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Victoria University Antarctic Research Expedition Science and Logistics Reports 2005-06: VUWAE 50

LOGISTICS REPORT K049 NZ – ITASE: Holocene Climate Variability along the Victoria Land Coast 2005-06

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LOGISTICS REPORT

K049 NZ – ITASE: Holocene Climate Variability along the Victoria Land Coast

Antarctica New Zealand 2005/06

page 1

*AIMS

Seven key locations were identified for the NZ ITASE (International Transantarctic Scientific Expedition) programme. The analyses on the ice core from the first site, Victoria Lower Glacier in the McMurdo Dry Valleys, have been completed. During the 2003/04 field season we carried out a detailed reconnaissance of sites 2 and 3: Evans Piedmont Glacier (EPG) and Mt Erebus Saddle (MES) and determined the most suitable locations of the ice core recovery. During the 2004/05 field season we recovered to intermediate length ice cores (180m and 200m, respectively) from these locations and conduct further in-situ measurements, such as borehole temperature and light penetration characteristics, snow density and stratigraphy and its geographical variability. Furthermore, we installed a weather station and mass balance devices at EPG and cased the borehole at MES for future measurements. During the 2005/06 field season we re-visited VLG and EPG to conduct GPS measurements of the submerge velocity devices and to sample shallow snow pits. Furthermore, we retrieved the meteorological data and carried out maintenance work on the automatic weather station at EPG. Lastly we deployed 6m snow stakes at the high accumulation site at Mt Erebus Saddle.

The NZ ITASE programme has five objectives:
1.

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.

2.

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].

3.

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.

4.

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 during season 2000/2001 and 2001/2002. The measurements show that the glacier has a slightly negative mass balance, losing around page 2 12cm thickness per year. A continuation of the measurements will allow monitoring changes in the ablation intensity of the McMurdo Dry Valleys.

5.

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 IGNS, University of Maine, Victoria University 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 21th Century [Mullan et al. 2001].

*PERSONNEL

Name Designation Organisation Departed Chch Returned Chch
Nancy Bertler PI Antarctic Research Centre, Victoria University 24 Nov 05 06 Dec 05
Alex Pyne Engineer Antarctic Research Centre, Victoria University 16 Nov 05 (K001) 06 Dec 05
Mark Morrison Field Safety Antarctica New Zealand NA NA

*PLANNING

  • Application process

    The application process was organised in a professional and efficient manner. While we feel that the review process of the Antarctic Research Committee is rigorous and unbiased, the ranking/grading system lacks accountability, as the ranking results are not provided to the applicant. This also prevents the applicant to improve future applications.

  • Communications with Antarctica New Zealand staff

    Communication with Antarctica New Zealand staff was professional, timely, and effective.

  • Provision of maps and aerial photographs

    N.A.

  • Preseason information

    In late May 2005 we were informed that our planned work at Cape Hallett (GPR and drilling of 200m ice core) could not be supported due to Antarctica New Zealand logistics constraints. For this reason our programme was condensed to our long-term mass balance monitoring at Victoria Lower Glacier and the maintenance work on the automatic weather station at Evans Piedmont Glacier. Furthermore, Antarctica New Zealand accommodated an additional visit to Mt Erebus Saddle to deploy snow stakes for mass balance measurements.

  • Medicals, documentation and flights to Antarctica

    The information received was timely and valuable

    page 3
  • Environmental Advice

    The information received was timely and valuable

  • Other comments

    In our experience over the last years, Antarctica New Zealand excelled through practical, innovative approaches and reasonable flexibility to evolving situations and opportunities. In contrast, we feel that last season, communication and discussions on the practical execution of fieldwork preparations were noticeable bureaucratic and lacked some of the flexibility that has made the New Zealand programme so successful. While growing demands and challenges may necessitate the organisation to streamline, we would hope that the practical and innovative spirit of the New Zealand programme will be retained and not exchanged for a bureaucratic and removed administration.

*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

    The equipment requested from Scott Base was supplied in good condition.

  • Field training

    The re-fresher AFT for Pyne and Bertler was helpful and appreciated. The frequency of full AFT requirements for experienced people should be reviewed to take account of personal experience and regular Antarctic activity that includes fieldwork. The current 3-year frequency is too short and has changed from the 5-year frequency implemented by Rex Hendry.

  • Field party equipment 'shakedown' journey

    N.A.

  • Delays at Scott Base, whatever the cause

    Unsuitable weather conditions at the start of our schedule delayed the deployment of mass balance snow stakes at Mt Erebus Saddle until the end of our field deployment. Good weather conditions and a smooth flight plan permitted all other moves to be carried out according to schedule.

