15 December, 2001

**Note: Check my new entry on December 11.

Question of the Day: What is the best way to travel by skidoo through a crevasse-filled ice field? a) fast b) perpendicular to the crevasses c)horizontally

(Answer appears at the end of this journal entry.)

"Another Snow Day"

Ralph came by at 7am to let us know we could sleep-in again. The winds have been raging all night. They continue to blow snow through the air throughout the day. It is difficult to see 20 feet ahead of you. This is what is called a "white out". It would be very dangerous to walk too far away from camp during a white out. Even the mountaiins and nearby ridges are no longer visible.

The winds are called the katabatic winds. They're great for meteorite hunters because they will blow snow off the ice fields. Katabatic winds also assist in meteorite hunting in another way. Glacial flow toward the sea begins at the pole carrying with it any meteorites in its path. The katabatic winds blow in from the higher elevation of the polar plateau also toward the base of these hills assisting in the sublimation (ice to vapor) of the ice and more meteorites are revealed. It is at the base of these hills, Meteorite Hills, that we search for meteorites.

So, although the weather is uncomfortable and difficult to walk around in, it's excellent help for meteorite hunters.

Answer to today's "Question of the Day": The correct answer is "b" perpendicular to the crevasses. Because a snowmobile's ski could get caught in any crack, it is best to travel perpendicular (across) the crevasses.

Try this!

Find a grating in the sidewalk or parking lot. (There is a grating in the Toyon parking lot. All the extra raiinwater runs into it. Get permission first!) Try riding your skateboard or bicycle over the grating from different directions. Which way is the easiest?