May 29: Excavating dome and doing science along the flow line of North East Greenland Ice Stream.

At EGRIP, the crew continued to excavate the sled and the ski under the dome. The cutting and removal of blocks is almost over. Three of the four skis are now free of snow and with pneumatic jacks, the skis are now broken free of the snow. We intend to pull the dome to the surface tomorrow.

On traverse, the team decided to wait a day at WP060 to repair the shallow drill and complete the shallow drilling planned at this site. Niels spent the day analyzing the radar data obtained so far. Results are good: See radar picture below. The rest of the team took a rest, so when drilling is complete, the traverse will continue, even if it is nighttime. EGRIP had regular communication with the traverse via several devices.

What EGRIP did today:

  1. Excavating main dome.

Weather today: Sunny and clear, in the evening thin overcast. Temp. −26°C to −15°C. Wind: 6 − 11 kt from NW turning NNW. Visibility: Good.

What traverse did today:

  1. Stayed at WP060 (74.7778 N; 37.8385W).
  2. Repairs on shallow drill.
  3. Performing a pit study and took liner samples.
  4. Analysis of radar results so far.
  5. Regular contact with EGRIP.

Correction to yesterday’s report: Shallow drilling at B17 yesterday was 14 m deep.

FL, J.P. Steffensen and TL, Helle Kjær

Excavation has reached the front door of dome.
Big radar behind traverse train.
Kevin checking on small accumulation radar next to the sleeping weatherport on traverse.
Repairs of the shallow drill winch in traverse kitchen. Steff, Kevin and Christoph.
Radar deep sounder profile from EGRIP to WP060. You can see the base under the ice and lots of internal layers that we know represent layers of same age (isochrones).