Alexandra is taking surface snow samples in the scientific clean zone

Weekend; but work with the drill, ice core processing and surface science continues.

Saturday morning, all hand were on deck in the trenches and on the surface; but work on the surface was hampered by rather strong wind and snow drift. In the afternoon preparations for Saturday evening began.

The shower list began at 15.00, and it was so long that we ran out of hot water and almost out of water entirely. However, everybody was ready at dinner time, where Marius, Daniela and Eliza were the cooks. After dinner, Bent was a lighting magician and turned the dining area in to a night club.  It became a very nice evening indeed. Sunday morning had a slow start; but in the afternoon, all were working on their tasks.

What we did Saturday and Sunday:

1. Several test runs with long version of drill.
2. Removing snow from ceiling in ramp tunnel.
3. Aligned extraction table in logger cabin.
4. Removing snow drifts from entrances to drill trench and cooks freezer.
5. Excavated to 3.5 m depth of large balloon cave.
6. Ice core processing 44.55 m, bags 701 - 781 (385.00 m – 429.55 m).
7. Measurements of isotopes in isotope laboratory.
8. Measurements of physical properties in physical properties laboratory.
9. Repairing snowmobiles.
10. Repairing Nansen sleds. Four sleds completed and a fifth is almost done.
11. Water vapour sampling and measuring.
12. Surface snow sampling.

 Ad.1: The drillers made several test runs with the long version of the drill. Sunday afternoon and after adjustments, they produced a 2.1 m core in good quality. Drillers may begin routine drilling tomorrow.

The Pistenbully with snow blower in action, excavating a new balloon cave.

Saturday weather: Mostly fine; but with thin overcast from time to time. Temp. -14 °C to -28 °C.  Wind: 12 kt to 22 kt from SW and S. Windy with blowing snow.
Visibility: 2 km.

Sunday weather: Mostly fine; but with thin overcast from time to time. Temp. -14 °C to -22 °C.  Wind: 19 kt to calm from W. Windy with blowing snow, in the evening, calm. Visibility: Unrestricted.

FL, J.P. Steffensen