  • Safety and Risk Management processes

    Safety and risk management is a difficult task and benefited from the personal experience of the Antarctica New Zealand coordinator. However, the established process does not take into account local knowledge and/or experience of the field party. To allow a realistic evaluation we page 4 recommend to establish a process that includes a memory of previous seasons. This will not only benefit the evaluated group and Scott Bases resources but represents a useful data base for groups going for the first time to locations that have been visited previously by other groups.

  • General comments about Scott Base

    Scott Base staff created a friendly, professional, and supportive environment. We are grateful for the enthusiastic and helpful support we received. The new HFC is an excellent facility to test field and science equipment, to pack helicopter loads and to prepare cargo shipment. The use of the elevator in the HFC should be open to science groups moving polar tents and other field equipment between floors. It is difficult to understand why it requires currently a Scott Base operator to do this for the field groups.

  • Other comments

    Overall, we experienced a significant increase in paper work. The requirement for each field party member to fill out a Scott Base Clearance Form seems excessive and impractical.

FIELD TRANSPORT

  • Vehicles

    N.A.

  • Aircraft Operations

    All aircraft operations were performed professionally. We are also particular grateful for the reliable and experienced support of HNO.

  • Ship Operations

    N.A.

*EVENT DIARY

Date Main Activities and Location Other Comments
24/11/05 Arrival at Scott Base
25/11/05 AFT re-fresher for Bertler
25/11/05 Bad weather prohibits input to Mt Erebus Saddle (MES) for deployment of mass balance snow stakes
28/11/05 Bertler, Pyne, Morrison deploy to Evans Piedmont Glacier (EPG) with HNO (1shuttle). Field camp set-u and initiation of GPS mass balance measurement
29/11/05 Sampling of multiple, 1m deep snow pits for high resolution analysis updating the record derived from EPG deep core in 2004. Investigation of page 5 snow pits for geographical variability in snow stratigraphy. Continuation of GPS measurements for submergence velocity devices. Data retrieval from automatic weather station. The weather station was raised 30cm but remained at the original sites. General maintenance and repair of three sensors (pressure, wind direction and wind speed) were carried out.
30/11/05 Completion of snow pits sampling for high resolution analysis. Investigation of snow pits for geographical variability in snow stratigraphy. Completion of GPS measurements for submergence velocity devices. Completion of maintenance work on automatic weather station.
01/12/05 Bertler, Pyne, Morrison deploy to Victoria Lower Glacier (VLG), with HNO (1shuttle). Field camp set-up. Ski to Staeffler Ridge to set-up GPS base station. Initiate base station and rover GPS measurements for submergence velocity devices at VLG I.
02/12/05 Initiation of rover GPS measurements for submergence velocity devices at VLG II. Sampling of multiple, 1m deep snow pits at VLG I for high resolution analysis updating the record derived from VLG 180m deep core in 2002. Investigation of snow pits for geographical variability in snow stratigraphy. Continuation of base station and rover GPS measurements for submergence velocity devices.
03/12/05 Check on base station at Staeffler Ridge, base station and rover GPS measurements for submergence velocity devices, and high resolution snow pit sampling. Completion of measurements at VLG II and retrieval of submergence velocity device.
04/12/05 Completion of base station and rover GPS measurements for submergence velocity devices. Dissembling and retrieval of base station.
05/12/05 Bertler, Pyne, Morrison return to Scott Base with HNO (1shuttle)
Bertler, Pyne, Morrison deploy for 1.5 hours to MES for installation of 6m snow stakes.
page 6

EVENT MAP

page 7

*WEATHER

Fig. 1: Most recent weather data from the automatic weather station at Evans Piedmont Glacier

Fig. 1: Most recent weather data from the automatic weather station at Evans Piedmont Glacier

*ACCIDENTS, INCIDENTS OR HAZARDS

N.A.

FIELD EQUIPMENT

  • Quality, suitability and performance of field clothing

    The issued field clothing was of suitable for the warm, calm weather conditions we encountered. However, we would like to reinforce our recommendation from last year that Antarctica NZ should investigate active field clothing that is warmer than the standard ECW's, page 8 less bulky, sheds snow and is semi waterproof for some filed parties working in cold glacial locations.

