Our amazing planet.

Images: Trek Across Antarctica

News
By published

Antarctic journey

polenet, antarctica's geology, seismic imaging antarctica, antarctica research, what is underneath antarctica's ice, climate change

(Image credit: Andrew Lloyd.)

Andrew Lloyd, a Ph.D. student at St. Louis's Washington University, spent many weeks traveling across Antarctica's barren ice sheet to retrieve seismographs instruments scientists are using to map the geology far beneath Antarctica, something that has never been done before.

Lloyd and others set off on snowmobiles from their home base, Byrd Camp.

Keeping warm

polenet, antarctica's geology, seismic imaging antarctica, antarctica research, what is underneath antarctica's ice, climate change

(Image credit: Mike Roberts.)

Lloyd, bundled up in his gear, ready for cold night traveling across West Antarctica. In the summer months, the sun never sets.

Distant mountains

polenet, antarctica's geology, seismic imaging antarctica, Antarctica research, what is underneath antarctica's ice, climate change

(Image credit: Mike Roberts.)

The installation of the seismograph network is part of a project called Polenet. Here, the traveling researchers have set up camp for the night. The camp faces north toward Mt. Waesche (left) and Mt. Sidley (middle).

Hunkered Down

polenet, antarctica's geology, seismic imaging antarctica, Antarctica research, what is underneath antarctica's ice, climate change

(Image credit: Mike Roberts.)

The Polenet camp after a two day storm. The team was bringing back nine seismographs set up across the West Antarctic ice sheet.

Hard at work

polenet, antarctica's geology, seismic imaging antarctica, Antarctica research, what is underneath antarctica's ice, climate change

(Image credit: Jennifer Erxleben)

The team takes down a seismic station. Held within the instrument are data that will help scientists make a picture of the geology some 60 miles (100 kilometers) underneath the continent.

(Left to Right): John O'Donnell, Andrew Lloyd, Mike Roberts.

Live Science Staff
Live Science Staff
For the science geek in everyone, Live Science offers a fascinating window into the natural and technological world, delivering comprehensive and compelling news and analysis on everything from dinosaur discoveries, archaeological finds and amazing animals to health, innovation and wearable technology. We aim to empower and inspire our readers with the tools needed to understand the world and appreciate its everyday awe.