases as you go higher. :)
Nick

Thu, 12/10/2009 - 12:55

Kyle

Thats true nick,it doesnt snow there very often!!!!!!!! Boo Hoo.
P.S. Try spacing lol

Fri, 12/11/2009 - 04:27

Kerry and Alex…

Mr. Wesche!
Finally able to get onto the site to see all you are doing. Alex is very excited to learn about your adventures. Funny how little we know as adults, I sure thought you would see Penguins or Santa! :)
We will keep reading your journals and study up. We miss you here at home and you are missing snow and very cold temperatures. We are gearing up for our Christmas program and will be thinking of you.
Take care, we will keep watching and be warm!
Kerry and Alex Davis

Fri, 12/11/2009 - 12:29

Gary Wesche

Trekkers,
Great conversation.  I am so impressed with the questions and then the answers for those of you who have been studying Antarctcia.  Right on with the answers.  
Antarctica is the world's largest desert.  There is snow along the coasts more than inland.  I am still waiting to be able to get out to our field camp.  There has been so much wind and drifting of snow, even small amounts drifting cause big problems, that we are still waiting here in McMurdo Station.  Keep up with the journals I am writing some fun ones about the science and people who are here.
Trekking along,
Mr.W

Tue, 12/29/2009 - 12:08

fese elango fo…

It is sooo cool that youre in antartica,i've thought about the hard tempuratures there but i've never actually known someone that has traveled there.