  • Performance and design of field equipment such as tents, technical climbing equipment, kitchen gear, primus boxes, sleep kits and sledges

New Macpac Dome Tents

The new macpac tents represent a good, light-weight alternative to polar tents in warm, calm conditions for short field deployments. The tent is easy and fast to pitch and is spacious for two people. However, the tent is like the Olympus model very temperature sensitive. As seen in Fig.2 during our field deployment, the temperature in the Olympus tent changed by as much as 12°C within a couple of hours, while air temperature only showed moderate changes and remained below 0°C. These fluctuations, caused by solar heating or cooling during cloudy periods impact on the sleep quality as a sleeping person will be either too cold or too warm over the course of the night. Moreover, the outer cover of the tent is of light quality and only suitable for calm conditions to moderate winds (<30knots). In addition, the lack of snow flaps prevented secure pitching.

Skis, Skins and Pulk

We used skis and a manhaul pulk to move equipment (~100lb) between sites at both Evans and Victoria Lower Glacier. As in previous years, the pulk performed very well and can be used on snowy and icy surfaces alike (Fig.3). The Mukluk-Skis showed signs of fatigue, especially the bindings, which broke or fell apart. Furthermore, there was a lack of skins. The use of cord tight around the skis is less efficient and makes pulling a heavy sledge uphill very difficult. We recommend that Antarctica New Zealand invests in new skies and skins to be pre-allocated to field parties undertaking glaciological traverses.

Fig. 2: a) Temperature inside the olympus tent as measured during field deployment, b) new macpac dome tent on Victoria Lower Glacier

Fig. 2: a) Temperature inside the olympus tent as measured during field deployment, b) new macpac dome tent on Victoria Lower Glacier

page 9
Fig. 3: Manhauling equipment between sites at Victoria Lower Glacier

Fig. 3: Manhauling equipment between sites at Victoria Lower Glacier

  • 20 person day ration box system

    The new food boxes (or bags) were well packed in terms of quantity and nutrition and were favourably received by all members. The addition of savoury snack food and new innovative extras, such as bagged tuna and couscous was very much appreciated.

RADIO COMMUNICATIONS

  • Suitability and effectiveness of the radio equipment

    A high gain aerial was required at EPG and MES locations. We noted the radio batteries were more difficult to charge than in previous years. While all batteries were charged in the comfort of HFC before heading into the field, even unused batteries discharged within 24hours in moderate temperatures.

    Moreover, the solar panel charger for the radio batteries has two disadvantages: The batteries are cold during the charging process and in moderate winds the solar panel cannot be securely anchored to e.g. a tent. We suggest providing a black plastic box with clear lid to store the batteries and charger during charging. In sunny conditions solar heating will significantly rise battery temperature and hence charging capacity. A simple and inexpensive thermistor mechanism could be used prevent overheating through regulating air circulation within the box. A couple karabiners glued to the solar panel will assist greatly in charging batteries in windy locations.

  • Reception/transmission conditions and suitability of radio schedule timing

    As last year, we noted that communications at EPG on channel 3 and 5 were poorer than the previous season at a very similar location when a hand held without high gain aerial was reliable.

  • Scott Base's general efficiency during radio schedule

    Radio communication was efficient, professional, and appreciated. The timing of the radio schedule convenient.

page 10

COMPUTER FACILITIES

  • Assistance the science technicians gave with computer / IT issues

    N.A.

  • Issues concerning public computer facilities in the Hatherton Laboratory

    The computer network met our needs satisfactorily. A possibility to connect laptops to the Scott Base external net connection would be highly appreciated, especially during prolonged delays at Scott Base.

  • Other comments

ENVIRONMENTAL IMPAC

*Sites Visited (please fill in a box for each site visited)

Site name Evans Piedmont Glacier
Site location (coordinates/description) 76° 435335S; 162° 35.2940 E, 314m asl, glacier surface
Dates occupied 28 Nov 05 to 01 Dec 05
Total days (or hours) at site 4
Maximum number of people at site (your event) 3
Total person-days (or person-hours) at site 12
Main activity undertaken High resolution snow pit sampling, maintenance and data retrieval of automatic weather station, GPS measurements for submergence velocity devices
Cumulative impacts observed Transitory and less than minor
Site name Victoria Lower Glacier I
Site location (coordinates/description) 77° 19.8053S; 162° 31.9252 E, 626m asl, glacier surface
Dates occupied 01 Dec 05 to 05 Dec 06
Total days (or hours) at site 5
Maximum number of people at site (your event) 3
Total person-days (or person-hours) at site 15
Main activity undertaken High resolution snow pit sampling, GPS measurements for submergence velocity devices
Cumulative impacts observed Transitory and less than minor
Site name Victoria Lower Glacier II
Site location (coordinates/description) 77° 20.81846S; 162° 29.5371 E, 527m asl, glacier surface
Dates occupied 02 Dec 05 and 03 Dec 05
Total days (or hours) at site 6 hours
Maximum number of people at site (your event) 3
Total person-days (or person-hours) at site 18 hours
Main activity undertaken Completion of GPS measurement for submergence velocity device. Complete retrieval of the device.
Cumulative impacts observed Transitory and less than minor
page 11
Site name Mt Erebus Saddle
Site location (coordinates/description) 77°30.90S; 167° 40.59 E, 1600m asl, glacier surface
Dates occupied 05 Dec 05
Total days (or hours) at site 1 hour
Maximum number of people at site (your event) 3
Total person-days (or person-hours) at site 3 hours
Main activity undertaken Deployment of three 6m high snow stakes for mass balance measurement
Cumulative impacts observed Transitory and less than minor

