Extreme Cold Weather | Ice Stories: Dispatches From Polar Scientists

- 57 Degrees with Wind Chill

By Saffia Hossainzadeh · November 21, 2008 ·

MCMURDO STATION, ANTARCTICA-- Any person who is required to venture off base, or out of McMurdo, has to take a course called Snowcraft 1 or ‘Happy Camper School’. We learn the basics of camping in Antarctica with our survival kit... {Read More »}

From the Top of the Rock to the Bottom of the World

By Adrienne Block · November 20, 2008 ·

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NEW YORK CITY, NEW YORK-- In New York City, fall is just beginning its descent into winter. Last night we sank below 40 degrees for the first time and back in my hometown of Columbus, Ohio, it’s beginning to snow. Each time I clutch my scarf a little tighter to protect me from the wind,... {Read More »}

Don’t Fall in That Crack

By Jake Walter · November 18, 2008 ·

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MCMURDO STATION, ANTARCTICA-- Imagine yourself driving a snowmobile in bone-chilling cold, upon a windswept snowfield, in Antarctica, your body is weary and you look forward… {Read More »}

Sizing Up the Dragon

By Andrea Balbas · November 8, 2008 ·

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MCMURDO STATION, ANTARCTICA-- “Have your bags ready.” Everyday it seems we are on hold to leave for the sea ice. Our team is anxious to set up field camp. We are days behind schedule in our expedition. We’ve had set back after set back... {Read More »}

Hurry Up and Wait

By Andrea Balbas · November 7, 2008 ·

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MCMURDO STATION, ANTARCTICA-- It’s hurry up and wait around here. We’ve had one set back after another. Our science sled wasn’t ready when we arrived. We’ve overcome obstacle after obstacle struggling to get it fit for the field... {Read More »}

Happy Camper School

By Howie Koss · October 30, 2008 ·

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MCMURDO STATION, ANTARCTICA-- As the Delta drove away after dropping off our group for Happy Camper School, also known as “Snowcraft 1” and survival training, I had a distinct mix of adrenaline excitement and nervousness... {Read More »}

Believers

By Andrea Balbas · October 24, 2008 ·

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MCMURDO STATION, ANTARCTICA-- They keep asking, “Are you with the group that’s traversing the sea ice?” When they ask, they have this look -- a look that says, “ouch.” These are the old school Antarctic guys, the “winter over” people... {Read More »}

Our Chariot Awaits

By Howie Koss · October 23, 2008 ·

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MCMURDO STATION, ANTARCTICA-- After an early start for breakfast in Christchurch, New Zealand, I went to the Clothing Distribution Center (CDC) before most of the Team to turn in my excess baggage: the camera equipment provided by the Exploratorium for Ice Stories... {Read More »}

Geared Up and Ready to Fly

By Howie Koss · October 22, 2008 ·

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CHRISTCHURCH, NEW ZEALAND-- Things have been a bit on edge here in Christchurch over the last few days or so. The problem has been the bad weather down at McMurdo Station, Antarctica. And all talk revolves around flight schedules... {Read More »}

Ice Town: Monument to the Human Spirit

By Andrea Balbas · October 22, 2008 ·

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MCMURDO STATION, ANTARCTICA-- The tiny stairs of the military transport airplane were difficult to descend in my giant plastic boots. The jet engines groaned and my goggles fogged with the first blast of Antarctic air... {Read More »}

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