19 July 2004

Joined: 23 Mar 2004 Posts: 23

What a nice day in Mould Bay! The wind calmed down some and the precipitation held off so it was a little warmer.

Today was a fun day in the field. I worked with Gary and Chien-Lu on their soil pits. First we took samples from yesterdays pit for carbon dating and pH samples. Then we moved to another area to dig a new pit. First you dig through the active layer ( the area that is able to thaw in the summer) to the ice.

A beautiful soil pit (yes, soil can be beautiful)

Next you sit and take a break

Chien-Lu takes a break in the pit with Alexia

Next you use a jackhammer to break up the ice layer to get down to soil that is not affected by climate.

Using a jackhammer to break up ice...notice the operator?

Finally, the soil pit is ready to be sampled, photographed, and drawn. I find it absolutely amazing how much you can learn from these pits. This pit was about 80cm deep.

Several people view and photograph the pit once it is completed

Another thing that was accomplished today was installation of the weather station.

Vlad and Ronnie use an auger to dig a 1meter hole for the soil/ice temperature detectors

The completed weather station collects soil/ice temperatures, air temperature, snow height, and has a lighting rod...just in case.
I also want to add a photo of Howie doing his biomass collection, which I helped with yesterday.

Howie sits and works at his grid

And last but not least, sometimes after a day in the field scientists can get a little silly!

Patrick shows off his photography skills with a self-portrait

Tonight most of the team will leave in a plane to head to Isaachsen which is on Ellef Ringnes Island (2hour flight to the north). They will explore and set up a grid and return around 6am. So, we will see what tomorrrow brings...