LOGISTICS REPORT
K049: NZ ITASE
Antarctica New Zealand 2007/08
*AIMS
The principal purpose of this year's field season was to conduct a site survey at Skinner Saddle and Gawn Ice Piedmont in the vicinity of Byrd Glacier for future ice core drilling. We accomplished a total of 185 km high resolution radar survey and identified excellent drilling locations at both sites.
-
ITASE-Objective
The focus of the New Zealand ITASE group is to provide information from the climate sensitive, low altitude, coastal sites. This will capture the climate signature of the troposphere, which represents a regional account on the Ross Sea climate. The ice core data are expected to provide a record of air temperature, snow accumulation, precipitation source, atmospheric circulation strength, storm frequency, sea ice variation, ocean productivity, and anthropogenic influences. The results will help to decide whether the Ross Sea region is currently cooling or warming with a longer-term prospective, taking low frequency climate variability (100 to 1000 year cycles) into account. Furthermore, proposed tele-connections such as the Amundsen Low-ENSO correlation [Bertler et al. 2004; Meyerson et al. 2002] or the Southern Hemisphere Annual Mode [Thompson and Solomon 2002] can be further constrained.
-
Latitudinal Gradient Project Objective
The project is expected to contribute substantially to the Latitudinal Gradient Project, as it can provide a history of temperature, humidity, sea ice cover, precipitation source, atmospheric circulation, and ocean productivity along the Victoria Coast for the last 200 to 10,000 years. Furthermore, the timing and velocity of the Ross Ice Shelf retreat some 9 to 5ka years ago is still discussed controversially [Hall and Denton 2000; Steig et al. 1998; Steig et al. 2000].
-
ANDRILL Objective
The ice core locations 2 and 3 (Evans Piedmont Glacier and Mt. Erebus Saddle) are in the vicinity of planned ANDRILL coring locations (Granite Harbour and Windless Bight). The ice core records will provide a high resolution climate dataset, which serves as a reference for the younger part of marine record recovered through ANDRILL.
-
Longer-Term Mass Balance Objective
During the 1999/2000 season mass balance measurement devices (submergence velocity method [Hamilton and Whillans 2000; Hamilton et al. 1998]) have been deployed at Victoria Lower Glacier. The device has since been revisited. The measurements show that the glacier has a slightly negative mass balance, losing around 12-15cm thickness per year. A continuation of the measurements will allow monitoring changes in the ablation intensity of the McMurdo Dry Valleys.
-
The Antarctic – New Zealand Connection Objective
New Zealand's future economic and social development, environmental sustainability, and infrastructural planning critically relies upon the accurate assessment of the impact of "global warming" in our sector of the planet. Future climate change is a result of both natural variability and anthropogenic influence. A joint programme between Victoria University, GNS Science, University of Maine, is investigating ice core records from New Zealand (Tasman Glacier and Mt. Ruapehu ice field). The comparison between our NZ and Antarctic ice core records will provide much needed data for the development of realistic regional climate models to predict NZ climate in the 21 th Century [Mullan et al. 2001].
*PERSONNEL
Name | Role | Organisation | Departed Chch | Returned Chch |
---|---|---|---|---|
Nancy Bertler | PI | Victoria University / GNS Science | 23/10/2007 | 20/12/2007 |
Matt Watson | Radar Expert | ScanTec | 23/10/2007 | 27/11/2007 |
Davie Robinson | Field Safety Expert | GNS Science | 23/10/2007 | 26/11/2007 |
Rachael Rhodes | Student | Victoria University / GNS Science | 23/10/2007 | 07/12/2007 |
Julia Bull | Student | Victoria University | 26/11/2007 | 07/12/2007 |
Alex Pyne | Drilling Expert | Victoria University | Transfer from K001 to K049 13/12/2007 | 20/12/2007 |
*PLANNING
-
Application process
The application process was efficient and well documented
-
Communications with Antarctica New Zealand staff
Communication with Antarctica New Zealand staff was professional, timely, and effective.
-
Preseason information
The information received was timely and valuable
-
Medicals, documentation and flights to Antarctica
The information received was timely and valuable. However, I would like to note that there is a loophole in the information flow for the medical assessment. I would like to suggest that the PI of any field group will be informed by the medical advisor of any condition of a team member relevant to the field deployment, such as allergies etc. Furthermore, I would like to suggest adding to the medical questionnaire the question on how long the examining doctor has known the patient. This would help the medical advisor to evaluate how comprehensive the medical assessment might be.
