by Ria Olivier | Feb 16, 2022 | Current Event, Meteorology, News, Oceanography, Research, SA Agulhas II, Science
The South African Weather Service (SAWS) has two Marine Scientists (Marc De Vos and Carla Ramjukadh) onboard the S.A. Agulhas II, during the Endurance 22 Expedition. They are responsible for weather forecasts and meteorological data requirements from the various groups onboard the vessel.
“The SA Agulhas II vessel is able to accurately measure atmospheric parameters throughout the Endurance22 expedition. These measurements are supplemented with visual observations (such as weather, clouds, and sea-ice) done manually by the onboard meteorologist, giving a more complete picture of current weather conditions.” (www.endurance 22.org)
Read more about the responsibilities of SAWS onboard this cruise – Click here.
Also, check out the video below – Interview with Marc De Vos and Carla Ramjukadh. These live interviews give an insight into what is currently happening onboard the vessel. Schools all over the world are able to register and take part in live interaction with the various science and other groups onboard. Read more here.
The SAWS team will also contribute to the ARGO research programme, which involves collecting and sharing data from inside the ocean by deploying technologically advanced buoys.
For more information on the role of SAWS (and the various instruments that are used during this cruise) and how schools in South Africa are impacted and involved in scientific cruises, check out the video below: Interview with Dr. Tamaryn Morris, a physical oceanographer and Senior Manager for Marine (South African Weather Service), and Thomas Mtontsi, the Science Engagement Officer at the South African Environmental Observation Network (SAEON).
Anche Louw, Antarctic Legacy of South Africa, 16 February 2022
by Ria Olivier | Feb 11, 2022 | Marion Island, Meteorology, Not-Assigned, Oceanography, Research, SA Agulhas II, SANAP Student, Science, Southern Ocean, STEM, sub-Antarctic, Women in Science
In honour of every woman and girl entering the field of science within the Antarctic, sub-Antarctic and Southern Ocean.
Be inspired by the Women in Antarctic, sub-Antarctic and Southern Ocean Science.
Be inspired by the girls taking Marine Sciences as a subject in high school laying the path for their future in science.
Read more about the new SA subject – Marine Sciences: https://bit.ly/3gF9WN7
Anche Louw, Antarctic Legacy of South Africa, 11 February 2022
by Ria Olivier | Feb 3, 2022 | Not-Assigned, Uncategorised
Sir Ernest Shackleton.
Tom Crean with puppies.
The year is 1914, with the imminent threat of World War I, Sir Ernest Shackleton was on the cusp of embarking on a journey to the uncharted South Ocean and treacherous Antarctic region. Upon learning about the mobilization of troops, supplies and volunteer soldiers, Shackleton offered up his ship the “Endurance”, men, and services in the event of war breaking out. He was initially given the “Proceed” command from the Admiralty office, however soon after received a telegram from Winston Churchill thanking him for the offer but would prefer that they proceed with the expedition.
Sir Ernest Shackleton and Frank Wild with the crush “Endurance”.
The “Endurance”
Thus, giving birth to one of history’s most epic expeditions, tale of bravery, resilience and spirit of adventure. The “Endurance” set sail for South Georgia, where it was stocked, and preparations made for the harrowing journey into the uncharted Weddell Sea. Unfortunately, the “Endurance” was met with an unforgiving sea and severe ice conditions which soon caused the untimely demise of the expedition and eventual loss of the vessel, beneath the frozen tundra. Although the ship was lost to the sea, the spirit of survival and unshakeable brotherhood of the “Endurance” crew is a timeless tale echoed throughout history. Shackleton’s efforts in rescuing his men and safe return of every crew member remains a remarkable story never to be forgotten and has paved the way for future intrepid explorers.
