Exploring Lake Bonney

May 22, 2009

The robot that scientists deployed last year into ice covered Lake Bonney in Antarctica's McMurdo Dry Valleys was not small.

The autonomous underwater vehicle (AUV), named ENDURANCE (Environmentally Non-Disturbing Under-ice Robotic ANtarctic Explorer), requires its own 'garage' and a hoist to maneuver in and out of the water. It's slightly smaller than a Volkswagen Beetle without wheels.

For the full story, refer the Antarctic Sun website.

 
Snowy Rock

Wright Glacier and Labyrinth, from Mount Thor. © Andris Apse, Antarctica NZ Pictorial Collection: K211 07/08