-
Environmental Advice
The pre-season information received was timely and valuable
-
Other comments
The multi-season experience of many Antarctica NZ staff makes the planning process field deployment a professional and efficient process. However, I would like to note that also new staff, in particular in the management team, contributed to have made this year's planning and implementation a very efficient and positive experience.
*PREPARATIONS FOR THE FIELD
-
Reception and planning for your event
The reception was well organised, friendly and efficient. The main issues of the event were promptly discussed and organised.
-
Availability and condition of equipment received
Upon our arrival Scott Base staff the field support team, J.Barton and D.Mahon had staged most of our field equipment in the HFC. The equipment was in good condition and suitable for our field deployment.
-
Antarctic Field training and any specialist training
All team members with the exception of Rhodes conducted a refresher training, which was efficient and useful. Rhodes participated the full Antarctic field training. In addition, we conducted an additional glacier travel training. The training, carried out by Davie Robinson, was excellent and catered for the specific needs of this group. Extensive crevasse extraction training, roped skidoo-travel, and management of extreme weather conditions were an important focus of the training. All members felt that the field training was very practical, helpful, and beneficial for the team. We are grateful to E. Barnes for the concept and excellent implementation of a modulised, tailored field training programme
-
Field party equipment 'shakedown' journey
The equipment shakedown journey was particularly useful to identify and repair minor defects in the equipment, as well as to practise and revise traverse routines. When the team deployed to Skinner Saddle, all science and field equipment was thoroughly tested and checked.
-
Delays at Scott Base, whatever the cause
We deployed in general on time to and between field sites, with only minor (1 day) weather delays at our move to Gawn Ice Piedmont and from Evans Piedmont Glacier. We purposely delayed our departure from Scott base to Skinner Saddle by one day as this provided the opportunity to use the DC-3 instead of Twin Otter aircrafts. However, due to delays in the DC-3 schedule we used the Twin Otter aircrafts.
-
Safety and Risk Management processes
The risk management process was useful.
-
General comments about Scott Base
The Hillary Field Centre is a well designed, practical, and much welcome improvement for field preparations. The cage system as well as the bench space along with the excellent organisation and coordination by J. Burton and D. XXX allowed a number of groups to concurrently prepare and test their science and field equipment indoors. In addition, this provided an atmosphere for scientific exchange between groups as well as exchange of practical experience between individuals. The doors to the cages are somewhat too narrow and don't allow equipment to be transferred by trolley. The new mess and lounge area is a well implemented improvement of the living quarters.
-
Other comments
We would like to thank Scott Base staff for their very efficient, professional, and above and beyond support with our programme!
FIELD TRANSPORT
Vehicles
Skidoos and Nansen Sledge
We used two Bombardier skidoos (SWT 08 and 09) for traversing at Skinner Saddle and Gawn Ice Piedmont. These skidoos are easier to drive and to start than the older Alpine II models. Overall, the skidoos were reliable and performed well. The skidoos were well prepared and fitted with spare parts and we received professional and useful advice during field deployment via radio. A Nansen Sledge was used to carry the Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) control units, high resolution GPS, a generator and solar panels. The sledge was in good condition and performed extremely well in both soft snow and rough terrain. Good weather conditions allowed us to conduct 150km of GPR survey lines at Skinner Saddle, while marginal weather conditions at Gawn Ice Piedmont limited our efforts to 35km. Fuel consumption of the traverse was on average 1.5L / km (or 0.66 km/L) for both skidoos together. The ratio between the front skidoo, pulling the Nansen sledge, and the trailing back skidoo was approximately 60/40%.
Aircraft Operations
Twin Otter
The field deployment by Twin Otter was again highly successful, efficient, and practical. In preparation for field deployment to a new site, we met with the pilots, discussed satellite images and digital elevation models of the site. The crew provided us with aircraft pallets which we prepacked and plastic wrapped. The landing at this both sites was smooth and unproblematic. Four flights accommodated the cargo input of our deployment. The loading and unloading of the aircraft was fast and relatively easy even for heavy equipment, such as skidoos or fuel drums. At Gawn Ice Piedmont, crevasse fields undetected in our satellite images required finding an alternative landing site. The pilots were very accommodating and also created a safe zone for us by taxing across our chosen camp site before unloading. We would like to thank the crew for their professional, practical, and friendly support.
HNO
Field deployment to Evans Piedmont and Victoria Lower Glacier was carried out with HNO. Both deployment and pickup of cargo and passengers was very professional, efficient, and safe. The extensive regional and local experience of R.McPhail is invaluable. We are grateful for the exceptional support by HNO.
Ship Operations
We are grateful for discussions with Captain O'Hanlon of the American Tern regarding the shipment of our ice core cargo.
