Dark Snow Touches Down Deep in Ice Sheet – Core Samples Bagged
July 9, 2013
I never worked on a meticulously planned ambitious project that didn’t turn into an improvised as you go masterpiece. – Dark Snow Supporter
Quick update: The DarkSnowProject team touched down on deep in the heart of the Greenland Ice Sheet on monday. In an unusual helicopter expedition, the team refueled midway at the Dye 2 science station, and continued on to the Greenland Saddle, topographical divide of the ice sheet, deep in the interior, at 8700 foot elevation.
The team raced the clock, drilling shallow ice cores, taking Spectra, digging a Snow pit despite driving, drifting powder, shooting concurrent video and audio – and made it safely back to Kangerlussuaq.
Pictures for now. Much, much more to follow.
We fly again today.
Mckenzie Skiles hard at work in a snow pit
A major concern for our pilot was whether we would lose horizon.
Dr. Jason Box setting up coring equipment. Under the clock, Jason drilled and bagged two ice cores, reaching the record melt layer of 2012. The samples are safely frozen in Kangarlussuaq.
Our landmark for the location is this tiny, solar powered weather station that Dr. Box has helped maintain over the years.
With samples on board, weather closing in, time is up. NASA’s Skiles warms fingertips and keyboard, while Dr. Box breathes a sigh of relief.
July 9, 2013 at 12:42 pm
At least I don’t see any melt ponds up there!
July 9, 2013 at 10:31 pm
🙂 !!
July 10, 2013 at 1:17 am
So exciting to get on the spot news Thanks
July 11, 2013 at 12:43 am
[…] team, who are investigating the effect of smoke particles deposited on the ice on melting, have successfully completed their first sampling mission. It’s well worth checking Sinclair’s blog for frequent […]
July 11, 2013 at 4:50 am
[…] who are investigating the effect of smoke particles deposited on the ice on melting, have successfully completed their first sampling mission. It’s well worth checking […]
July 11, 2013 at 8:09 pm
very exciting, great job guys and gals. Can’t wait to hear about some of your science findings from this expedition some time soon.