Testing scientific instruments before field expeditions begin

Scientists intend to colelct a lot of data during the season, but also install automatic instruments that will continue to send data after they have left Antarctica. All these instruments need to be tested before being deployed in the field.

Jan Lenaerts setting up the base for the automatic weather station (AWS) he will use in the BENEMELT project.

© International Polar Foundation / Jos Van Hemelrijck
Jean Lenaerts and field guide Christophe Berclaz assembling the AWS. Utsteinen Nunatak is visible in the background.

© International Polar Foundation / Jos Van Hemelrijck
Activating the instruments using an infra-red signal. Pretty nifty!

© International Polar Foundation / Jos Van Hemelrijck
The new automatic weather station, ready to be deployed in the field.

© International Polar Foundation / Jos Van Hemelrijck
Glaciologists leaving the station to test their radar in the field.

© International Polar Foundation / Jos Van Hemelrijck
Transmitter and receiver are both installed in the sledge at an equal distance from the radar.

© International Polar Foundation / Jos Van Hemelrijck
Making sure the radar works properly before taking ii in the field is crucial. Have we got results?

© International Polar Foundation / Jos Van Hemelrijck
Hurray! Ice layers are clearly visible on the screen! We can see that the bedrock is 155 meters below the surface of the ice sheet!

© International Polar Foundation / Jos Van Hemelrijck

Testing scientific instruments before field expeditions begin

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