Out on the big ice

Greetings to all ANSMET Followers,

There are good days and then there are GREAT DAYS, this was the latter. ANSMETTeam 2013-14 spent the entire day “Hunting Meteorites” on the Big Ice today. Thereis no way to fully describe the boundless joy that surges forth as one navigates on the blue ice astride a trusty snowmachine. Unparalleled savage beauty surrounds the “hunter” as a keen eye scans the ice for signs of the quarry, all the while maintaining spacing in the search line and safely negotiating the sastrugi and snow drifts. We search the blue ice, a static crystalized ocean with infinite surface patterns and wave-like undulations.

Systematic searching

Topography changes may provide the proper dynamics to form crevasses, These jagged tears in the ice surface usually fill with a thin, soft accumulation of snow, that conceals the depth of fracture. We took advantage of these features to practice recognition and investigate the wonders that they contain. Low vapor pressure allows for the most exquisite ice crystals to form beneath the surface.

Careful recovery

As wondrous as the “hunting” process is it is finding that creates instant excitement. Upon finding a meteorite we all gather and set about the business of precise collection. Elation is mixed with intense analysis of the specimen, in hushed tomeswe share observations and speculations. These alien visitors are lavished with respect and the utmost care as we extract them from the icy medium of transport and prepare them to share the secrets of their voyage. 37 meteorites were collected this day, including two probable achondrites that present the hope for amazing findings.

As always all our families and friends are in our thoughts.

From all of us reveling in this experience and proud of the chance to serve science here in Antarctica, Best Wishes and warm regards.

– posted by Steve 6 January 2014 (edited by rph)