Submitted by Anonymous on Wed, 02/29/2012 - 03:51

Yes that was me, could reading analysis! That submarine flying is so genius! That would be something that I would love to figure out how to make some time in the future. How exactly does a small piston moving inside of the submarine decrease it's own volume is my question? And then the moving up and down causing it to move forward because of the wings that's so cool. But I wonder how maneuverability would be effected. I'm learning about the various gas laws in chemistry right now and that law that you named is a direct correlation from boyle's law. As pressure increases from the piston the volume decreases at a constant temperature. Also, the buggers crew seems like a fun job. Although how abundant are those insects, do they have predators? I think that if something like that evolved on Antarctica with no natural predators to eat it, they would take over the continent; but maybe the harsh conditions hold back the population. I find it difficult to believe that one insect is the only fully terrestrial animal. There has to be some other insects that live on Antarctica for there whole life, they probably just haven't been discovered. Wait so you are coming back in just a week? Or did I read that wrong? It sounds like you're having the time of your life, maybe a little cold but still. Oh I had another question: Who would you say is your best friend at Palmer? I know it's a hard question and you'll proabably give me a very teacher like answer, that all of the people are your best friends and that may very well be true. But I'm just curious.

Luke Plowden

Nell Herrmann

Hi Luke!Thanks for the note. I'm really enjoying spending time with Julie and Kate, the graduate students on the project so they are probably the people I've become closest to here, but you are right- I am enjoying getting to know everyone. The people here seem to all be kindred spirits; I'm being sincere when I say everyone is nice (I'm not just being teacher-like or diplomatic as you say). Dr. Amsler, Maggie Amsler and Dr. McClintock are all awesome too!
There are other insects here including mites and springtails; the thing about Belgica (the one Yuta is collecting) is that it's the LARGEST fully terrestrial animal. That's the distinction. I know what you mean though; it is surprising that the largest fully terrestrial animal is a small midge!
I think the AUV's are amazing too. You are right; changing the volume of gas with the piston (it either squishes or opens up the cylinder holding the gas to change volume) is what changes the AUV's density. Nice reference to Boyle's Law- that describes the proportional relationship between pressure and volume of a gas!
I'll ask Yuta about predators of the midges. I'm sure there must be some- and I'm guessing they're probably birds. I enjoy your greetings. I hope you had a nice morning with the 2-hour delay!
Bye for now,
-Ms. Herrmann