Astrobiologist Dale Andersen Reports on Lake Untersee Base Camp Weather
Astrobiologist Dale Andersen has been conducting research at Lake Untersee, Antarctica, in January and February 2026. His recent updates highlight the challenging weather conditions faced during the expedition.
Current Weather Conditions at Lake Untersee
Over the past few days, the team experienced low clouds, drifting snow, and strong winds. Wind speeds reached a peak of approximately 30 m/s, equivalent to around 67 mph. However, today marked an improvement as the sun returned, allowing for more stable conditions.
Research Activities and Equipment
Despite the brisk winds, the team utilized the favorable weather to advance their research. Key activities included:
- Collecting glacial ice samples
- Taking air samples to investigate environmental DNA
- Melting instruments deployed in the previous season to measure dissolved oxygen and light levels
A small Ambient WS-4000 weather station has been set up near the camp. This station provides real-time updates on current weather conditions.
Historical Context and Collaboration
Andersen’s work at Lake Untersee is part of a long-standing research collaboration that dates back to 1996. He and his colleague have been sharing updates from Antarctica since their early explorations. Notably, they pioneered the use of a web server in Antarctica, allowing real-time sharing of updates and findings.
Andersen’s background in astrobiology and previous roles, including time with NASA, add significant depth to his research initiatives. His work at Lake Untersee continues to contribute valuable insights into environmental conditions that may parallel other celestial bodies.
As the team progresses with their research, they remain focused on understanding the unique environmental parameters of Antarctica’s remote ecosystems. Future updates will provide additional insights into their findings and ongoing projects.
