After an incredibly windy night at sea, we’ve reached the largest ice shelf in Antarctica, the Ross Ice Shelf. This massive piece of ice spans 188,000 square miles (487,000 km2) and rises about 160 ft (50 m) above the water surface. If we were to look below the surface, we would find another 1,600 ft (500 m) of ice extending below. That’s one large piece of ice! Sinead couldn’t have said it better when she remarked that “all ice cubes aspire to this.” Hopefully we can find some diatoms lurking in the surrounding waters. Wish us luck!
Photo: Approaching the Ross Ice Shelf aboard the R/V Nathanial B. Palmer (left) and the night shift crew (right) enjoying “night” in Antarctica. From left to right: Sinead, Dan, Kerry, and Stephanie. And yes, we’re still in the land of the midnight sun. These photos were taken at 9:30 pm. Posted by Stephanie Anderson