ECU SSTORM Research Group Blog

December 9, 2012
The U.S. Antarctic Program issues each participant Extreme Cold Weather (ECW) clothing to help scientists stay safe in the harsh environmental conditions in Antarctica. The ECW for our trip includes base layers, fleece pants and top, steel toed boots, gloves, hats, parka, goggles and waterproof pants. The reality of the need for these items became clearer today as the wind blew in gusts up to 60mph this afternoon. In the picture I am attempting to wear most of the gear at once.

After trying on and receiving the ECW we boarded the R/V Laurence M Gould for the first time. The R/V Gould looks larger than her 230 feet. The interior of the ship houses three science labs, a gym, galley, computer room, lounge area, sauna and many staterooms. Although the R/V Gould has a comfortable interior, she is a working ship and her decks are covered with scientific equipment and devices used to deploy equipment. While the upcoming crossing of the Drake Passage is a little intimidating, having seen the ship has put me more at ease. She has completed over 150 successful crossings.

The rest of our afternoon was spent readying scientific equipment for sampling. All the equipment we shipped and carried to Punta Arenas had to be reassembled and calibrated. Much of the sampling equipment is now running standards for calibration and will be finished soon. Because of the strong winds there was no crane activities allowed on the pier today, forcing us to delay our departure until later in the afternoon tomorrow so heavy items can be loaded onto the ship.

Although it is after 7pm here the sun is still pretty high in the sky. Anyone know why the sun does not set here until 10:01 p.m.? And when will it set once we travel to the Western Antarctic Peninsula? - (Answer in the comment section below)

- Dave Sybert