Observations inside the Lemaire Channel

February 2, 1994

The Lemaire Channel (center)

On the left as we pass through the channel, there is a mountain with unusually twisted lines on it. They start out horizontally on the right side, then curve upwards toward the middle and end up going almost vertically up the mountain.

Striations in the rock walls reveal geological turmoil

On the right of the channel, there is a large mountain that is mostly dark rock, almost black, with had portions of dark red and lighter brown mixed in. With the white snow and the brilliant sunlight, it makes a spectacular sight.

Mineral deposits create colorful displays

On the whole, the Lemaire Channel is interesting because it seems so narrow at the far end when you're passing through it. It is really quite long, but the flatness of the sea and the straightness of the channel give a distorted sense of perspective, so that it widens as you pass through it. Since there are large icebergs in it, I have to have faith that the captain knows what he's doing and isn't actually heading us into a dead-end.

Lars-Eric just informed us that when we exit the channel, we will have to decide whether or not we can make a landing at Hovgaard Island, based on the ice conditions we find. We would need to drift to allow enough time for the brief landings.


You may continue with us to Hovgaard Island, or return to today's table of contents.