Destination: Middle of nowhere, literally -- I cant wait.

Hello All,

You may have heard this already but for those who haven't... I will be going to Antarctica this winter. I have setup this blog (emo -- right Michelle?) so that I can post what it is I'm doing there (if I have internet access)

Background:
I will be working on the Gamburtsev Antarctic Mountains Seismic Experiment (GAMSEIS) which is part of a larger project, AGAP. What I will be doing is installing broadband seismometers to help image Earth's structure below the Gamburtsev Subglacial Mountains.

The highest peak is ~3,400 m and on top of that there is ~600 m of ice. I will leave the US on November 29th and go to Christchurch, New Zealand. After a couple of days there filled with training and equipment preparation I will then head to McMurdo Station for a couple of days -- SNOW SCHOOL! From there go to the South Pole to adjust to the cold and altitude. Then I will head to camp ->AGAP-S (on map above) Its gonna be high up.

Here is an image of the South Pole taken from the Washington University website for this project -- all white huh?



Assuming all goes well and weather doesn't delay flights, I will return to New Zealand somewhere between the 9-15th of January. I will then run around the islands for a bit and possible make a trip to Fiji -- Im in the area... might as well, right?


Some more details:
Is it cold? Hell yes. View this video to get an idea. It was taken at McMurdo Station which is along the edge of the continent.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qz2SeEzxMuE

When the weather is like this I wont be outside. Ill stay in and make an attempt to stay warm while in a tent -- ahh! no permanent structure at the camp.

So, what do you have to look forward to?
1) Pictures from New Zealand, McMurdo, White everything, South Pole, camp, and more white everything
2) Updates on the project
3) Knowing how my latest adventure is going - this way you stop asking
4) Lots more stuff I haven't thought of yet

Next Entry:
I will write something about my own research -- similar but not same location -- so that you can understand why I am getting sent to Antarctica -- yes, i volunteered.

Questions? Comments? It doesnt matter. Youre here to read what I write!

Im kidding. Send me messages if you want. Hopefully I will be able to answer while down at the South Pole

:-----------------------------------------------------:
No, there are no polar bears there.
No, it wont feel like Im standing upside.
Yes, sun will be out 24hrs a day