Katie MacIntosh had always dreamed of traveling to Antarctica, but her initial experience on the continent didn’t go as expected. Planning to snorkel from her zodiac to the shore, she discovered her wetsuit was leaking. Despite the discomfort, she found the moment deeply emotional, considering the rarity of setting foot on such a remote and exclusive continent, especially for women in the field of science.
This was just one of many memorable moments for the three geoscientists from Nova Scotia who embarked on a month-long research expedition to Antarctica. In a group of two dozen women from various countries, the team, organized by Sea Women Expeditions, aimed to study the impacts of climate change.
Interestingly, three out of four leaders in underwater robotics work were from Nova Scotia, highlighting the province’s notable contributions to ocean science. MacIntosh, a marine geomatics engineer originally from Antigonish but working in London, managed the planning and technology aspects of the expedition. She expressed the significance of conducting scientific research in such a remote and challenging environment, especially as part of an all-female team.
During their time in Antarctica, the team engaged in scuba diving and snorkeling to collect underwater data. Apart from studying leopard seal behavior, testing whale bones, and mapping glaciers, they also showcased their Maritime roots by deploying robotic equipment from a zodiac and playing traditional tunes.
Heather Pearce, a geoscientist consultant from Chester working with WSP Canada, reflected on the unique experience of scuba diving near glaciers to study benthic marine life. She cherished the opportunity to descend into the water and explore the marine environment.
Denise Brushett, specializing in mapping and originally from Lake Ainslie, now residing in Halifax, was profoundly moved by the sights in Antarctica, particularly the vibrant ice scenery and the effects of melting ice on the landscape. She emphasized the importance of sharing their findings with others to raise awareness about climate change.
In the coming year, the team plans to analyze the collected data and engage in educational outreach activities to inform the public, especially students, about the pressing issue of climate change.
