Description
Summary:Progress Code: completed Statement: Values provided in temporal and spatial coverage are approximate only. Taken from the 2008-2009 Progress Report: Variations to work plan or objectives: During 2009 a new instrument, developed by AAD STS and the investigator required testing. This stress-gauge buoy was originally designed for deployment in the pack ice during the SIPEX (AAS2901) or the 2009 autumn (AAS3012) experiment. However, due to an over-subscription of STS prior to SIPEX and the unavailability of the autumn 2009 cruise, it was decided to deploy one stress-gauge buoy on the Davis fast ice so it could be tested in situ. Field work: Davis Station: Seven fast-ice sites have been occupied during austral winter of 2008, these are at the same geographical locations as in previous years. Fast-ice observations of the 2008 winter ceased in December 2008. By March 2009 measurements for the 2009 had been initiated. Due to repeated breakout of the fast ice in or near Davis Harbour no instrumentation has has yet been deployed in the 2009 season. Mawson Station: Four fast-ice sites have been occupied during austral winter of 2008, and the same sites have been initiated for the 2009 observations in late March 2009. Locations for in situ observations at both stations are unchanged from previous reports. At Davis Station the AFIN mass-balance station, a stress-gauge buoy and a tilt-meter buoy will be deployed near site Ice2. So far, the field work is progressing well, although weather dependent. Laboratory activity/analysis: 1 fast-ice cores from site Ice2 near Davis Station. 1 fast-ice cores from site Mawson Harbour. Both cores have been analysed for crystal stratigraphy and salinity. Sampling for DeltaO18 isotopes is scheduled for first half of 2009. Difficulties affecting project: Limited access to fast-ice sites early and late in the season. FYI: Early season observations would provide crucial data for modelling the growth of Antarctic fast ice, but are not allowed due to AAD HQ rules on access to the fast ice. ...