Today was the final push to get packed for the field. Everything is packed, weighed, labeled, and at the Helo pad (helicopter hanger) for our flight tomorrow! Phew! The flight manifest for tomorrow has just come out and our names are on it! Barring any weather delays, we should be in the Dry Valleys by mid-day tomorrow. We are all anxious to get to Lake Hoare and get started with our work. It will be wonderful to be back out in the Dry Valleys; they are such a special place!As you know, the majority of Antarctica - about 98% - is covered by a massive ice sheet, or continental glacier. At its thickest point, the ice measures about 15,000 feet thick! The McMurdo Dry Valleys make up the largest area on the continent that is relatively ice-free. Although the valleys themselves are void of massive ice glaciers, there are ice covered lakes in the basins of these valleys and numerous valley glaciers seep into the main valley from the sides. The exposed soils within the Dry Valleys are millions of years old and represent an ecosystem at the very edge of its ability to sustain life.
This end-limit ecosystem is of interest to many scientists. They hope to gain a better understanding about how energy and nutrients flow through this ecosystem. The bio-diversity is minimal compared to more typical ecosystems, making tracing energy dynamics through the ecosystem "easier." The valleys are also valued for the hints they offer about climate change.
In June of 2004, the McMurdo Dry Valleys were officially labeled an "Antarctic Specially Managed Area," or ASMA. This was done in an effort to preserve the natural integrity of the area. The first objective of ASMA protocols is to "facilitate scientific research while maintaining stewardship of the environment" (p. 7, McMurdo Dry Valleys Manual).
In order to get to the Dry Valleys, we must pass through McMurdo station. While in McMurdo, we gather all our supplies, food, and equipment. I thought it might be helpful to show you a few glimpses from around town. I must admit, it's not the prettiest town I've ever seen (although the surrounding area is spectacular!), but it is functional! Have a look around town!
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This is "Building 155." 155 is home to the galley, the McMurdo store, the barber, a computer cluster, and many dorm rooms. In fact, this is the dorm I'm staying in - for one more night! You might say "155" is the center of "town."
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This is the "Crary" lab. This is where all the scientists have their offices and lab spaces. There is also an aquariim in the lab - actually it's just above the ATV in the picture. All the operations in town really take place because of the science that's being generated by the scientists that are here.
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This is "Science Cargo." This is where supplies are stored until they are ready to go to the field. This building is where the "cages" are for storage. It also has the "food room" upstairs.
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Inside Science Cargo.
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This is inside the Berg Field Center, or the BFC. This is where the tents, backpacks, etc. are kept. If it's camping related, it's at the BFC. It's nickname is the REI of Antarctica! These are Scott tents hanging in storage.
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This is some of our cargo down at the "helo hanger." It will be loaded up onto helicopters in the morning for our flight out to the Dry Valleys.
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One can often see some unusual sights around town - like this ATV with a "flight" on the back of it. No - it's not for decoration! This "flight" will help keep the ATV from spinning while it is being transported to a field location. The ATV will be hung underneath a helicopter as a "sling load." This will be quite a sight... an ATV "flying" below a helicopter! You never know what you might see around here!
I wanted to leave you with some pleasant and interesting cloud and pressure ridge pictures from our dive trip yesterday. Enjoy them - I sure enjoyed watching them!
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Cool cloud over Mt. Erebus!
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And a smaller one behind it!
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Cool cloud over Erebus glacier!
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Massive pressure ridges at Little Razorback Island!
You can also check out my journals and pictures from previous seasons at: http://www.ryejrhigh.org/ellwood