Our
first day of deployment did not go as planned. Inclement weather slightly dampened our spirits, but it’s
amazing how omni-dry pants and waterproof boots can combat that! Our second day was still wet, but the
rain was not nearly as torrential.
The good news was that the heavy rain had softened many of the sites so
it was not as difficult to dig. In
fact, many of the deployment teams were able to bury over half of their
geophones in that second day.
 |
| Curious cows.... |
Deployment,
like surveying, has its own interesting encounters - from curious neighbors to
farm animals and reptiles. Curious
neighbors have both shared their enthusiasm for the project as well as offered
their services due to our flashing hazard lights when we pulled over to deploy. Cows also seem to be very interested in
our activities as many times they have curiously walked
over and stared intently in our direction while we work, all the while “mooing”
as if alarming the others.
We also have seen many calves and kids suckling, which yielded many
“awwwws.” The scariest encounter
is most likely that of snakes. They
are sneaky, as they hide in the brush!
 |
| Unwelcome visitor.... |
Deployment
is tough work. By the end of the
day, we are tired from digging and navigating on soggy and muddy dirt roads. After returning back to home base (the
gym), we get together for dinner and enjoy a few laughs and tears (happy ones,
of course!). It is this camaraderie that makes the
SUGAR project all the more better because of the camaraderie.
Chastity
Aiken
Georgia
Institute of Technology
