Journal Entry

Hello Florida

Richard Johnson, one of the engineers aboard the RVIB Palmer, stopped me in a passageway to let me know that his wife as well as 5th graders at Pensacola Beach Elementary school were reading my journal. I just wanted to say 'Hello Florida' and thanks for reading!

Sea Ice

Two weeks at sea in the Southern Ocean does not make me an expert on ice, but one thing is for sure - there are many different shapes, sizes and colors of ice. In general, ice is divided into two groups based on it origin. If the ice piece originates from snow that has fallen on land and eventually becomes more dense and forms ice, it is referred to as land ice. Ice that originates because of freezing sea water is referred to as sea ice. The types of ice are then divided into many different forms based on size, shape and even time of year. Sea ice types include: frazil ice, grease ice, shuga, slush, ice rinds, nilas, pancake ice and floes.

Pancake ice with algaePancake ice is a piece of new ice with raised rims. Some of the pancake ice in this photo looks discolored. This discoloration indicates the presence of algae stuck to the ice. Pack ice pilesPack ice is a general term for sea ice. Pack ice can be made up of different pieces of floating ice in various sizes. These include ice cakes, small, medium, big and vast sizes. Pack ice wakeThe RVIB Palmer leaves behind evidence of a path through the pack ice.

Land Ice

Ice that develops on land can build up enough to be a glacier or an ice shelf. Pieces of both glaciers and ice shelves can break off into the water in the form of bergs. Icebergs come from glaciers and tabular bergs come from an ice shelf. Smaller pieces can also fall off and are referred to as 'bergy bits' or growlers depending on their size.

Glaciers in Duse BayCara Pekarcik stands on the 05 deck of the RVIB Palmer. In the background, two large glaciers appear to empty right into Duse Bay. Although these glaciers are made of snow and ice, they are continuously moving from high to lower ground. Fast ice w/AdelieThis large sheet of ice is connected to the shore is known as fast ice because it remains fast to the land. Fast ice is a common resting place for seals and penguins. The small dark spot near the edge of the ice is an Adelie penguin! Double icebergsTwo large icebergs float in the Bransfield Strait. Icebergs are large pieces of ice that have broken away from a glacier.

Love From Little Landlubbers

Today's love comes from Salem, MA. A special thanks to Della, Clara and Nathaniel for the lovely little penguins. They brighten my day!

Sampson PenguinsThree cute penguins send their love! Thanks D, C & N!

Comments

Mon, 09/26/2016 - 10:21

Cara Pekarcik

Hi Maritza, sea ice is made from water from the sea (ocean). It is frozen salt water. This is different from land ice that is usually
fresh water, created by rain or snow.

On 2016-09-26 06:51, PolarTREC wrote:

Mon, 09/26/2016 - 10:21

Cara Pekarcik

Hi Freddie - there haven't been any difficulties yet. We have had to adjust where we sample because the sea ice is still very thick farther
south.

On 2016-09-26 06:50, PolarTREC wrote:

Mon, 09/26/2016 - 10:21

Cara Pekarcik

Hi Emily - the ice can be really strong. I am currently reading Endurance, as story about Ernest Shackleton's 3rd journey to Antarctica.
In the opening pages of the book, the author (Alfred Lansing) describes
how the thick pack ice broke apart the ship. The ice can be many feet
thick and extremely heavy.

On 2016-09-26 06:50, PolarTREC wrote:

Mon, 09/26/2016 - 10:21

Cara Pekarcik

Mia - there are many models that show a negative affect on animals from this area. Many animals rely on Antarctic krill. These krill live
under the sea ice. Also, the loss of ice can limit the amount of
habitat space for some of the animals.

On 2016-09-26 06:49, PolarTREC wrote:

Mon, 09/26/2016 - 11:21

Cara Pekarcik

Brianna - check out the journal from 9-12-16 called Pancake Ice to learn more about this specific form of sea ice

On 2016-09-26 06:41, PolarTREC wrote:

Mon, 09/26/2016 - 11:21

Cara Pekarcik

Ice can break off for a number of different reasons. Melting, waves, pressure, etc. The salt concentration should not affect the ice
breaking.

