The installation of a seismic station on the ice takes a team effort, including help from the KBA Twin Otter pilots. Our seismic stations differ from the Wiens/Aster project installed yesterday in that they also contain barometers to measure the displacement due to atmospheric pressure changes. DR16 is our station that is farthest south, away from the ice front (see map in Taking the Pulse).
Getting Started.
In the Air.
In Route.
The seismometer and support electronics package are buried in separate holes separated by about 30ft.
Support Electronics Installation.
Seismometer Installation.
There is lots of activity and cooperation during installation.
Remember, today is tomorrow for those east of the dateline, e.g. in the U.S.
Panoramic video of DR16 seismometer installation, showing what the Ross Ice Shelf icescape looks like.
DR16_Installation_11Nov2014
Some majestic views of Antarctica on the way back to McMurdo.
Mount Discovery: A Dormant Volcano
Another view of the Royal Society Range.
Our transport plane, Twin Otters, lands on skis in very short landing and take-off skiways.
Twin Otter Airplane Shadow on the Ice During Landing.
Note the ski shadows at the nose and under wing.