Geological Material

Location (coordinates if available) 76° 435335S; 162° 35.2940 E, 314m asl
Specimen type Snow samples
Quantity (kg) 30 kg
Location (coordinates if available) 77° 19.8053S; 162° 31.9252 E, 626m asl
Specimen type Snow samples
Quantity (kg) 35 kg

Equipment installed/left in field

Type of equipment/marker installed Three snow stakes
Location of installation left in field 77°30.90S; 167° 40.59 E, ~1600m
Size of items left in field (Dimension in metres: H, W, L) 6m high snow stakes (2m below and 4m above ground), with an average diameter of 2.5cm
Number of items left in field 3
Estimated retrieval date Dec 2007
Fig. 4: Three snow stakes placed in the vicinity of the 2004/05 drill hole casing maker at Mt Erebus Saddle

Fig. 4: Three snow stakes placed in the vicinity of the 2004/05 drill hole casing maker at Mt Erebus Saddle

page 12

*Differences from original Preliminary Environmental Evaluation (PEE)

We completed the mass balance measurement at VLG II. The submergence velocity device (77° 20.81846S; 162° 29.5371 E, Fig. 5) was completely removed.

Fig. 5: GPS measurement at the VLG II submergence velocity device before its complete removal

Fig. 5: GPS measurement at the VLG II submergence velocity device before its complete removal

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 contact Rebecca Roper-Gee, the Environmental Advisor for report forms.

  • New ASPA or ASMA designation to be considered:

    N.A.

CITED REFERENCES

Bertler, N. A. N., Barrett, P. J., Mayewski, P. A., Fogt, R. L, Kreutz, K. J., and Shulmeister, J., 2004, El Niño suppresses Antarctic warming: Geophysical Research Letters, v. 31.

Hall, B. L, and Denton, G. H, 2000, Extent and chronology of the Ross Sea ice sheet and the Wilson Piedmont Glacier along the Scott Coast at and since the Last Glacial Maximum: Geografiska Annaler, v. 82A, p. 337-363.

Hamilton, G. S., and Whillans, I. M., 2000, Point measurements of mass balance of Greenland Ice Sheet using precision vertical Global Positioning System (GPS) surveys: Journal of Geophysical Research, v. 105, p. 16,295-16,301.

Hamilton, G. S., Whillans, I. M., and Morgan, P. J., 1998, First point measurements of ice-sheet thickness change in Antarctica: Annals of Glaciology, v. 27, p. 125-129.

Meyerson, E. A., Mayewski, P. A, Kreutz, K. J., Meeker, L. D., Whitlow, S. I., and Twickler, M. S., 2002, The polar expression of ENSO and sea-ice variability as recorded in a South Pole ice core: Annals of Glaciology, v. 35, p. 430-436.

Mullan, B. A., Wratt, D. S., and Renwick, J. A., 2001, Transient model scenarios of climate change for New Zealand: Weather and Climate, v. 21, p. 3-34.

page 13

Steig, E. J., Hart, C. P., White, J. W. C., Cunningham, W. L., Davis, M. D., and Saltzman, E. S., 1998, Changes in climate, ocean and ice-sheet conditions in the Ross embayment, Antarctica, at 6ka: Annals of Glaciology, v. 27, p. 305-310.

Steig, E. J., Morse, D. L., Waddington, E. D., Stuiver, M., Grootes, P. M., Mayewski, P. A., Twickler, M. S., and Whitlow, S. I., 2000, Wisconsian and Holocene climate history from an ice core at Taylor Dome, Western Ross Embayment, Antarctica: Geografiska Annaler, v. 82A, p. 213-235.

Thompson, D. W. J., and Solomon, S., 2002, Interpretation of recent Southern Hemisphere climate change: Science, v. 296, p. 895-899.