Walking on Water: A Day on the Frozen Ocean for Science
At Casey Station, supporting science means saying yes to just about anything — from maintaining weather sensors to hauling buoys across a frozen ocean. As Senior Communications Technical Officer, I usually get involved when gadgets and electronics are part of the mission… and whenever I can find an excuse to tag along.
Recently, a small team was tasked with deploying monitoring buoys on the sea ice, each spaced 500 metres apart and well offshore from Jack’s Hut. Alongside each buoy, we needed to collect an ice core sample 15 metres away. Simple enough on paper — until you factor in the 5-kilometre trek across the ice, soft snow underfoot, and all the gear that comes with science on the move.
Between the ice corer, drills, measuring tape, and samples, we were looking at roughly 30 kilograms of kit to carry, not including our personal survival packs, which add another 20 kilos each. Although quad bikes can be used for such work, the ramp leading down from Jack’s Hut to the sea ice was steep and slick, so we opted for the old-fashioned method: sleds, teamwork, and six pairs of legs.
Our expedition team:
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Liz, Field Training Officer
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Brian, Bureau of Meteorology Technician
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Mike, Boilermaker
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Scott, Electrician
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Jol, Diesel Mechanic
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Terry, Communications Technician (that’s me)
As with any Antarctic operation, we started by deciding on the most important detail, our radio call sign. After much debate (and laughter), we settled on the winning pun: “I’m a Real Buoy!”
Once the forecast aligned — calm winds and glorious sunshine — we loaded two Hägglunds with gear and set out. After an hour’s drive to Jack’s Hut, we swapped machines for muscle, loading up the sleds and heading onto the frozen sea. The fresh snow from the previous day made towing heavy sleds even tougher, but spirits were high and the sun on our backs made all the difference.
We paused often to check ice thickness and redistribute loads before securing the first buoy and collecting its ice core. Three more buoys followed, each one anchored and sampled on the long walk back toward shore. By the time we reached the base of the icy slope leading back to Jack’s Hut, we knew the climb ahead would test us — and it did. The final pull up the hill was a proper Antarctic workout.
By day’s end, we’d walked around 10 kilometres over a frozen ocean, completed our mission, and earned a deep sense of satisfaction — and a few sore muscles. Three of our team returned to station that night, while the rest of us stayed overnight at Jack’s Hut. With the heater humming and a well-earned meal shared, it was the perfect end to one of those special Antarctic days that remind you just how lucky you are to work in a place like this.
This is, quite literally, our office.
Terry Trewern
SCTO, Casey Station 2024-25
