Single Rope Technique

As we're prepping to collect samples from Lilburn, Babs is preparing Ellie and I for the rock climbing aspect of climbing down into the cave. We went out to the Arboretum and threw up a line over a strong tree branch. The lab purchased more climbing gear for us because there are many pieces needed. We work on ascending and descending. While Babs says the majority of the rope work is the easier part--descending--we still need to be able to ascend (climb out of the cave) for an emergency. Switching the line between ascending and descending takes a while to understand and be able to accurately accomplish, but we eventually get there.

Babs says she does push-ups every day to have the upper body strength for rock climbing. I am taking a rock climbing course this quarter and will be aiming to practice at night as well at Rocknasium. Have to buy some climbing shoes first!

Photo: Ellie and Babs discussing how to switch from descending to ascending and the appropriate way to relieve pressure on the line without falling off.

ICPMS Lab Time

Babs, Ellie, and I were able to get some lab time in with the ICMPS laser ablation machine thanks to Cait/Howie. We ran the new thin sections from our stalagmite to get counts on trace elements for me and Ellie's data. Babs trained us on the proper machine use and computer program use. The machine took a good couple hours to set up and use and we had to run the machine over two days. Ellie and I would come in when we could to check in with Babs who generally watched over the machine the whole time. We'd also work on our readings in the dead time.

Photo: Babs has placed the stalagmite thin sections in the machine tray and is preparing to run the laser. She is checking for correct orientation of the thin section and is deciding where best to sample from.

Photo: Ellie is checking the inert gas tank which helps cool the machine to allow it to run.

Internship and Career Fair

Maria and I attended the Spring Internship and Career Fair at school. We brought resumes and spoke with representatives from Department of Toxic Substances, CalTrans, Army Corps of Engineers, and many more. Think we have some good leads, and made some good headway. Generally the booths seemed to be looking for engineers but I think we made a good name for the geologists!