*EVENT DIARY
*WEATHER
Weather conditions during our deployment were variable. Overall we experienced favourable weather conditions at Skinner Saddle, with only two no-work days. We experienced a strong temperature shift from initially temperatures well below −30°C to −18 °C within a week. A total of 15cm net snow accumulation occurred during the 9 days. At Gawn Ice Piedmont weather conditions were unfavourable with only 2.5 work days out of 7 on site. Low visibility, strong winds, blowing and falling snow made traversing in this glaciological active region difficult. A total of 45cm snow accumulation occurred during our stay. At Evans Piedmont and Victoria Lower Glaciers weather conditions were very good with only one day of weather-caused delays.
Automatic weather station data from Skinner Saddle from 02 to 11 November 2007.
*ACCIDENTS, INCIDENTS OR HAZARDS
FIELD EQUIPMENT
Quality, suitability and performance of field clothing
ECW Jackets: The Tiger Angel ECW jackets performed extremely well. They are comfortable, warm, relatively light weight, and shed snow extremely well. The design and black colour was also well perceived. The two-layer system is very practical and allows the jacket to be used in cold and temperate conditions alike. The hood doesn't perform in high winds as it is not ridged enough. In addition the neck is cut too narrow and the sippers can't be closed over a neck gaiter. The sippers on arms and wrists are too narrow and don't allow for fleece or lather gloves to go underneath.
Overall, this is a very functional and the best performing ECW jacket our group has tested yet. The Canadian Goose jacket is similar in its feature. However, it doesn't shed the snow as well, and the artificial fur is trapping snow rather than shedding it. In addition, the inner jacket cannot be zipped out as in the case of the Tiger Angel jacket. In summary, we prefer and recommend the Tiger Angel jacket.
Windproof Trousers: The new Earth Sea and Sky windproof trousers are impractical. The cut is too high and too tight around the waist, limiting freedom of movement. However, the material shed the snow well. Overall, we preferred the Cactus windproof trousers, which we used last year and found to be practical, shed snow extremely well, provide good freedom of movement, and are very durable. All members of the group wore almost exclusively these trousers from October to January, regardless of weather conditions or work tasks. Despite the heavy use, they showed little or no sign of fatigue. Only during the coldest of days (~30°C) during skidoo traversing in high winds were the trousers somewhat too cold. The only complaints some group members have is, that the full length sippers catch in the material as the seam is not stiffened enough. D.Robinson had a more durable version of this trouser. However, the material was less efficient in shedding snow and hence got wet at times. For this reason, we would recommend the simpler version. Together with the Tiger Angel ECW jackets, this combination offers an excellent and weather proof outer shell.
Polarfleece Jackets: The new polarfleece Earth, Sea, and Sky fleece jackets are suitable for a narrow temperature range as they are not designed to be used in a layering system. The cut of waist and arms is too narrow to allow other layers, such as a fleece shirt to be worn underneath. In addition the neck is cut too narrow to allow for a neck-gaiter to fit inside. Furthermore, the jacket has not enough pockets to keep for example batteries warm in inside pockets. Moreover, the material did not appear as durable as previously issued fleece jackets.
Fleece Shirt: The new Earth, Sea, and Sky fleece shirt did not withstand the challenges of the field deployment. In the short time we wore the shirts, the material around shoulders thinned significantly. As with the fleece jackets, the cut is too narrow to allow a layering of clothing, such as ice breaker underwear below the fleece shirt.
Windproof Jacket: The new windproof jacket was much worn by all team members. The material is durable, comfortable, lightweight and provides good freedom of movement. However, the cut is too narrow to permit layering, eg. the fleece jacket would not fit underneath the windproof jacket. Furthermore, the jacket doesn't provide a hood, a crucial feature to keep warm in windy conditions.
Carhart Salopetts: We welcome the decision to allow Carhart trousers as ECW trousers. We feel Carharts are warmer than down-ECW trousers and remain dry longer in blowing snow conditions than their blue equivalents. While they are somewhat heavier, they are also more durable.
Performance and design of field equipment such as tents, technical climbing equipment, kitchen gear, stoves, sleep kits and sledges
Polar Heaven Tent: the new polar heaven greatly improved working and living conditions in the field through significantly higher insulation, stability, and functional doors. The new floor however, is extremely slippery with snow and poses a significant risk, in particular during set-up of the tent. We used old carpet from Scott Base which not only provided a safe surface, but also provided further insulation and improved ground stability over time. The new oven heaters for the polar heaven are a good addition, however they are too large and bulky to transport (240lb). Instead, we used the VUW heater, which is smaller and lighter (60lb). In addition, the VUW heater can be connected directly to a 60L fuel drum, while the SB heater requires an additional fuel container, which increases weight and bulk. The new H-shaped chimney improved the heater performance significantly during stormy conditions and/or heavy snow fall and we would like to suggest fitting SB heaters with the similar chimney top. After some very cold nights, water in the diesel fuel froze in the hose and stopped the fuel flow to the oven. Placing the hose frequently (every few days) in a hot water bath prevents the ice built-up and improves efficiency.
