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Another beautiful day is dawning here in Antarctica, with a bright blue sky and light winds making for perfect weather for helicopter operations. During the silent hours yesterday we had steamed around 60nm to the north west to get into position to undertake some marine science. The first tasking was the deployment of a sea bottom pressure gauge. This 150kg piece of kit will sit on the sea floor for the next 12 months measuring the depth to the sea surface. During this time a satellite will be measuring the distance from its location in space to the sea surface. When the data from the two instruments are compared a very accurate measurement of sea level over the period will be available to contribute to the study of global climate change. After the gauge was released we proceeded to conduct CTDs at sites A3 and A2. We had intended to undertake a CTD at A1 but the inclement weather started to clear and it was decided to break off the marine science and dash back into the ice and see if we could get some people and cargo ashore. By 2000 we were in position and the first helicopter touched down a little after 2030. The helideck and cargo crews worked hard to turn around six helicopter visits in a little under 150 minutes. The remaining seven JARE Expeditioners were on the first two helicopters and all the remaining essential cargo that will allow the JARE summer program to get underway was sent ashore. All up around 4.5 tonnes of cargo left the ship - only 76.5t to go. A great effort by all involved. We are all ready to get going today with a full day of helicopter operations expected under clear blue skies. All aboard enjoying the sunshine and looking forward to getting the job done. Regards, Rob, Aaron and Mick
Map
A map showing Australia and Antarctica. The map shows the journey of one voyage that has occured in the season, with each route highlighted in a distinct colour.