Submitted by Anonymous on Mon, 11/26/2012 - 06:51
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Antarctic Sub Glacial Lake and Stream Studies

I am not sure if it is getting dark at all down at the bottom of the earth, but just in case there is one hour of darkness ....Do you see any type of red object in the sky? It might be visiable in the day......

Mr. Labaron....I am so happy for you to be on this expedition..... I wish I was there......."What an adventure!"

Has there been any snow/water testing for trace metals? I am curious to know of the purity of surroundings.

Brenda Esselman honors chemistry LNHS

Mon, 11/26/2012 - 10:51

Mike LeBaron

Ms. Esselman,So good to hear from you! I'm having a great time - seeing many new and
different things, having experiences that could only happen here. In
fact, one of the great things about being here is being around people
that REALLY care about their work and how they are contributing to the
increase in knowledge. The really cool thing is that it's not just the
scientists - its the men and woman who drive forklifts or shuttles, do
the cooking and cleaning - everyone is here because they care about the
area. One of the shuttle drivers is a young guy who has a passion for
Antarctic history. He's worked as a carpenter, had some college, but
his latest accomplishment is that he's written a compilation of the
exploration history of Antarctica just because it's his passion. Its so
cool to be around people like that! (tell your students to be passionate
- it affects them and the people around them positively)
About your questions - we have 24 hour daylight, so no nightime
darkness. I can go for a hike at midnight (I have) and it's no
different than noon except the sun angle is a little lower. The only
thing we see in the sky is the sun and occasional snow flakes.
I have not checked for water or snow analysis, but that's a good idea.
I know the environmental group does check those things and there is an
ongoing project to monitor and asses the impact of man on the
environment. I'll do some research and get some answers.
Have a good day and say hello to everyone on the hall for me. Tell them
to send in some questions and try to stump me!
Mike LeBaron