May 7, 2008

The last few days have been filled with science. We are collecting snow depth data in transects on fast ice (ice that remains connected to the land). That means helicopter work!

The ship has been parked in an ice flow since I got here. We have been in drift mode, which means that the ship has been stationary within the ice flow but the flow itself is drifting, taking the ship with it. We have drifted west over 70 nautical miles in the last week or so, toward the Beaufort gyre.

The fast ice is located in Franklin Bay southeast of our current position. There are strong head-windsArctic air time: Dr. John Yackel (foreground), Chris Fuller (background) in the B0 105 helicopter mid-flight. Photo by Dr. John Yackel. from that direction and it takes the BO 105 about 45 minutes to fly there. Once we arrive at our predetermined location, we get out of the chopper and begin work. We drill for ice depth and then walk two 150 m transects at right angles to each other, taking snow depth measurements every meter. The snow is generally deeper on rough ice when compared to smooth ice; these measurements can give us an idea of where melt ponds are going to form.

The ship has now started to move; we are breaking ice and heading south under our own power. It cuts through the ice relatively smoothly by building a head of steam and surfing up over the ice in front of it. The weight of the bow breaks the ice creating a path for us. The ship rocks back and forth slightly, so day to day activities have taken on the feeling of being on the C-Train. Occasionally you get a big jolt, like the one I just experienced, and it catches you off guard a bit. I have a great view out of my cabin window of the ice and open water as we rush past. The ship is heading to Cape Parry near Franklin Bay for a refuel and supplies.

- Chris Fuller