Students of the University of Cologne visited Laguna Potrok Aike and were interested to learn more about the project PASADO and about the process of drilling.
In the process of getting ready to start drilling operations today drill pipe, casing and other bits of equipment were loaded. Now the Potrok has lost and we will recover her sediments to unveil the secrets of the past. At the end of this successful day a rain front is approaching Laguna Potrok Aike.
R/V Kerry Kelts assembled and on high wheels. This is the Potrok-way of launching the DOSECC drilling platform. Heavy machinery like two oilfield trucks, a crane and a back track supported the way down to the lake shore where equipment was added before the platform finally touches the water. This process of launching was closely observed by all scientists, by the responsible persons of the DOSECC staff and by Capt. Moreteau.. See the video “Launching of the platform at Laguna Potrok Aike”: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KqTKfk6CJJc.
Finally, and after enormous efforts of both DOSECC and Moreteau, the launcher is completed and the platform with the drillrig on top is ready to be lowered down the slope of the lake.
During the construction of the launcher many local people were visiting the lake shore. For the lonely Patagonian steppe region the launching of a drilling platform is excitement that will last for many days to come.
After severe problems with impassable roads due to a coincidence of melting snow (20 cm) with heavy rainfalls at the end of August all equipment is now at the lake site. The field camp "Potrok City" is set up. Potrok City consists of 6 sleeping trailers (housing 36 drillers, scientists and the kitchen crew), 2 bathroom trailers, 1 dining trailer with a kitchen and 1 laboratory trailer. So far, all equipment has been compiled and tested. Containers are ready to be assembled to form the platform. In the next couple of days the new catamaran and the barge will be set afloat and drilling operations will start.
