Field Work

Our field work involves putting out GPS equipment throughout the Transantarctic Mountains to look at the tectonic deformation taking place. Some of these sites will be occupied for a three month period while others will be sureveyed for an hour (footprint surveys, which involve several sites within a short walking distance of the central, or zero, site all being surveyed at the same time.) There are also some permanent sites that collect data all year long. These will be visited to replace parts, download data, and in some cases, take equipment out.
Our first flights out were all with a pilot named Mark. He has been fantastic. A great person to work with and someone who has become a good friend. He took some incredible photos, the first being the one shown here. I am in the picture, walking away from the helicopter with the yellow antenna bag on my back. That’s Erebus Volcano steaming in the background. This is an amazing place…