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Victoria University Antarctic Research Expedition Science and Logistics Reports 2004-05: VUWAE 49

*WEATHER

page 10

*WEATHER

  • Evans Piedmont Glacier (EPG, 25 Oct to 16 Nov)

    Deteriorating weather conditions during the traverse from Marble Point EPG made GPS navigating necessary, due to low visibility, high winds, blowing snow and poor surface definition. At EPG weather conditions were good and we did not loose working days due to weather. Temperatures ranged from about −28°C to –12°C. The rising temperatures during early November, increasing sharply the gradient between air and borehole temperature, posed a threat of freezing in the drilling equipment. A weather station was deployed at EPG for the next 2 years. The data will be made available once recovered.

    Fig. 4: A) Traverse from Marble Point to Cape Roberts; B) camp at EPG

    Fig. 4: A) Traverse from Marble Point to Cape Roberts; B) camp at EPG

  • Victoria Lower Glacier (VLG, 16 Nov to 20 Nov)

    At VLG low clouds caused frequently white-out conditions especially in the afternoon during on-shore winds. Since we were working 2-3km away from the camp, we used GPS navigation and snow mounts to return to camp. In tandem these methods worked very well. Temperatures were unusually warm and reached 0°C.

    Fig. 5: A) Snow mounts between Staeffler Ridge and VLG camp; B) low clouds moving in.

    Fig. 5: A) Snow mounts between Staeffler Ridge and VLG camp; B) low clouds moving in.

  • Mt Erebus Saddle (MES, 24 Nov to 10 Dec)

    Weather at MES was characterised by constant strong winds averaging 20knots, exceeding 50knots multiple times. The blowing snow caused havoc especially for generators and tents. The resupply of a polar tent for the generators and a toilet tent proofed essential to work in those conditions. While before we lost 3days due to weather, we were able to work on all subsequent days. Snow walls were not sufficient, especially due to slight changes in wind direction. Large snow drifts moved within few hours. Temperatures ranged from about −25°C to −8°C. The dense snow at MES did not allow excavating an adequate ice core storage. The unusual warm temperatures at the final phase of the drilling operation page 11 posed a challenge for the drilling and core storage. We are particular grateful for the fast pick-up of ice core boxes.

Fig. 6: a) camp maintenance – removal of snow, b) flagged route between camp and drill site, c) blowing snow freezing on the drilling generators, d) a good working day

Fig. 6: a) camp maintenance – removal of snow, b) flagged route between camp and drill site, c) blowing snow freezing on the drilling generators, d) a good working day