Field work is so tough!

Moi (Hello),

It has been another long work day in Kilpisjärvi, Finland.

For today’s blog, I thought I would give a quick snap-shot of the field work we have done.

One group took measurements of the temperature, conductivity, pressure, pH, turbidity, redox, PAR and current from the surface of the water to the bottom of the lake (essentially everything you could want to know about what is happening vertically in water column). They stayed at one location for 3 hours, and made measurements every 15 minutes.

The University of Helsinki’s CTD (CM90) with all its doo-dads.

First they needed to paddle out to the site. Then create and ice hole for the instrument to go in.

Tom Kokkonen clearing ice for the instrument to get through. It looks easy but that ice is tricky.

Lowering and raising the instrument is hard work.

Elisa Lindgren calmly lowering (or raising) the CTD

In between measurements, there is lots of time to kill, so when you need to make notes, it is really important to be comfortable.

Kelly Graves recording coordinates and resting, it was a tough job.

It is quite warm here, we hit 30 degrees centigrade today. So, it is important to stay hydrated.

Staying hydrated by melting shards of ice in a water bottle. Nothing tastes better.

There is also a form of ice fatigue that sets in at a certain point. It can cause people to take photos of almost anything, but ice is by far the best thing.

Lake ice on Kilpisjärvi.

Then, finally the last measurement was taken and into shore they swiftly paddled as to not miss päivällïnen (dinner).

It really is a hard job, we just make it look relaxing.

Seuraavaan kertaan! (Until next time!)