Testing seismic sources

From Jan. 11-14, we tested a few configurations of small, surface shots and small, drilled and loaded shots. One of the configurations was a small amount of explosives on a pole to thump the ground and generate a seismic wave.

When possible, we also kept a person or two at the computer showing the Geode data to make sure the Geode turned on to record at the right times. Typically, the Geode turned on in response to a radio trigger, but when our shots were too far away, we switched to triggering on time every minute. Andrew and Catie helped us out a lot on Jan. 11th.

In additional to providing valuable information for our seismic imaging field work in two years time, the recordings of these sources will also allow us to investigate the structure and characteristics of the ice near WAIS Divide. We should be able to see properties of the firn, the snow layer on top of the ice, the ice itself, the ice-rock basal interface, and the rock (geology) beneath the ice. These information should help us better understand the properties and behavior of the West Antarctic Ice Sheet through time.

1951 diagram from one of Poulter's patents showing his design for an elevated seismic charge.

You can see the Geode, 48-channel seismic data on screen.

It was a cold day, and a few perfect snowflakes landed on the ToughBook.

Standing by at the radio to confirm the Geode 48-channel would trigger to turn on at the right times.

View down the seismic line showing the computer recording the Geode data.

On Jan. 14, we returned to camp to be greeted with beef or mushroom stroganoff and cardamom rice pudding - yum!

Beef or mushroom stroganoff awaited us when we got back to camp on Jan. 14.

Cardamon rice pudding - yum!