July 26, 2018

Mills Cross Radar Balloon Sledge

The inflated Mills Cross Radar (18 m x 18 m) is being tested in camp.

In preparation for a radar testing program after next flight period (9 August) we inflated and tested a drag system of the 18 m x 18 m balloon sledge. The sledge consists of a sections of flat mats 1.4 m broad normally used for gymnastics. The sledge moves very smoothly over sustrugies and will provide a very smooth and gentle base for the 1.2 m x 2 m radar elements to be placed on the sledge.

What we did today:

1. Drilling 19.4 m of ice core (runs 740-745) and retrieving 54 kg of slush through filtering.
2. Logging of main core, depth at 19.00 today: 1619.74 m.
3. Processing bag 2800 in the science trench.
4. Measurements in isotope laboratory to bag 2456.
5. Measurements in physical properties to bag 2726
6. Water vapour sampling and measuring.
7. GPS measurements SW of camp.
8. Inflating the Mills Cross Radar Balloon Sledge and testing the drag system
9. Generator failure at noon
10. A new outdoor toilet was made near the Dome

Ad 6: Sonja and AK have started a 48 hrs campaign sampling snow every 3 hours for investigation of the diurnal cycle.
Ad 9: The power consumption is too high when the kitchen is preparing meals. Weatherports should shut down heaters during the day and the drillers pig and pump should be shut while pulling for a break.

Weather: Blue sky. Temperature between -20 °C and -11 °C. Wind 6-12 kt from 270T turing to 210T.

Camp population: 32

FL, Dorthe Dahl-Jensen