July 7, 2023

Still struggling

Martin and Derryn repairing the top-plug in the drill.

After repairing the electrical connections in the top-plug the drill with carbide cutters was lowered to the bottom. When rotating jumping current was again observed before rotations stopped. On the surface the cutters were observed to be destroyed – but interestingly only the outer edge was really destroyed and there were scratches on the side of the core barrel. Are we slowly pushing down between rocks? While preparing all the loggers 2.5 kg frozen glycol pellets were dumped in the borehole in the evening. The idea being this might loosen the rocks, so it was decided to try drilling again tomorrow.
We enjoyed an outstanding Korean dinner prepared by Chiara with a great chili sauce by Jinhwa.

What we did today:

1. Drilled with carbide cutters.
2. Repaired top-plug in drill.
3. Made new snow floor in the carpenter’s garage.
4. Continued to staple the black rubber to the Dome.
5. Continued studies of the crystals in the science trench.
6. Generator stop at 6:30.
7. Prepared pallet for retro cargo.
8. Packed AWI equipment in the Science trench.
9. Enjoyed outstanding Korean food for dinner.

Weather today: An overcast and windy day with snowfall in the afternoon and evening. Wind between 2 and 15 kt gusting 24 kt from W turning to S and then back to W. Temperatures between -9°C and -1°C.

FL, Dorthe Dahl-Jensen

Ilka and Eliza moving packed AWI zarges boxes to the surface.

Meg, Aira and Jinhwa finished spreading the new snow in the carpenter’s garage.

Chiara presenting the Korean dinner 😊.