Dry Valleys.........12/27-29
South Pole.........12/21-23
Ice Runway................12/6
Thanksgiving..............11/28
WeddellWorld.............11/12
Happy Camper School........10/30-31
Cape Royds............10/28
Cape Evans............10/25
My trip to McMurdo............10/22

WeddellWorld
Nov. 12
 
 

Well, as you can see, I was off on another adventure today. This vehicle is called a sprite, and it is very difficult to drive. Basically there are two brake levers instead of a steering wheel. You pull on the right lever to turn right and the left lever to turn left. It sounds easy enough. But it isn't. And they don't go very fast. Today's destination was "WeddellWorld" -- a field camp where the scientists are studying the behavior of Weddell seals. There is another group in McMurdo studying seals, but they are called the "SealHeads." Just thought I'd clarify the two and teach ya a little McMurdo lingo.

Here is the inside of the field camp, where scientists are using some very high tech equipment to study seals. They actually strap a video camera to the seal's back, so they can record dives. Little is known about how Weddell seals forage for food. The sophisticated equipment collects data as well -- such as swim speed, depth and direction. Together, the video and data give scientists a 3-D view of a seal's dive pattern.

Here's the main attraction though. This Weddell seal was being used for the science experiments but will now be returned to his home. He was working at WeddellWorld for about four days. His family misses him!

I think he likes me.

I know it is a he because the scientists at WeddellWorld do not use lactating females and babies for their research. And now is the time for new seal pups. So, most of the females out here in McMurdo Sound are taking care of their little ones.

I think he was trying to wave goodbye.

I'm a long way down in this picture. This observation tube allows people to see under the ice. If you're claustrophobic, you probably wouldn't do so well. But the view was spectacular. I saw the seal swimming around under the ice. It was beautiful. I wish I could show you, but the digital camera didn't cooperate. It was a bit too dark down there.

I lightened this image in photoshop, but you still really can't make out anything. Those ropes that you see dangling are underwater.

The observation windows get covered with huge ice crystals. I could only see out the center of this window. Periodically, scuba divers go down and clean it off. They better get out there soon!