Sleeping bags: We used a combined system of a synthetic outer and a down inner. The combination provided excellent thermal conditions. However, the synthetic outer layer required frequent drying or else significant ice built-up occurred and subsequent melt.
20 person day ration box or bulk food system
The variety and quality of food in the new bags is good and sufficient. Freeze-dry food back up for 14day additional supply is a good alternative for taking full new bags. It saves room and weight. Maybe this could replace all freeze-dry in general food bags, since freeze-dry is expensive, not much liked, and causes digestive problems for some people. Some of the items in the food boxes had gone off. E.g. most of the milk-power and nuts were not useable.
Condition and performance of 'wannigans'
N.A.
Performance and use of generators, spill kits, alternative energy systems
We used a 1kV, 2kV, and a 4kV generator. All generators were well serviced and functioned without problems.
Specialised field equipment
We are grateful for the Nansen sledge cockpit built by the SB carpenters which provided wind protection for the ground penetrating radar operator and equipment and improved significantly work conditions and efficiency, in particular during marginal weather conditions.
We also would like to thank the SB engineer shop to built the glycol melt head designed by Alex Pyne which allowed to us to retrieve the arrested ice core drill from Gawn Ice Piedmont.
Other comments
Throughout the season, Scott Base staff was exceptionally supportive, helpful, and innovative in solving problems or accommodating special requirements of our programme.
RADIO COMMUNICATIONS
Suitability and effectiveness of the radio and/or Iridium equipment
The HF radio system was in poor condition, with loose wires, a broken antennae cable and an unsuitable battery charger. In discussion with the SB telecom, we rewired the radio, renewed the antennae cable and modified the charger. The batteries of the VHF and Iridium phones did not hold their charge in ambient temperature. In the field, the Iridium phone was reliably functional only when powered directly off the generator.
Reception/transmission conditions and suitability of radio schedule timing
HF reception and transmission was in general good but weather dependent. VHF radio and iridium phone reception was consistently good.
Scott Base's general efficiency during radio schedule
SB staff were friendly and helpful during radio communication. However, insufficient training might have been the cause for inefficiencies, miscommunication, and technical problems.
Other comments
The iridium phone is a valid and practical back-up to HF radio communication. We would like to suggest activating text messaging option it is less energy demanding and cheaper than phone conversations. We used for the second year a private iridium phone to receive weather updates via text messaging. This option could also be useful to receive updates of aircraft/helo flight schedules from SB and other short messages outside the normal sched times, since the phone does not have to be switched on to store incoming messages until the phone is switched on. This could make communication initiated from SB easier and less dependent on sched times.
SCOTT BASE AND ARRIVAL HEIGHTS FACILITIES
Facility | Use |
---|---|
Hatherton Geoscience Laboratory | |
Q-Hut study carousels | |
Hillary Field Centre | We are grateful for the space allocated in the Hillary Field Centre, which we used for testing our science and field equipment as well as preparing twin otter loads |
Scott Base Wet Laboratory | |
Scott Base Summer Laboratory | |
Arrival Heights Laboratory | |
TAE Hut | |
Library |
-
Additional equipment taken to Scott Base
-
US Science facilities used
-
Other comments
COMPUTER FACILITIES
-
Assistance the science technicians gave with computer / IT issues
-
Issues concerning public computer facilities in the Hatherton Laboratory
REFUGE AND RESEARCH HUTS
Refuge/research hut name | |
Overall condition | |
Scale and condition of provisions | |
Suitability of location | |
Unnecessary equipment or rubbish/debris in the area |
-
Other comments
*ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT
*Sites Visited (please fill in a box for each site visited)
Site name | Gawn Ice Piedmont |
Site coordinates | 80°05′58.15″S, 159°16′37.60″E, 1221.0 m asl |
Is this site in an ASMA or ASPA? If so, which one? | No |
Dates occupied (from - to) | 13 Nov to 21 Nov, and 14 Dec |
Total time (days/hours) at site | 9 days and on separate visit 5 hours |
Maximum number of people at site (your event) | 4 and on separate visit 3 |
