A few days ago, we finished collecting the samples down to 80 meters. Unfortunately, the samples we took from the top 2 meters were not very good. At this shallow depth, the snow is quite loose. It is difficult to get good samples from this portion of the ice cap because the samples fall apart so easily.
After we collected our samples, we realized that the samples we had from this section were inadequate. So, we talked about a different way of sampling. We decided that we would go back out to the site and dig a 2 meter (about 6.5 feet) deep pit. Once we had the pit, we would even out one wall and then cut out rectangular prism shaped pieces that are about 3 inches by 3 inches by 6 inches.
Researcher Eric Wagner and science technician Heather McIntyre begin digging out a 2 meter deep snow pit for collecting samples.
It took us about an hour to dig out the pit. Then, with the help of Heather McIntyre, one of the science technicians here at Summit Station, we cut out the samples down the side of the wall. In total, we have 11 samples that start at the surface and go to the bottom of the pit. These were packaged up to hopefully make it safely back to Dartmouth College for analysis.
The wall of the snow pit is being prepared for sample collection.
The groove you can see in the wall of the snow pit is the portion that was cut out to collect the samples.
On our last trip out to the drilling site this afternoon, we began the process of breaking down the drill site even though we will be going out there again tomorrow to do some more tests.
Science Talk
This evening, Dr. Ian Baker, our lead researcher, gave a talk for residents of Summit Station about his work. He talked a lot about the techniques he has pioneered for studying ice and snow. He also explained to everyone what the purpose of our expedition here is. Considering the fact that there are only 30 people on station (not counting our team), a very large percentage of the residents came for the talk, even though many of them are not scientists. This is indicative of how focused everyone is here on the fact that some amazing science gets done at this station.
Many of the residents of Summit Station enjoy a science talk given by researcher Ian Baker.
Polar Profile
Name: Rachel Murray
Job Title: Field Coordinator
Rachel Murray is a field coordinator at Summit Station.
Home: Missoula, Montana
Length of Time Working in Polar Regions: Rachel has worked in both the Arctic and Antarctic since 2000.
Length of Current Assignment to Summit Station: Rachel has been here since May and will be here for about 3.5 months.
Job Description: Rachel coordinates different projects that are going on at Summit Station. A new building, the Summit Mobile Garage, is just about done being built. For example, Rachel has been overseeing the movement of equipment, etc. from the old building to the new building.
Favorite Part of Working at Summit Station: Rachel say the best part of working at Summit Station is that she gets to work with such great people. She enjoys the fact that she gets to learn about and be involved in the science that is going on here. Also, she loves the fact that so much problem solving is required to work in such an isolated environment.
Hardest Part of Working at Summit Station: Rachel says the hardest part of working at Summit Station is that she misses summer and the day-to-day activities that she enjoys back home.
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