Altitude: 2786m

Air temperature (22:20 local time): -27.2 degrees C

Helgard and Karsten have been collecting data since the start of the traverse using their radar equipment but today Glen and Mary started making their measurements as well. Glen is interested in the evolution of topographical features on the ice sheet and made surface roughness measurements. Mary, with the helping hands of Tom and Lou, collected two 50 cm snow cores and dug a 1-meter snow pit. Snow density, permeability and crystal size are some of parameters Mary is after, from which she hopes to better understand the influence of the climate change on snow in low accumulation areas of the Antarctic Ice Sheet.

At the dinner, we enjoyed some glasses of wine (Saturday night!) and good conversations as we say good bye to the three Troll station crew who will be heading back to the station tomorrow morning. They, along with three large snowgroomers (Prinoth Everest) have given us support for the first part of the traverse, up the steep Slithallet glacier where we gained 1000 meters of altitude. Their support was definitely essential to the easy travel we have had so far.

- Atsu

Image: Lou collecting samples from the sow pit, with Tom and Mary logging. Photo: Atsuhiro Muto