| Abstract | An exciting new development in polar field science is the ability to use drones to capture high spatial and temporal resolution data in areas of interest. In Antarctica, these deployments have the capacity to both enhance science and help with logistics in a relatively low cost and efficient way. During the austral summer of 2023/2024, we were able to deploy a DJI Mavic 3E series over an area with buried crevasses on GHOST Ridge, Thwaites Glacier to obtain aerial photography that can be used to do structure from motion (SfM). Additionally, we performed a survey over the WAIS divide remote field camp. The main goal of the experiment design on GHOST Ridge was to look for subtle indications of buried crevasses. This data can also be used to study the snow field in this area and snow dune formation, which is a process that is still in the early stages of scientific exploration. Additionally, a major limitation to Antarctic science is the ability to land planes due to ambiguous runway conditions. One potential for aerial imaging via drones is the ability to produce real time models of runway conditions, which can be sent to pilots to add to the things they use to make informed decisions about flying. At the request of camp management and staff, a survey of WAIS divide field camp was collected for logistics purposes. Using this survey, we can build a model that allows staff to visualize and analyze the layout of camp. Due to the cold temperatures we were operating in, the battery life of the UAV was reduced to 20 minutes from the expected 45 minutes. This influenced how we designed our deployments, specifically how big of an area we surveyed and at what height we flew at, to optimize spatial resolution while accounting for significantly decreased operating times due to conditions, which are normal of polar environments. A generator was used to recharge batteries and the controller on site; however, operations were still limited by the number of batteries available and the required recharge time.
|