On 2016-09-26 06:40, PolarTREC wrote:

Mon, 09/26/2016 - 11:21

Cara Pekarcik

The ice is similar in terms of it being frozen water. I would say that the difference is the types of forms that the ice can take. We don't
typically see icebergs or ice sheets in New England.

On 2016-09-26 06:37, PolarTREC wrote:

Mon, 10/24/2016 - 19:37

Jon Knowles

Hello, does the ice crystallize or form differently due to the salt in the water or the microorganisms it contains?

Tue, 10/25/2016 - 05:32

Cara Pekarcik

Hi Jon - the difference may be in the temperature at which the water freezes, but I do not believe the organisms make a difference

From: PolarTREC
To:
Sent: 10/24/2016 7:37 PM
Subject: Re: Jon Knowles commented on 21 September 2016 Ice 101

Tue, 09/27/2016 - 20:06

Isabella L., Block E

How thick is the fast ice in order for it to support the weight of animals such as seals and penguins?

Wed, 09/28/2016 - 02:25

Cara Pekarcik

Hi Isabella - From what I saw, the fast ice was 1-2 feet thick at the edge. I am sure there are areas that are thicker and I would assume the
ice thickens as you get closer to shore, but I wasn't able to see that
thickness.

On 2016-09-27 19:06, PolarTREC wrote:

Fri, 09/30/2016 - 07:36

james

How did the ice form into these types: frazil ice, grease ice, shuga, slush, ice rinds, nilas, pancake ice and floes?

Thu, 09/22/2016 - 13:25

Vivian Tran

Hello Mrs. Pekarcik! Wow, there's so many different types of ice. What are ice rinds and nilas? The name grease ice somehow makes me imagine ice that is greasy. Also, the picture of the penguin that you posted is adorable.

Thu, 09/22/2016 - 14:13

Cara Pekarcik

Hi Vivian - Ice rinds and nilas are just thicker versions of slush (from what I
have been able to gather). Grease ice does look like grease (oil) on
the surface of the water. It resembles a thin film that moves with the
waves. I saw it for the first time last night, but I was in the middle
of a CTD cast and couldn't get a photo. I will definitely take a photo
if I see it again!

On 2016-09-22 12:25, PolarTREC wrote:

Sat, 09/24/2016 - 08:18

Jessica A, Block F

Are sea ice or land ice more common?

Sat, 09/24/2016 - 11:17

Cara Pekarcik

Hi Jessica - I don't think there is a more common, but sea ice can be more seasonal. Some sea ice will melt or move away as the temperature
increases (slightly) in the Antarctic summer.

On 2016-09-24 07:18, PolarTREC wrote:

Sun, 09/25/2016 - 08:51

Ningyu C, Block F

Why do icebergs float if they are so huge?

Sun, 09/25/2016 - 09:19

Cara Pekarcik

This has to do with a special property of water. When water forms a solid, it is actually less dense than liquid water. In the solid phase,
water molecules form hydrogen bonds that are a specific distance from
each other. In the liquid phase, all of the molecules are not bonded
together, therefore, they can be closer together than in the solid form.
Because there is more space between the molecules in the solid phase,
it is less dense. Objects that have a lower density will float on
higher density matter. You will learn more about water's amazing
properties in chapter 2 (or 3...I forget with one) of your textbook. I
am sure we will also talk about it when I return in late October.

On 2016-09-25 07:51, PolarTREC wrote:

Sun, 09/25/2016 - 13:43

Britney B, Block B

How is there color pigment in the ice ? Is it from microorganisms or from the ocean water?

Sun, 09/25/2016 - 13:50

Sarah M, Block A

Hi Mrs. Pekarcik,How strong is the sea ice in Antartica?

Fri, 09/30/2016 - 09:30

Cara Pekarcik

James - most of these terms are just different sizes of ice or frozen sea water. The pancake ice and floes are larger pieces that are caused
when the smaller sizes start to smash together and freeze.

On 2016-09-30 06:36, PolarTREC wrote:

Sun, 09/25/2016 - 16:21

Cyrus X

Is there a way you can tell the difference between land ice and sea ice just by looking at it?

