Big changes at EGRIP today. We successfully pulled the dome up a ramp to the surface. It now sits 100 m from the original spot. At the same time, we moved the generator hut, and with that the entire electrical system. In preparation, all electrical installations in the former science and drill trenches were removed. Now the trenches are completely dark. Power has been restored to our garages. We have installed our cook’s snowmelter and we have now potable tap water. Tomorrow, we will start our main snow melter, and then we will be able to run the dishwasher, take showers and wash properly. As poor weather conditions are forecast for the weekend, we plan to clean up camp and then sit indoor and watch the weather.
On the traverse, the team managed to repair the drill. The day began with drilling; but in the afternoon, the drill broke down at 27 m depth, and the team decided to move on.
EGRIP had regular communication with the traverse via several devices.
What EGRIP did today:
- Moving dome to surface.
- Taking down all electrical and lights in the now abandoned trenches.
- Power and heating in dome in new location.
- Cooks snow melter now running. Drinking water now in taps.
- Power to garages re-established.
- Built outhouse no. 2.
- Contact with traverse.
Weather today: Sunny and clear, in the evening thin overcast. Temp. −26°C to -17°C. Wind: 6 − 10 kt from mainly W. Visibility: Good.
What traverse did today:
- Stayed at WP060 until shallow drilling stopped.
- Winch and drill repaired.
- Drilled shallow core to 27 m at WP060. Then winch broke down again.
- At 1740L traverse began moving South. WP070 (74.5475N; 38.2232W) at 2200L, they continue.
- At 0130L traverse reached WP090 (74.2948N; 38.6181W) and stopped for the night.
- Regular contact with EGRIP.
FL, J.P. Steffensen and TL, Helle Kjær
