Antarctica: Pressure Ridges

Photos from a tour of the pressure ridges out in front of the NZ base. These ridges are formed by constant heating and cooling of cracks in the ice, causing ice to expand and force its way out.

A good example of a pressure ridge

Scott's Base (NZ base)

Me in front of some ridges

Cool ice formation

A massive ridge called the Cathedral

Antarctica: The Adventure Continues

Here are some more pictures I took while out at the airfields.

This photo captures a commonly sighted phenomenon down here known as a "sun dog." According to Wikipedia "it is an atmospheric optical phenomenon primarily associated with the reflection or refraction of sunlight by small ice crystals making up cirrus or cirrostratus clouds."
The crane on the back of the truck is hoisting a payload for a long duration balloon launch.

Filling the balloon with helium, the design and size of the balloon allows it to fly for over a 100 days.

Me wrapping my mitt around the balloon

A successful launch

Stoked to be riding the snowmobile

A little less stoked after this unfortunate accident - thankfully I didn't tip it all the way into the ocean.

C-130 Hercules coming in for some fuel

C-17 Globemaster III much much bigger than the C-130

Ice Parties

Life outside of work on the ice is good as long as we don't run out of beer. Here's a bunch of random shots from various gatherings offering a glimpse into what were up to during our downtime.

Good ol'fashion blue grass at our Freezing Man Party. Shane and I - both a bit surprised

Me and Owen - I'm a bit more excited then him at this point

Danny in his best dress raising funds for the Rugby Club, and contracting hypothermia in the process (minutes later he was at the medical center - watch the video)

Shane playing Kenny G

Owen returning to his primate roots

Porn Spill, funk at its best

A pyramid of Fuelies

Fuelies taking a ride on the iron whale

Matt showing off how to "back it up" southern style

Shane and Tarin, Wisconsin long hairs