Location: WAIS Divide
So the rumor that was posted on the journal from two days ago or so about the lowest pressure that had been recorded in some time was just that, a rumor. Then the forecast comes in yesterday that we’re supposed to have 30-40 knot winds for about 2 hours this morning. We were all thinking that it was a joke. And even then, it would only last for a couple hours. Let me tell you, we couldn’t have been more wrong. In fact, the winds that kicked up this morning have not let up one bit, and the forecast now is for this to continue through at least noon tomorrow.
We missed a day for the journal entry because the storm knocked out our local dish for satellite comms and we’re still having a few issues with our Iridium phone. For those of you that emailed a couple days ago and still haven’t received a response, I sincerely apologize. I guess this is what we get for wishing to live through a true Antarctic storm.
WAIS Sign
WAIS sign in the summer storm!
Today visibilities have been less than 100 feet most of the day, with levels dropping well below that at time! Not to mention drifts approaching five feet or more. We’re anxious for aftermath pictures when all this finally subsides. After the teleconference this morning we waited another two hours in the tent before we decided to brave this weather. I have taken several minutes of video of the storm on my digital camera; however, the files are too large for me to upload, so you’ll just have to wait for us to come back. I also recorded the initial walk this morning from our tent back into the main camp. Let’s just say you might not see that video. The video camera has not worked since!
Teleconference
Gillette on a conference call while a storm was raging on the outside!
We haven’t done a whole lot today in the research department as you can probably imagine. Most of the work we’re doing involves being outside, and in conditions like this, it is strongly discouraged that we work outside, especially by yourself. It’s hard enough just walking to the outhouse in this stuff! And let me tell you, it’s not real comfy inside either, nice cold air coming up through the seat, not to mentioned 45 mph winds trying to come through the door. It’s like 100 white stallions trying to break through the door! The walls shaking, the windows rattling, all the while trying to concentrate . . . . Paints a pretty picture doesn’t it?!
Outhouse!
The inside of an outhouse. Told you it was a pretty picture!*
I haven’t used the coined Antarctic term until now. IT’S A HARSH CONTINENT!
Antarctic Storm
A true Antarctic storm, winds topping 40 knots, nearly 50 mph! Sustained!*
Luke!
Luke braving the weather long enough to get a picture taken.*