Polar Radar for Ice Sheet Measurements

Data Page from Nov. 3 - 7, 2000 All information is from the Australian National Antarctic Research Expeditions Voyage 1, 2000/2001 Davis-Mawson-Heard Island taken by Aurora Australis. All observations taken at 0500 Universal Time. All temperatures are in degrees Celsius.

Remarks by Suzanne and Gordon:

Nov. 3: Stopped for 4 hours overnight due to snow showers, thick first year pack and poor visibility. Although within flyoff range now� weather precludes flying so are pressing on closer to Mawson. Briefings this afternoon, then a farewell BBQ for Mawson Expos.�

Nov. 4: All expeditioners briefed on Friday afternoon regarding operations, heli safety and the environment. Very pleasant BBQ on the trawl deck followed by Beach Party. Vessel stopped at 2300 due to poor visibility and heavy ice. First flight to Mawson arrived 1115 (local). Will continue flying as long as possible.

Flights were conducted to Beaver Lake and from Landing Bluff to Beaver Lake to position field parties. Problems with helicopter throttle cable preclude long distance flying today but expect to fly to Rauer Islands.

Discharge of cargo for Davis completed this morning. Lower holds are full of RTA cargo and backloading continuing. Expeditioners and Ships' Crew are working in cold conditions -some plant and equipment is also feeling the cold!! Confirmation of Heard Island Cargo amounts still not received but are planning on amounts as per SAO message. BBQ tonight on station - expect to sail 1700 Sunday.

Nov 5: Six helicopter flights delivered expeditioners and cargo on Saturday. The helicopters overnighted at the ship. Mawson provided perfect weather for the operations and a very friendly welcome. There was even freshly brewed coffee and home-baked muffins!! The station is immaculate and they have obviously worked hard over winter and in preparation for the summer season. Good luck for a happy summer.

Helicopter operations delayed this morning due to mechanical problems but they have now resumed. Four flights remain. Weather is excellent. The ship expects to depart this afternoon.

Nov. 6: Flying operations to Mawson completed at 1425 and the ship departed the fIyoff position at 1430. Now heading for meteorological deployment position and Heard Island. Met Buoy turned on at 1600. Ship stopped for approx. 6 hours overnight due to poor visibility. Safety muster held this morning. Made good progress yesterday in heavy ice but now in poor visibility conditions. Glad flying completed yesterday!! Very quiet onboard.

Nov. 7: Onboard filtering for pigments continues. Expect to release met buoy late this afternoon. Clocks to be forwarded tonight (we will then be on the same time as Heard Island). Depending on weather, plan to reach Heard Island on Thursday afternoon or Friday morning.

(Fuel Figures as at 1200 Monday MGO 470,077 and Heli Fuel 71,471)