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> Lab Day!, 29 November
Dena_Rosenberger
post Nov 29 2005, 10:17 AM
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Hello from the Ice!

For those interested in things Antarctic, check out the weekly Antarctic newspaper at http://AntarcticSun.usap.gov
They do an incredible job of telling about the research going on here as well as other articles about Antarctica, life at the different research stations, comics, opinions, and some pretty funny stuff. Great photos, too.

Where’s Rosenberger?
Crary Labs, McMurdo Station, Ross Island, Antarctica

What a gorgeous day! The sun is shining and I know that ice is melting at Pony Lake and it makes my heart smile. Some of you have been asking to see what the dorms look like.

The lovely dorm room that I share with my friend Jean:
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> The other side of the room, metal closets and all:
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Today, we worked in the lab all day preparing to analyze the cores of ice that we brought back from Pony Lake. Jenn and I worked on making solutions and testing a piece of lab equipment called a fluorometer, which measures emission and excitation wavelengths of various organic compounds on the nanometer scale. And remember, what we are looking for in Pony Lake is Dissolved Organic Matter, or DOM.

Markus was preparing the ice cores for analysis, working in the freezer at -20 C. That’s REALLY cold! He said his fingers were close to frostbite because he has to wear surgical gloves when handling the cores.

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> Notice the high concentration of algae on the bottom end:
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> That's too close! (Smells bad!)
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Tomorrow, I get to go on a “boondoggle.” That is what people call it when you get a chance to get out of McMurdo on a “fun” trip. Because I am a teacher, I was invited to go to the Penguin Ranch, where they study Emperor penguin physiology. The lab site is out on the sea ice about an hour’s drive by Pisten Bully. I was able to join the “fuelies” run. On a regular basis, fuel must be taken out to the ice camps for electricity and heating and they had an extra seat. Thanks to my PI (lead scientist) Christine, for allowing me a day off to join this fieldtrip. This will be an incredible experience. The Penguin Ranch lead scientist, Dr. Paul Ponganis, is world-famous for his penguin research. Look for some incredible pictures tomorrow!

Pathways to Antarctica
Later this week I will be starting a feature showcasing various people who work in Antarctica in a variety of jobs and how they came to be here. From crane operators to waste water technicians to scientists, everyone has a story.

Did you know?
In 1841, James Clark Ross’s ships, the Erebus (named after the Underworld) and the Terror, were the first to enter the Antarctic Ice Pack. Ross then named McMurdo sound in honor of Lt. Archibald McMurdo, an officer onboard the Terror.

Current Conditions at McMurdo Station
A high pressure system is giving continued fair conditions.

Right now: BEAUTIFUL!
Little to no wind
Pressure: 29.080 inHg
Temperature: 32 oF/ 0 oC with no wind
Sunset: February 20 at 1:38 a
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Guest
post Nov 29 2005, 03:42 PM
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is global warming causing he ice to melt <slow or fast>???????
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post Nov 29 2005, 04:55 PM
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Dear Dena,

I am an English teacher in Lake Arrowhead. As I check out your website, I can feel, hear and taste all the elements I see in the photos. I was a Mc Murdo resident in 1989, drove those Deltas you pictured, did the survival school, skied under the plume of Erebus. So very nostalgic and great to visit your site!

I stayed for a full year on that first trip and became an plumber's helper. Then I returned in 1991 for another summer and helped build the biology lab you are working in.

I couldn't resist connecting to you! You are clearly as moved an amazed by the Antarctic as I am. Enjoy.

Kathleen Ferrara
Rim of the World High School
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Dena_Rosenberger
post Nov 30 2005, 05:13 AM
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Hello Kathleen:

How nice to hear from a fellow MacTowner! I can't exactly call myself that yet since it is my first season. It must have been strange to winter over your first year. You did a good job on Crary Lab Building. It is top notch state-of-the-art.

This is an astounding place. Sometimes I just stop in my tracks and look across McMurdo Sound in amazement. Of course, some people may think this is a bit odd but I can't help it. The way the light shows different sides of the mountains at different times is a constant wonder.

From plumber to English teacher? Sounds great! Rim of the World high school has the best view of any school I've seen.

Take care, and thanks for checking in on me from time to time.

Dena



QUOTE(Guest @ Nov 29 2005, 04:55 PM)
Dear Dena,

I am an English teacher in Lake Arrowhead. As I check out your website, I can feel, hear and taste all the elements I see in the photos. I was a Mc Murdo resident in 1989, drove those Deltas you pictured, did the survival school, skied under the plume of Erebus. So very nostalgic and great to visit your site!

I stayed for a full year on that first trip and became an plumber's helper. Then I returned in 1991 for another summer and helped build the biology lab you are working in.

I couldn't resist connecting to you! You are clearly as moved an amazed by the Antarctic as I am. Enjoy.

Kathleen Ferrara
Rim of the World High School
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post Nov 30 2005, 08:21 AM
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That Alge in the picture is that from channels in the ice simular to the brine channels found in sea ice?
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