Sun, 09/25/2016 - 17:20

Cara Pekarcik

Hi Cyrus - Certain forms of ice come from one or the other. For instance, icebergs are pieces of ice broken of from land ice. Pancake
ice is only formed by sea ice. I am sure that someone with much more
experience than I can tell the difference. In fact, I was talking with
the captain just the other day and he was talking about how the
different colors of the icebergs can mean differences in their
formation.

On 2016-09-25 15:21, PolarTREC wrote:

Sun, 09/25/2016 - 17:20

Cara Pekarcik

Hi Sarah - I am not sure what you mean by strong. If you mean how likely are they to break, I am sure it would depend on the forces
involved. It also depends on the size of the ice piece and how compact
the water molecules are inside the ice (how much air has been removed
over time by pressure). Our Chief Mate, Rick, was pointing out some of
the small, light blue icebergs the other day. He mentioned that they
are very hard and that the vessel steers around them because they are
solid and could cause some harm if you hit them at speed. I am
currently reading the story Endurance about the ill-fated voyage of
Ernest Shackleton's third expedition to Antarctica. The first chapter
of the book describes the break-up of the ship due to the pressure of
the pack ice. It was able to destroy a very large, well-built wooden
ship. So, if I had to guess, I would say the ice can be pretty strong.

On 2016-09-25 12:50, PolarTREC wrote:

Sun, 09/25/2016 - 17:20

Cara Pekarcik

Hi Britney - great question! The color can actually be from both. You may have read the journal by Alexa Sterling called Diatoms where she
explains how algae can stick to the ice. The dirty color (tan color) of
the ice is either caused by dirt or these algae. The light blue colors
seen in many glaciers and icebergs are due to the lack of air in the
ice. Over time, pressure forced out much of the air in the ice. So,
you are seeing the freshwater without much air. This can also happen if
ocean water gets trapped and is under pressure, but the berg would be
light green, not light blue. These green icebergs are much harder to
find because they are rare.

On 2016-09-25 12:43, PolarTREC wrote:

Mon, 09/26/2016 - 04:44

Jean DeVore

It has been a very busy start to the year but all is well at NQHS. I just wanted to let you know that I will be bringing my class to view the podcast and I will be sharing your journals with the other biology classes. What an amazing opportunity for you and how lucky that we are able to share in the experience. See you soon, Jean

Mon, 09/26/2016 - 07:21

Cara Pekarcik

Thanks Jean! I look forward to the presentation as well. Finishing up my talk today and looking forward to talking to everyone next week!

On 2016-09-26 03:44, PolarTREC wrote:

Mon, 09/26/2016 - 07:37

rebecca podgurski

how different is the ice there then it is here?

Mon, 09/26/2016 - 07:40

Morgan Murphy

What causes the ice to break away from each other? Is it because of temperature of the amount of salt in the piece of ice?

Mon, 09/26/2016 - 07:40

Morgan Murphy

What causes the ice to break away from each other? Is it because of temperature of the amount of salt in the piece of ice?

Mon, 09/26/2016 - 07:41

Brianna s Block G

Why is it called pancake ice and how is it formed?

Mon, 09/26/2016 - 07:49

Mia S Block G

If the climate was to increase and the ice started to melt would that affect the animals and area in a negative or positive way ?

Mon, 09/26/2016 - 07:50

emily butruccio

is the ice strong

Mon, 09/26/2016 - 07:50

Freddie Lin G block

Since there were many kinds of sea ice did you have any sort of difficulties

Mon, 09/26/2016 - 07:51

Maritza M, Block G

Hi, Ms. Pekarcik!After reading your journals about the Sea Ice, it is a very interesting how there's so many types of ice that I never knew and heard of. I wonder what Sea Ice are made of? By the way, the penguin drawing is cute!

Mon, 09/26/2016 - 07:53

Maritza M, Block G

Hi, Ms. Pekarcik!After reading your journals about the Sea Ice, it is a very interesting how there's so many types of ice that I never knew and heard of. I wonder what Sea Ice are made of? By the way, the penguin drawing is cute!