Total person-days (or person-hours) at site | 36 person-days and on separate visit 15 person-hours |
Main activity undertaken | Site survey, ground penetrating radar, and shallow drilling |
Cumulative impacts observed | With the exception of usage of 15L of glycol and 25L of ethanol to free ice core drill, the cumulative impacts were less than minor and transitory. These additional impacts include exhaust fumes from skidoos, generators and polar heaven heater |
Helo landing site coordinates if not established AND marked | N.A. |
Site name | Evans Piedmont Glacier |
Site coordinates | 76°43′31.95″S, 162°35′18.17″E, 390.9 m asl |
Is this site in an ASMA or ASPA? If so, which one? | McMurdo Dry Valleys ASMA |
Dates occupied (from - to) | 27 Nov to 04 Dec |
Total time (days/hours) at site | 8 days |
Maximum number of people at site (your event) | 3 |
Total person-days (or person-hours) at site | 24 person-days |
Main activity undertaken | High resolution snow pit sampling, automatic weather station maintenance, and mass balance measurements |
Cumulative impacts observed | Cumulative impacts were less than minor and transitory. No generator or fuel heater were used during the field deployment |
Helo landing site coordinates if not established AND marked | N.A. |
Chemical
Chemical name | Site of use | Quantity used | Quantity of unused/waste chemicals returned to NZ | Purpose of chemical |
Ethanol | Gawn Ice Piedmont | 25 L | N.A. | Retrieval of ice core drill |
Glycol | Gawn Ice Piedmont | 15 L | N.A. | Retrieval of ice core drill |
Details of chemicals left at Scott Base (justification as to why they were left, quantity and storage location): | ||||
Ethanol and glycol were provided by SB and unused quantities were returned to the engineers workshop |
Geological Material
Location | Specimen type | Quantity (kg) | |
Site name | Coordinates | ||
Skinner Saddle | 80°55′54.66″S, 159°30′11.56″E | 17m of firn core and 20 snow samples | 90 kg |
Gawn Ice Piedmont | 80°05′58.15″S, 159°16′37.60″E | 14m of firn core and 50 snow samples | 70 kg |
Evans Piedmont Glacier | 76°43′31.95″S, 162°35′18.17″E | 600 snow samples | 50 kg |
Equipment installed/left in field
Type of equipment/marker installed | Location (name and coordinates) | Number of items left in field | (Dimension in metres: H, W, L) | Estimated retrieval date |
Automatic weather station | 80°55′54.66″S, 159°30′11.56″E | 1 | 3m, 4m, 4m | After intermediate depth ice core retrieval |
If equipment has been left in the field please provide a justification:
![]() |
The meteorological data will be used to establish transfer functions between ice core proxies and atmospheric parameters. The AWS records temperature, wind direction and speed, humidity, snow accumulation, snow temperature and solar radiation. We will remove the AWS during the drilling season. |
Please insert or append a photograph of the installation(s) (AWS, marker, stake etc) in this report.
Waste management
Location | Approximate quantity | Disposal methods i.e. tidecracked, returned to SB etc | |
Site name | Coordinates | ||
Skinner Saddle | 80°55′54.66″S, 159°30′11.56″E | Urine and filtered grey-water disposed at site, all remaining waste returned to SB | |
Gawn Ice Piedmont | 80°05′58.15″S, 159°16′37.60″E | Urine and filtered grey-water disposed at site, all remaining waste returned to SB | |
Evans Piedmont Glacier | 76°43′31.95″S, 162°35′18.17″E | All waste returned to SB |
*Differences from original Preliminary Environmental Evaluation (PEE)
Our original PEE did not considered the use of ethanol and glycol to retrieve an arrested ice core drilling system. An application to amend our PEE permit to allow the use of ethanol and glycol was kindly granted by MFAT.
ANTARCTIC SPECIALLY PROTECTED AND MANAGED AREAS
Note that all event leaders who hold permits for entry to an ASPA need to complete a Visit Report for each ASPA entered. Please download this form from our 'Returning to New Zealand' web page or contact Miranda Huston, the Environmental Advisor.
- New ASPA or ASMA designation to be considered:
- New Special Features within the McMurdo Dry Valleys ASMA to be considered:
ANTARCTIC GEOGRAPHIC PLACE NAMES
Location of Feature | |
Type of Feature | |
Proposed Name |
DESCRIPTION OF REMOTE, RARELY USED FIELD SITES
- Weather
- Campsite suitability
- Helicopter and/or fixed wing landing site suitability
- Travel (e.g. crevasse problems, ruggedness of terrain, used/potential routes)
- Sea ice activity and suitability for travel
- Overall description of the area
- Availability of freshwater
- Suggestions for any of the above for future use of the site/area
- Any other comments you wish to provide.