December 20, 2008, South Pole Station -- Len Shulman
Freeze Control in Antarctica
Once the IceTop tanks are filled, a freeze controller will process the water in the tank as ice grows from the top down until a perfect cylinder of optically clear ice is formed. Cosmic rays passing through the ice produce light that will be seen by two optical detectors looking downward into the tank.
View of the two downward facing DOMs (Digital Optical Modules) that will detect light from passing particles once the water is frozen and the tank insulated, lids closed, and covered with snow.
With the tank doors open so that the water can freeze from the top down, snow can accumulate on the surface of the ice. Snow actually acts as an insulator and impedes the freeze process, so it must be removed immediately. So far, there have not been any storms to deposit snow, but I’m sure they are coming soon!
In addition to snow removal, my most important job from now until I leave on January 15 will be to monitor the equipment for proper operation while the cylinders of perfect ice are forming.
Next week, Christmas at the South Pole…
