Our last day of science. Well, as far as collecting samples goes anyway. . . . This morning we took a couple more CTD's, and then spent the afternoon exploring Paradise Harbor. We were able to take a couple zodiacs out away from the ship for a little R&R. It wasn't the sunniest of days, but of course, still beautiful.
There are a couple of research stations (one in the middle of a penguin colony) that are unoccupied during this part of the season, but interesting to walk around. Being in a smaller boat definitely brings a new perspective to this cold and awesome place. We watched a leopard seal swim under us, and could hear a whale breaching as it circled the boat. Our group went up to the edge of a glacier that towered over our heads. It's the closest I've been to the ice, and it seemed to emit its own blue light. Beautiful!
Just now (around 8 p.m. our time) we were decanting the water from the CTD canisters in the Baltic room (lights off as we're conducting a light sensitive experiment) when not too far away part of the glacier calved. You could definitely say we're grateful that the doors were closed and we were positioned as we were, because the ice falling into the water created a wave about 12 feet high. I hear this is the first time a calving event has been witnessed in this particular spot. Things are warming up!
Tonight we'll collect our last grab sample. One more chance to get muddy!
Tomorrow, on to Palmer Station to deliver supplies and pick people up as they leave for winter. Then back to Punta Arenas!
Sara Draucker
Please contact Sara Draucker: Sara.Draucker@lmg.usap.gov
