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McMurdo Dry Valleys: safety protocols in a changing landscape

McMurdo Dry Valleys: safety protocols in a changing landscape. MCMLTER: Interdisciplinary project conducting field experiments and monitoring in diverse environments. Glaciers monitoring Weather stations on glaciers Stream gauge stations Lake monitoring sites (limno holes) Soil experiments.

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McMurdo Dry Valleys: safety protocols in a changing landscape

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  1. McMurdo Dry Valleys: safety protocols in a changing landscape

  2. MCMLTER: Interdisciplinary project conducting field experiments and monitoring in diverse environments • Glaciers monitoring • Weather stations on glaciers • Stream gauge stations • Lake monitoring sites (limno holes) • Soil experiments Walking across ice on Lake Bonney

  3. Onyx River: Longest environmental record in the Dry ValleysHigh flows have occurred three times in last decade Onyx River at Vanda, 700 cubic ft per sec Onyx River at Lower Wright

  4. MCMLTER: Safety issues related to changing connectivity across the landscape Falling through moat ice at Lake Bonney Changes in risk at transitions in crossing the lake moats and lake ice to access sites Risk of drowning Risk of hypothermia from cold water emersion Risk of injury from falling (cuts, bruises, strains, sprains, etc.) Breaking through ice on melt pools on lake ice

  5. MCMLTER: Safety issues related to changing landscape connectivity Moat crossing at Lake Bonney Changes in risk at transitions in crossing the lake moats and lake ice to access sites Travel by foot or by ATV Field camps to lake sites Field camps to stream sites across lake Field camps to soil sites across lake Fragile ice at ice edge

  6. Protocols for unpredictable lake and moat conditions Lake ice travel by foot-general Wear PFD in moat area and on lake ice Do not wear backpacks Work in pairs in moat area or in crossing lake ice Cross moat with spotter on shore Store extra clothes in dry sacks in packs, Polar Haven and gauge boxes Learn self-rescue methods Limno team on lake ice

  7. Protocols for unpredictable lake and moat conditions Stream Team and Wormherders: Lake ice travel by foot with boat crossing Travel by helo if depth at ice-edge greater than 5 ft Do not wear hip waders Learn self-rescue methods Limno team member wearing PFD Moat crossing at Lake Bonney

  8. MCMLTER Infrastructure to address safety issues: Current approach Reporting through team members and Lake Hoare camp manager PFDs at camps Ice dock for moat crossing at Lake Bonney

  9. MCMLTER Infrastructure to address safety issues: Potential future approaches Reporting through team members and Lake Hoare camp manager PFDs at camps Ladders and other safety items at camps Stable boat or pier with rope and pulley system to lake ice at camps Flotation rescue devices Ice dock for moat crossing at Lake Bonney

  10. Protocols for unpredictable lake and moat conditions Lake ice travel by ATV-general Wear PFD in moat area and on lake ice Do not wear backpacks Work in pairs on lake ice Drive slowly, assess ice conditions each time Return ATV on first Monday of January Report concern for ATV position to Lake Hoare camp manager ATV on rough ice at Lake Bonney

  11. Conditions vary among valleys and lakes • Communicate about moat and ice conditions through team members and camp manager Rough ice at Lake Miers

  12. Environmental protection and history:Few injuries and several close calls on moat ice Attention and diligence by all team members can prevent tragic outcomes! Limno team members wearing PFD

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