Arriving at the ice shelf.

By January 11th we were stopped in the ice short of Larsen B Ice Shelf by about 70 miles and 15 to 24 hours. Dr. Domack decided to use this opportunity to fly some of the glaciologists ashore with the crew from the National Geographic Magazine (one writer – Doug, one photographer – Maria and one videographer – Sarah). The helicopters were rolled out of the hanger and the excitement began. Everyone wanted to watch pilots Chris and Barry do their initial take offs and landings before loading up and flying to the glacier. The helo-deck is a small target for the pilots to aim for, but they took off and landed with ease… it was amazing to watch. After their test flights Ross and Adam (our helicopter pit crew) loaded up the aircraft with cargo and two scientists and sent them on their way. It was something to watch the little yellow helicopter fly into the very blue sky, out over the blue and white ice/landscape towards the volcanic hills in the distance. It was quite surreal to send these folks out to a place that has probably never had seen a human footprint!

While the National Geographic crew and scientists were off studying the flow of the glacier other scientists and support crew were planning a trip out onto the sea ice. Mike Lewis (my watch partner) and I were the first to step off the gang way. One of our responsibilities is to test the safety of the ice before allowing scientists to leave the ship. This time of year the ice can be unpredictable and it’s important to to read the ice. It’s also very cool to jump off the ship and be the only ones on the ice (sort of like stepping out of the space shuttle into space!). Once we were sure the ice was safe we were joined by eight more and the fun began. Kim had to make a snow angle before she got serious and began drilling ice and snow cores and taking measurements. On this bright sunny day everyone wanted to walk on the ice around the ship to take pictures. It’s something to see this big orange ship parked in the fast ice. She looks like she’s sitting in a snowy field in the middle Wyoming!

January 11th was a great day for us all. The scientists were ecstatic to finally get out into the field. Our helicopter team was able to stretch their wings and the National Geographic crew got some great footage. Soon they will be well on their way to telling the story of why and how the break up of the Larsen Ice Shelf is occurring and what it will mean for the glaciers that have been supported by this fast ice for millions of years.

The cruise continues today. Captain Joe and Dr. Domack have decided it would be best for us to travel three days around the northern end of the Palmer Peninsula and head over to the west side to see if the ice is any thinner over there. If so we will begin helicopter operations again and fly the scientists overland to their research locations before beginning other scientific operations on the ship.

I’m particularly interested in flying the Belgian’s remotely operated unmanned submersible once we have crossed the Antarctic circle.

I hope to have the time to continue sending you updates on our trip. If you have any questions please send them along and I’ll do my best to answer them… the great thing about being on a cruise like this is we have so many brilliant people on-board to help answer just about any question we might have about Antarctica, science, helicopters, remotely operated submarines and our ship. Captain Joe says to tell you all hello and looks forward to sharing his stories with you too.

From somewhere off Antarctica I wish you all the best,

Buzz

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