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Week 7 - December 12, 1999 to December 18, 1999
Date: 12/18/99
Latitude: 77.91 S
Longitude: 166.39 E
Temperature: Getting Warmer
Wind speed: not given
Wind Chill: not given
Wind direction: not given
Meters of ice collected: 175
Notes on daily life:
As we travel back to the states we are excited knowing that we will soon be back with family and friends. We want to thank everyone who followed the US ITASE expedition for their constant support. There were dozens of terrific questions posted on the web and we enjoyed communicating with school groups around the country.
We had a very successful expedition and though it may take years to unravel all the data we accumulated this year we are energized by the possibilities of what we will uncover in the ice and snow samples. What we learned this year on US ITASE 1999 has created more questions for us to ponder back at our respective institutes and help us to better prepare for US ITASE 2000. Thanks again for all your support and stay tuned to the ITASE website for further developments as we prepare for our next field season in Antarctica starting in October of 2000.
Date: 12/17/99
Latitude: 77.51 S
Longitude: 166.39 E
Temperature: −4°C
Wind speed: 12 knots
Wind Chill: Not Given
Wind direction: NW
Meters of ice collected:
Notes on daily life:
The weather in McMurdo is warm and sunny and very spring like. You can actually work outdoors in a T-shirt. The scenery and relief of McMurdo is impressive compared to the flatness of Byrd camp and the interior of Antarctica. The airplane runway has been switched from the sea ice runway to the ice shelf runway because the sea ice will soon be breaking up. All of the repacking is finished since much of the gear was stowed at Byrd camp until next year. Everyone seems to have lost a little weight and will see how much they can put back on in the few remaining days at McMurdo. The plane is scheduled to leave McMurdo on the 20th of December.
Date: 12/16/99
Latitude: 77.51 S
Longitude: 166.39 E
Temperature: −3°C
Wind speed: 5 knots
Wind Chill: Not Given
Wind direction: S
Meters of ice collected:
Notes on daily life:
The ITASE team has arrived in McMurdo. The flight the night before from Byrd camp was on time. Everyone is glad to be back in McMurdo. The team will be involved with repacking equipment and samples to be sent back to the United States. Hopefully they will leave McMurdo station soon but for now everyone is enjoying the showers and a well deserved short break.
Date: 12/15/99
Latitude: 80 S
Longitude: 120 W
Temperature: −19°C
Wind speed: 9 knots
Wind Chill: Not Given
Wind direction: NE
Meters of ice collected:
Notes on daily life:
The expedition is coming to a quick end! Tonight a flight is schedule to pick up the team at Byrd camp and take them back to McMurdo station. Currently, the weather is fair and they are anticipating any flight delay. Some equipment has been stowed at Byrd for the next three ITASE expeditions. Everything else is packed and sitting around waiting to be loaded on to the plane. With their fingers crossed, the team should be deciding between hot showers, cafeteria dining, and an indoor nap at McMurdo in the next 24 hours.
Date: 12/14/99
Latitude: 80 S
Longitude: 120 W
Temperature: −12°C
Wind speed: calm
Wind Chill: Not Given
Wind direction: NE
Meters of ice collected:
Notes on daily life:
The day after the celebratory "return to Byrd camp" dinner has been filled with packing, unpacking, and more packing. The plane ride to McMurdo has been scheduled for Wednesday. Everything is in good order for the return flight. Currently, the weather is cooperating for a flight and as long as it holds the team should be basking in the relative warmth of the Antarctic coast by Wednesday. The only complaint about the trip from camp 1 to Byrd was that Cadbury chocolates were in short supply but Steve and Bert with their radar helped provide safe passage (Steve's great stories also helped pass the time).
Date: 12/13/99
Latitude: 80 S
Longitude: 120 W
Temperature: −12°C
Wind speed: 15 knots
Wind Chill: Not Given
Wind direction: N
Meters of ice collected:
Notes on daily life:
ITASE team made it back to Byrd camp with no problems on the return trip. Everything going well. Preparing gear, ice cores, and snow samples for departure to McMurdo station. Celebratory dinner after we return to Byrd camp.
Date: 12/12/99
Latitude: 80.6S
Longitude: 121 W
Temperature: −10°C
Wind speed: 15 knots
Wind Chill: Not Given
Wind direction: NE
Meters of ice collected:
Notes on daily life:
Left Camp Two yesterday morning. Nearly at Camp One. Will collect stored ice cores and snow samples. On towards Byrd Camp. The weather remains cloudy with blowing snow as we travel. Hope to be at Byrd Camp tomorrow night.
Steve has kept us entertained with his stories.