Icebreaking
"Life in the slushy machine"
Before. Iceberg dead ahead!
Can you remember the sound of a slushy machine? How about a snow cone maker? If you can multiply the sound 100 times and you can get an idea what it sounds like inside the ship when breaking ice. That explains the sub title. As you saw in the last journal (or as most people are calling it a blog) you noticed the ice. LOTS of ice! As sea ice is a haven for seals, and penguins it's not so good for science and travel. We needed to cross this thick patch of sea ice in order to reach our first test sight close to the Mertz Glacier. No worries it's all about skill and power. We have both. The crew comprised of the captain and his mates are highly trained in icebreaking. Combined they have had many years of experience.
Breaking through at 3 knots.
It is not just the captain and the mates that are involved. It is a well-choreographed mission between many. Besides the marine techs that I mentioned about in a previous journal, the Principle Investigators (scientists) and the assistance have a key role also. They work with the techs and crew to get to the test sites in as efficiently as possible.
In terms of power, we have it! Using four Caterpillar diesel engines cranking out 12,720 horsepower, we are capable of breaking ice 3 feet thick at a speed of 3 knots! The steel on the bow of the ship is 1 9/16th inches thick, making it twice as strong as regular steel. Occasionally we may need to back up and try again but we can make it. The ice on the hull not only makes the slushy machine sounds but rocks the boat at the same time.
Looking back to the stern of the ship from the bridge.
As we work our way through the sea ice the seismic and physical oceanography teams are busy preparing the equipment for deployment.
The scientists are itchy to do what they came to do! That is to gather data in an uncharted region. Pretty cool huh! Next photos will be from the Edge of the Mertz Glacier and a sneak preview of the science being done.
Homework…..
What is Seismology?
You can post your responses right here in the journal commenting below!
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