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> Pony Lake Preparation Day!, November 21, 2005
Dena_Rosenberger
post Nov 21 2005, 09:58 AM
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Field Preparation
21 November, 2005


Hello from the Ice!

Where’s Rosenberger?
At McMurdo Research Station in Antarctica!

Tomorrow we head for the Pony Lake field site for the first time and my first glimpse of the penguin rookery. I can’t wait! We have been instructed on how to behave around the penguins. Remember, according to the Antarctic Conservation Act, we cannot do anything to alter the behavior of these beautiful birds. If they approach us, that is fine. According to people who have been here before, they seem to think we are just big penguins doing funny things.

We have to wear full Extreme Cold Weather (ECW) gear at the field site. The first layer of protection is either silk or polypropylene ling underwear. These are both lightweight fabrics that are very warm. The rule in Antarctica is "No COTTON!" First Layer:
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In the background is Mt. Erebus, an active volcano that has become more active lately with frequent eruptions of lava and gas. You can see the steam cloud above the mountain.

Second Layer: This layer consists of heavier polypropylene long underwear and polypropylene gloves, hat, and UV protection glasses:
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The Third Layer consists of a fleece top and pants:
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Final Layer: The outermost layer consists of windpants and goose down filled, coyote fur lined heavy parka, wind blocker hat, neck gaiter, wind blocker fur-backed mittens, white "bunny"boots, and UV goggles.
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Today is working in the lab preparing solutions and chemicals for the lake water and ice core samples we hope to bring back from Pony Lake tomorrow.
Grad student Kaelin preparing solutions (wearing a poorly tie-dyed labcoat):
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We also had to visit “the cage” to find survival bags (in case bad weather comes in while we are there), and sleds (to haul around equipment and blocks of ice).
Grad student Markus in the cage checking out camp supplies:
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and the supply room for food, backpacks, thermoses, and P bottles (NO body wastes can touch the ground here…bring it back in a plastic bottle for treatment). The people in the supply rooms are VERY friendly and helpful!
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We will be driving to Pony Lake in a Pisten Bully transporter, along with one Skidoo to carry supplies. The drive will take several hours. We are also taking along some extra workers to help us clear away the three feet of hard snow covering the lake in the areas we want to sample. The lake is still frozen underneath, but my research team wants to try to get some ice cores.

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Loading up the transporter:
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Current Conditions at McMurdo Station
A low pressure system over the Ross Sea means variable conditions. Right now it is beautiful and I hope it holds for tomorrow’s field exercise!

Right now:
Sunny, few clouds
Light winds (~12-14 knots)
Temperature: 10 oF/ -12 oC with a wind chill factor bringing it to -13 oF
Pressure: 29.315 inHg
Sunset: February 20 at 1:38 am
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Youngblood
post Nov 21 2005, 04:48 PM
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[quote=Dena_Rosenberger,Nov 21 2005, 09:58 AM]
Field Preparation
21 November, 2005



and P bottles (NO body wastes can touch the ground here…bring it back in a plastic bottle for treatment).


This brings a very different meaning to "pack out what you pack in."

Is there a waste water treatment plant at base camp, or do you treat everything in an organic/compost manner?
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Guest
post Nov 22 2005, 02:21 AM
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now by wastes do you mean trash or do they make sure everyone goes potty before the big ride on the ice.lol any way I hope you have fun say holla to markus for me he is a cutie. I can't wait till you get back, happy turkey day!
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Frank C.
post Nov 22 2005, 05:17 AM
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Hey Dena! Saw your picture on the cover of the Union Tribune and said, "Hey, she looks very familar." I went to beach volley that Saturday and asked Jack W. if that was the same Dena that used to show up for Wednesday night volleyball. Sure enough, that's you.

Everyone on the beach said "Hi" to you. It was a beautiful 80 degree day on the beach, but our thoughts were of you to the FAR south.

Best of luck. Hope to see you at beach volleyball sometime after you return!

Take care,

Frank C.
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Dena_Rosenberger
post Nov 22 2005, 08:06 AM
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QUOTE(Guest @ Nov 22 2005, 02:21 AM)
now by wastes do you mean trash or do they make sure everyone goes potty before the big ride on the ice.lol any way I hope you have fun say holla to markus for me he is a cutie. I can't wait till you get back, happy turkey day!
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They mean ALL things that you would normally throw away OR dispose of in any other way. That is why we have to bring "P" bottles with us to the field site. Who wrote this message? By the way, Markus is a grad student from Austria and he has a great accent. He also can imitate our governor to a tee.
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Dena_Rosenberger
post Nov 22 2005, 08:14 AM
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[quote=Youngblood,Nov 21 2005, 04:48 PM]
[quote=Dena_Rosenberger,Nov 21 2005, 09:58 AM]
Field Preparation
21 November, 2005

and P bottles (NO body wastes can touch the ground here…bring it back in a plastic bottle for treatment).
This brings a very different meaning to "pack out what you pack in."

Is there a waste water treatment plant at base camp, or do you treat everything in an organic/compost manner?
*

[/quote]

Hi David:
There is a waste water treatment plant here. Everything else is shipped to California for treatment. There is no burning allowed. It really makes you think about how many paper towels you grab to dry your hands, and how long of a shower you take.
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Dena_Rosenberger
post Nov 22 2005, 08:16 AM
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QUOTE(Frank C. @ Nov 22 2005, 05:17 AM)
Hey Dena! Saw your picture on the cover of the Union Tribune and said, "Hey, she looks very familar." I went to beach volley that Saturday and asked Jack W. if that was the same Dena that used to show up for Wednesday night volleyball. Sure enough, that's you.

Everyone on the beach said "Hi" to you. It was a beautiful 80 degree day on the beach, but our thoughts were of you to the FAR south.

Best of luck. Hope to see you at beach volleyball sometime after you return!

Take care,

Frank C.
*



Hi Frank! Hi Jack! Hi all the Wednesday night VB crew! I guess I've been a bit too busy lately to come join you all...but believe it or not, on Wednesday nights I still wish I was down there. There actually is a gym here on the base where pickup games of VB can be found, I am told. I've been too busy since I arrived last Wednesday to check it out. Side out!
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Guest
post Nov 23 2005, 06:08 AM
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Hey Rosen sorry i did not write to you yesterday i was so busy and i hope you have a good trip and see more great penguins i also want you to have the best time during the holidays. Try and se if you send a good picture of your dorms. Jamie 3rd period.

Seeeeeyaaaaa! Have Fun.
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Stephanie
post Nov 23 2005, 10:02 PM
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Hi Ms. Rosenberger-
We hope you are having fun and aren't too cold. We all miss you and wish you a happy thanksgiving. We also hope that your research is going well and that you stay safe and warm.
Love,
Stephanie W. and Jenn E.
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chuck
post Nov 28 2005, 06:39 AM
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tongue.gif tongue.gif
What Up, Going to have my students desrcribe the pics you opst for their "where's Rosen Asssignment." So Keep The Pics Coming. I Get caught up.
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Dena_Rosenberger
post Nov 28 2005, 11:04 PM
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Thanks, "chuck"
Is this your collaboration? tongue.gif


QUOTE(chuck @ Nov 28 2005, 06:39 AM)
tongue.gif  tongue.gif
What Up, Going to have my students desrcribe the pics you opst for their "where's Rosen Asssignment."  So Keep The Pics Coming.  I Get caught up.
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