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Arctic West Fall 2009 Trip
September 27, 2009
Weather; it is a phenomenon that impacts missions and can change plans at a moments notice. Despite the technological advances we all enjoy today, weather elements continue to have the ability to add chaos and challenges to even the best laid plans.
Last Saturday we saw a foreshadowing of future weeks when we spotted loose pack ice. These oddly shaped ice chunks took all sorts of forms, looking like strange creatures to some or mere jagged anomalies to others, depending on the imagination and time of day. The ice we saw was multiyear, meaning it had survived at least two summers’ melt and that it was almost salt-free. This caused the ice to take on a blue color near the base, giving the impression of a giant ice cube sitting in a pool of anti-freeze. Multiyear ice is the strongest and hardest form of sea ice, so we were careful to navigate around it during science operations.
The appearance of ice was both a welcome sight and challenge as the bridge team maneuvered to best hold station while deploying science equipment. Science operations fell into a routine as crew and scientists adapted to changing weather conditions and the search for elusive methane plumes. POLAR SEA transited between shallow nearshore waters to offshore locations as scientists searched for methane hydrates. At the deepest depths, coring operations took upwards of an hour. During this time it was crucial for POLAR SEA to stay on station. Shiphandlers skillfully used the elements of wind current to maintain position and keep the science gear protected. Scientists persevered late into the evening hoping each extract would shed new light on their research.
Thursday evening was particularly successful for the scientists. As the bridge team vigilantly maintained position, the scientists worked to extract a core sample from the seabed below. Upon return of the core to the deck, shouts of glee went up at the sight of the sample. The core looked ready to burst from the pressure of the methane gas it contained. This success was noteworthy as the first science cruise was quickly coming to an end.
Saturday morning we were anchored once more off Barrow, AK. The close to the week marked another transition for POLAR SEA; we said goodbye to the first science party, welcomed our second science party and prepared for entry into the ice. Amidst intermittent snow squalls and reduced visibility we conducted boat and flight operations in the ever changing weather conditions. The crew felt de ja vu as we welcomed our second party of scientists and guests. It is hard to believe that the first science cruise has come to an end. After two weeks of conducting piston cores, multi-cores, and Conductivity Temperature and Density (CTD) casts, the science party from the Naval Research Laboratory disembarked, armed with their data to continue analyzing their findings and research elsewhere. We wish them fair winds and open leads wherever their projects take them and hope that some may have the opportunity to sail with POLAR SEA again in the future.
It was another week of achievements underway in the Realm of the Polar Bear. Amidst science evolutions and daily operations we recognized five members for achieving professional milestones. FNDC Frissell and SN Nelson received their 1 year sea service award and SN Perry received his Temporary Cutterman’s Pin which is earned after the first 6 months spent at an afloat unit. Also recognized were MK2 Wilkes who received his Good Conduct award for three years of good conduct and EM1 Rollins who received his fourth Good conduct award. We look forward to our journey this week as we head north to begin tracking polar bears.
Your Public Affairs Officer,
ENS Emily Holt
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