SA Agulhas II sailing bow-slamming in the Southern Ocean. Photograph: Marcel du Plessis
Fast forward 104 years, in February 2019, the S.A. Agulhas II set out to make the first attempt (Weddell Sea Expedition 2019) in reaching the last known sinking site of the “Endurance” with the hopes of uncovering the wreck. The expedition was successful in that the vessel, along with its ambitious expedition team reached the sinking site and conducted a plethora of oceanographic operations. Unfortunately, the search for the “Endurance” was abandoned due to the technical difficulties and subsequent loss of oceanographic equipment. The expedition team and S.A .Agulhas II crew faced treacherous seas and extreme ice conditions, indicative of the Weddell Sea. Thus, serving as firm reminder of the unforgiving nature of the Southern Ocean, but with that said the Weddell Sea Expedition team (Endurance 22) returns with renewed hopes in discovering Shackleton’s lost “Endurance”.
Coverage and updates of Endurance 22 Expedition will be covered by and ALSA via social media channels (Twitter, Facebook and Instagram). There is also an amazing opportunity for schools to engage and gain wonderful insight into the voyage through a virtual classroom made possible by “Reach the World” foundation. Register here: https://bit.ly/3HtS8jK
Reach the World, in partnership with the Falklands Maritime Heritage Trust will be the largest virtual exchange expedition in organisational history! Real-time articles, video content from explorers and scientists will be made available as well as communication from Endurance 22 participants throughout the voyage. A number of classroom subjects will be addressed such as STEM, Social Studies, English Language Arts (ELA), and Social-Emotional Learning (SEL)
Learn more and register at explore.reachtheworld.org
Track the S.A. Agulhas II during the Endurance22 Expedition with Captain Knowledge Bengu in the bridge and Freddie Ligthelm as Ice pilot.
Ice-Core and UCT Team of Weddell Sea Expedition 2019. Photograph: Tamara Stubbs
Image above and below taken during the Endurance Expedition in 2019
UCT scientists conducting ice core work during WSE 2019. Photograph: Hermann Luyt
“Sir Ernest Shackleton’s name will for evermore be engraved with letters of fire in the history of Antarctic exploration.” – Roald Amundsen
Images from Sir Ernest Shackleton obtained from : https://www.coolantarctica.com. A great source that can be used in the classroom.
Tahlia Henry, Antarctic Legacy of South Africa, 03 February 2022
by Ria Olivier | Feb 2, 2022 | Announcement, Environment, Gough Island, News, Newsletters>Gough Island Newsletters, Overwintering Team, Team member
In this edition:
- Meet the 67th Gough Island Overwintering Team
- Prof Marthan Bester writes about Fur Seal pup weighing at Tristan da Cunha Islands (2009 – 2021)
- Read more about the Edinburgh ship – connecting Gough with the mainland
- More about the million breeding pairs of Great Shearwater birds on Gough Island
- Weather data of October, November, and December 2021
- Check out some great social gathering pictures!!
Click here to download this issue!!
Click here to view all The Gough Bunting (Gough Newsletters) available on the ALSA Archive.
Anche Louw, Antarctic Legacy of South Africa, 02 February 2022
by Ria Olivier | Jan 31, 2022 | Antarctica, News, Overwintering Team, SANAE, SANAP, Stations, Team Photo
The 60th South African National Antarctic Expedition (SANAE) team returned to Cape Town.
Departure to Antarctica: 25 December 2020.
Arrival in Cape Town: 29 January 2022.
SANAE 60 official team photo
ALSA's PI, Ria Olivier, was at East Pier for the arrival of the S.A. Agulhas II on Saturday, 29 January 2022. She posted arrival updates on social media throughout the day.
Click here to read the address by Mr Ashley Naidoo, Acting Deputy Director-General: Oceans and Coasts, delivered on the day of the 60th SANAE team departure to Antarctica.
Click here to read about the arrival of the S.A. Agulhas II at Penguin Bukta, Antarctica by Prof Annie Bekker of the Sound & Vibration Research Group of the Department of Mechanical and Mechatronic Engineering at Stellenbosch University.
Antarctic Legacy of South Africa, 31 January 2022.
Coverage and updates of Endurance 22 Expedition will be covered by and ALSA via social media channels (Twitter, Facebook and Instagram). There is also an amazing opportunity for schools to engage and gain wonderful insight into the voyage through a virtual classroom made possible by 
