Geoscience Reference
In-Depth Information
Figure 8.17
Haglund tractor train.
(Credit: AntarcticaNewZealand)
60
C(
76
F) but
in temperatures that drop to
fingers do not work too well in
the cold either, with the skin sticking to cold metal if you are not very careful. Most
of the research stations have garages to bring equipment in for repair, but if in the
-
field, what might take a couple minutes inside can turn into a day-long project.
Hands get cold and lose their dexterity and it is impossible to be precise wearing
big mittens and gloves.
Preparing for
fieldwork is a lot like planning a camping trip to outer space or
going on an extended sailing voyage
absolutely everything must be taken along and
provisions for emergencies must be included. When storms come up, there is no way
even the most severely injured or ill personnel can be rescued, so each
-
field party
must be out
tted with a
first aid kit, emergency supplies and the knowledge and
con
dence to use them.
Access to deep
fixed-wing aircraft and
both have space and weight restrictions, making packing and planning a very
important part of the process. In general, it takes about a year to prepare fully
for a deep
field camps is usually by helicopter or
field trip. Scientists are typically required to procure all the scienti
c
staff and equipment they will need to conduct their work. Equipment must be
able to withstand the travel and the extreme conditions. Batteries to power
photographic equipment and communications equipment need to be kept
warm in order to work
consequently equipment is often tucked snugly inside
clothing during the day and sleeping bags at night.
Camping in the
-
field is not glamorous and toilet facilities usually consist of a
20-litre plastic drum inside a tent or behind a snow wall. Waste is collected and
taken back to the main station where it is processed through the sewage treatment
plant. Women often use a
'
Female Urinary Device
'
or FUD, which is a soft plastic
funnel apparatus that slides inside clothing and
fits snugly against the skin.
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