Submitted by Anonymous on Thu, 02/23/2012 - 17:37
Forums
Seafloor Organisms and Changing Ocean Conditions in Antarctic

Hey Ms Herrmann,

I was reading one of your journal entries and you said, "Last night after dinner I went on a geology walk with Kelly Wilhelm." How often does Palmer Station have these tours/walks that one can attend? Also, if you were unoccupied for some time in a day, are you allowed to explore the surrounding areas of Palmer Station by yourself even if it doesn't pertain to what you are conducting research on? Also, the pictures are really cool, especially the rock ones and the one with the seals.

Regards,

Yoga

p.s. There was a video of humpback whales in Antarctica on the morning announcements today; I supposed it was from you but I could be wrong. Have you seen any humpback whales yet?

Fri, 02/24/2012 - 02:36

Nell Herrmann

Hi Yoga,The walk I mentioned in that journal was kind of an informal gathering; those types of things happen quite often. People hike up on the glacier when they aren't working and look around the area behind Palmer which is referred to as "the backyard." There are science talks every Thursday night given by scientists who are here for their research. The geology team gave one last night about their project with the shallow bore holes and permafrost holes that I wrote about in my journal on 2-15-2012.
We are allowed to explore certain areas around Palmer (some are off limits to avoid disturbing wildlife), but for safety reasons you have to let the communications folks know where you are going and what time you expect to be back. You also have to carry a radio with you. I'm glad you are enjoying the pictures. Yes, the video of the humpback whales was from me. If you ever want to watch it again, it's in my journal from 2-19-2012 (Encounter with Humpback Whales). I've seen several humpbacks; probably about 10 all together on 3 or 4 separate occasions.
Take care,
-Ms. Herrmann