Today is the fifth day since we have started to fight our way through the sea ice. Last night our average speed was about 6.2 knots, and slowly but surely we are approaching Neumayer station. The happy expectation among us is tangible, as the hour comes near with our arrival in which we may leave the ship and have a go at the ice. Fifty-three biologists, oceanographers, geologists, chemists and meteorologists are being let loose in the pristine world of ice. And the thicker the ice becomes and the more powerful the ramming of the ship against it, the heavier the intermittent snowfall, und the more frequent the sightings of crabeater seals (a seal species living here) and Emperor penguins, the more the right index finger is tingling above the shutter switch of the cameras.
Of course we can not just climb off the ship and walk about on the ice. For one thing, the Antarctic presents some danger to people, and, even more importantly, we are have a great responsibility for the wilderness around us. Two days ago we were given an extensive presentation by the ship’s doctor on dangers in the ice. We were informed, warned and made aware of everything ranging from sunburn, snow blindness, frostbite, loss of orientation to suddenly opening cracks and crevaces in the ice and unexpected bad weather. Hopefully now we know all the rules that secure our survival on land.
However, all this information still does not allow us to leave the ship. Germany, along with many other countries, is a signatory of international legislation for the protection of Antarctica, including the waters south of 60°S. Yesterday we were advised how to dispose of garbage, how close we may get to animals, not to introduce any animals or plants, not to touch the rare plants and animals on land, and much more. Especially the protection of flora and fauna in the cold climate of Antarctica is very important because the physiological processes are slowed down by low temperatures, resulting in slow growth as well as slow recovery after injuries or exhaustion.
Now hopefully we are really prepared. I can’t wait to step on an ice floe — I wonder if it will rock under my feet. Probably not... In any case, I will warm up my photographing finger very well over night and think about the position of the shutter switch. Then everything will be all set for tomorrow for the first penguin waddling across my path (at least 5m away, of course).
Myriam Schüller, Ruhr-University of Bochum
Photos: M. Schüller