Submitted by Anonymous on Wed, 10/21/2009 - 16:12
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Antarctic Undersea ROV 09

Dear Mrs. Cross. How many days have you been flying in the helicopter? What animals have you seen in Antarctica. Do computers tell you when something important is happening in Antarctica? Do you have a tent or a cabin? Has SCINI the robot taken any pictures yet? Can a person fit in the sponge that lives in the bottom of the sea?

Thank you, Sammy W. Carder Elementary

Wed, 10/21/2009 - 17:06

Michele Cross

Hi Sammy!
 Thanks for writing! I'll try my best to answer some of these questions now; although, I'm not set to leave until next Thursday.
1) The team was flown in by helicopter to their latest site--the Bay of Sails. Dr. Kim and Marco went on a recon flight ahead of time to find the best place for base camp. I'm sure you'll be hearing more about what they're doing out there.
2) I'm not sure about the computers, but I rely on computers here to keep up with what my team is doing down there. When SCINI is in the water, they watch what's happening on at least 2 computer screens.
3) They are living in tents while out on the ice. When we're at McMurdo, we will all live in a dormitory....like college.
4) I'm assuming SCINI has taken pictures/videos, but we just haven't seen them yet. Stay tuned!!
5) And yes, it is true that some sponges are so big that a person can fit inside!! I'm not sure if they'll see sponges that big under the ice at the Bay of Sails. You'll have to ask!!
Thanks for the awesome questions!!
Mrs. Cross