When the Weather Blows In — Growing Up on Ice

Today was supposed to be a big day! It was time for Sea Ice Training, where we learn to profile cracks by visual inspection and by drilling for sea ice thickness. After this training is complete, we can begin scouting for our seals as soon as the sea ice is officially “open for travel.” But the best-laid plans are always subject to the weather in Antarctica, which can change on a dime. We have had some beautiful days so far. However, we awoke this morning to an overcast and windy day with low visibility. We completed the classroom portion of Sea Ice Training, and delayed the practical part (where we actually get out on the ice) by a couple hours, in the hopes that the weather would improve. Alas, the wind would not let up, and though the air temperature was -18°F (-28°C), the wind chill dropped that to -44°F (-44°C). Even the seals were getting off the ice and going back into the water! This is a good reminder that we are always at the mercy of the weather here in Antarctica, and we must be prepared to change plans when the weather changes. That means staying in when the weather turns bad, and being ready to go as soon as conditions allow. We’ll be joining the seals on the ice soon enough…

Written by: Heather Liwanag

September 26th - when the weather blew in