The Antarctic diver's door into the abyss

At the beginning of each season, the whole McMurdo village join forces to make the first 4x4 ft diving holes in the sea ice. From the Carpenter to the sea ice safety team, we all drive over the frozen Ross Sea early in the morning to what will be our main study site: Cinder Cones.

After an hour drive in the Pisten Bully, we are greeted at the Cinder Cones site by a giant 20ft+ drill ready to pierce through the frozen sea surface. Two meters into the sea ice and a few minutes later, access to water is achieved!

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A dance already practiced over the years starts quickly after, with the modified Pisten Bully taking the snow away from the dive hole, followed by the Carpenter's vehicle with the Fish Hut. Once the Fish Hut is in place, a heater is quickly turned on, and the team starts shoveling snow around it to secure its place for the season. And just like that, the Antarctic diver's door into the Ross Sea is open!