(Photo: Sofia Antonova) The helicopter with HelipodMonday, 25th of August 2014

 

The working group from GFZ Potsdam (German Research Centre for Geosciences) leaded by Torsten Sachs, was waiting long time for their experiment. Their patience was really tried :).

The fact is they use a special device Helipod by fixing it to the helicopter. The helicopter flies over the tundra and Helipod measures the methane and carbon dioxide emissions and heat fluxes.

 

You can imagine how expensive this work is and that is why all the conditions have to be perfect not to waste these money. The main factor is the weather – it should not be windy and cloudy.

 

(Photo: Sofia Antonova) View from the helicopterThe helicopter was ordered from the civil airline company, but due to the fact that there are not so many helicopters and pilots in Tiksi, it was not always possible to have them right away.

So, when finally the weather and pilots perfectly matched, we had the flight and I was lucky to take part in it. I must say that I haven't seen anything like this in my life! View from 100 m on the one of the biggest river delta! My tasks were to communicate with russian pilots and to take pictures of the land.

 

With the last one I tried so hard that lost my hat – it was blown away from my head in the open window.

 

Definitely, one of the best experiences during the expedition!

 

Written by Sofia