Fissures and Seals. As the sea ice warps around Hut Point it develops prominent stress cracks that Weddell seals love to use as access points to the surface so they can sunbathe. Weddell seals are amazing creatures, I can’t even begin to do them justice here. ANSMET’s been lucky enough to hear stories from many seal researchers over the years, including the great Gerald Kooyman. Here’s a classic paper he wrote in 1969 and a more recent paper by Shero and Burns.
As we mark our tenth day in McMurdo, we find ourselves in a holding pattern. The unpredictability of Antarctica’s weather and flight logistics has thrown us a curveball, leading to a delay in our departure. But we’re optimistic that Brian and Emilia will depart for the field this Wednesday to begin grooming the airstrip. The rest of us, with scheduled flights as early as December 26th, eagerly await our turn. Patience is key, and we’re making the most of our time in McMurdo while staying prepared for the moment we get the go-ahead.
Daniela buzzmarketing.
Jim spent time ensuring that our GPS systems were working properly so that we can accurately mark our meteorite finds. Jon and Robert took the initiative to organize some miscellaneous ANSMET gear that has been sitting in storage for several years. Afterward, they enjoyed a relaxing afternoon of chores and napping. Minako and Daniela spent quality time at the station coffee house, trying out the station lattes (made with powdered milk, of course). And after a long day of troubleshooting IT and reading papers, Lauren and I took advantage of the Ross Island Trail System.
Heading up the Cape Armitage trail.
We explored a section of the Hut Point Loop and saw a pod of Weddell seals basking on the sea ice, which itself is becoming softer each day as we progress deeper into the Southern Hemisphere summer. Our trail expedition also offered a chance to appreciate the local geology, which largely features tills deposited by past glaciation. These unsorted and unstratified deposits are composed mostly of basalt, basanite, and scoria. What caught our attention, in particular, were the large xenoliths and xenocrysts—foreign rocks/crystals embedded within the igneous rocks. These foreign fragments represent older material that was incorporated into the magma while it was still fluid, and although the origin of the various xenoliths on Hut Point Peninsula are still being investigated by other researchers, some likely represent pieces of lithospheric mantle! Studying them can provide information about the composition of Earth’s deep interior, which is otherwise inaccessible.
Erin and a friend from deep beneath Ross island.
In brief, although we can’t yet begin our search for meteorites, we are enjoying and appreciating the unique environment and lifestyle that McMurdo Station has to offer. This is truly a special place to pause before we resume our journey to Davis Ward.
-from Erin in McMurdo, who is just happy to be here.