Today was another beautiful day for diving! Both Kay and I made two dives today. During our first dives, I retrieved the LiCor sensor so we could download the last few days worth of data and I collected a water sample and a core sample from beside Hal. Between our dives, Kay downloaded the LiCor data, then on his first dive, he re-deployed the LiCor to the location of Hal's next probing site. Kay also collected some samples. During the afternoon dives, I collected two water samples from just above the mat at each of the shallow transect locations. There are five stations at slightly different depths. Having water samples from just above the mat will allow Ian and Kay to chemically analyze the samples to determine what substances are present for the mats to utilize for energy and growth. I also went to two of the deeper locations and collected a core sample and a surface mat sample from each location. Our goal is to have water samples, core samples, and surface mat samples from each site along the transect line. There are 9 "deeper" water sites and 5 shallow water sites. Having these samples will allow an analysis to be done of the entire gradient from the oxygen zone down into the sulfitic zone. Kay moved Hal to his new location on his second dive. Hal is out there in the lake working away!
We had more ATV angst on our way back to camp from the dives today. Once again, the back end sank in and I jumped out and crashed through the ice. I was holding the large core sample. We worked hard to collect that sample, we don't want to cause more disturbance to the lake than necessary (so we don't want to collect extra samples), and each sample is precious to the researchers. I was determined to save the sample! Even crashing through the ice, I managed to keep the sample intact - it survived the entire ordeal - my shins and knees... not so much! Fryxell Ice - ARGH!
I thought you might enjoy a tour down the dive tube. So, put your helmet on and enjoy the ride!
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I will be your dive tender for your dive today. Say goodbye to Ian, your journey is about to begin. |
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As you descend through the "tube" the first 1-2 feet of ice looks as though it is full of snow. There will also be collections of sand within the ice at various points. |
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Somewhere between 3 and 4 feet down, you'll notice the snowy layer fade out and a slightly clearer layer begins. This is where I think it gets pretty. Take a moment to look at all the various patterns in the ice as you continue downward from here. |
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Between 4-6 feet, the clear ice has many air bubbles trapped inside. It looks a bit like you have opened a soda bottle. |
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At about 6 feet, the ice clears again and begins to have long tubes of air trapped inside. These tubes begin to look like chandeliers. Many of these tubes actually have their own little ecosystems living inside! This layer will continue for several feet. |
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By 9 feet, the tube is largely made up of these chandelier like tubes. They look so fragile. They make incredibly beautiful patterns. |
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From about 12-14 feet, you will pass through "the blue" - as we like to call it.This section of the ice is so clear, it looks as though you could reach right in - perhaps even swim through. Nope - it's SOLID ice! Isn't it beautiful? |
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At 17 feet, you will reach the bottom of the tube! Notice how smooth the bottom of the ice is compared to the surface ice! I hope you enjoyed the tour and have a better sense of what we are fortunate enough to see and enjoy every time we dive. At this point, you can either follow the cable out and say hello to Hal or explore the lake a bit, or you can come back up and we'll make you a cup of hot chocolate! |
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