Automatic Weather Station & Gravimetry Measurements
During the last couple of weeks, we helped Konrad Steffen of Switzerland's WSL install two Automatic Weather Stations near Princess Elisabeth Antarctica. One near the airstrip to take measurements for the DROMLAN air network, and a second on the Antarctic Plateau to collect meteorolgical data used by the Swiss Federal Institute for Forest, Snow and Landscape Research (WSL). This gallery also featurespictures of the gravimeter used by Olivier Francis within the framework of the GIANT project.
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Konrad Steffen from the Swiss Federal Institute for Forest, Snow and Landscape Research (WSL) and Alain Hubert drilling to install a new weather station near the airstrip.
© International Polar Foundation / Alain Hubert
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The new weather station will collect meteorological data for the DROMLAN air network. Installing such a weather station is required if you operate an airstrip used by DROMLAN planes.
© International Polar Foundation / Alain Hubert
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Heading towards the plateau to install a second weather station for the Swiss Federal Institute for Forest, Snow and Landscape Research (WSL).
© International Polar Foundation / Alain Hubert
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The second weather station site is at an altitude of 2,330 metres.
© International Polar Foundation / Alain Hubert
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Adjusting the antenna, which has to point towards the satellite to be able to send collected data on a daily basis.
© International Polar Foundation / Alain Hubert
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Using a toughbook computer to connect to the Automatic Weather Station.
© International Polar Foundation / Alain Hubert
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Konrad Steffen, Director of the Swiss Federal Institute for Forest, Snow and Landscape Research (WSL), beside the newly installed automatic weather station.
© International Polar Foundation / Alain Hubert
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Olivier Francis from the University of Luxembourg is heading towards the northern science shelter on the ridge.
© International Polar Foundation / Alain Hubert
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Olivier in front of his instruments.
© International Polar Foundation / Alain Hubert
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The infamous gravimeter. The transparent tube on top allows one to see the mass moving up and down.
© International Polar Foundation / Alain Hubert
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Meteorological instruments installed on the roof of the station.
© International Polar Foundation / Alain Hubert
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Testing a new breed of solar panels on the roof. As station is a prototype, companies ask us to test their equipment under extreme conditions.
© International Polar Foundation / Alain Hubert