Operation in Antarctic Conditions

We quickly found that the magnetic readings of both our geological compasses were unreliable. It was thus necessary to work with the sun on the rock face. At Mt Bastion, 75% of the section was on the southern face. This required working in the very early morning when temperatures were low (−25° to −30°C). Even so, the motor performed very well, usually starting first pull. However, the 1:1 antifreeze mixture froze. It was increased to two parts antifreeze to one of water and finally 100% antifreeze, when no further trouble was experienced. The handpiece metering system worked well and on average, four cores per litre were obtained.