Friday, December 23, 2011

Ice Tunnels

Here at the South Pole, all of our electrical wiring and water pipes are housed below the surface, in "ice tunnels".  They are 60-80 feet below the surface.  It's a constant -60C/-50F in these tunnels.  I had an opportunity to take a walk in these tunnels.  I lasted about 35 minutes!

Looking up the escape hatch

Top is water into the station; Bottom is waste flowing out of the station

Many items are left in the tunnels

-50C inside

More of the same; Below the 2 large tubes, there are smaller tubes of electrical wiring; The tube sticking out on the right allows plumbers to check the "flow" inside the tubes (to make sure nothing is frozen)

Me, after 30 or so minutes; I have ice crystals on my eyelashes

3 comments:

  1. This comment has been removed by the author.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Oh goodness. As if you didn't have enough cold already! :)

    ReplyDelete
  3. Merry Christmas from Evansville. psst! in that last photo you look like your mom!

    ReplyDelete