Photograph by Danny Uhlmann
The shadow of a Twin Otter skiplane buzzes low to the ground over Graphite Peak. Due to an abundance of Permian plant and animal fossils, Graphite Peak has been the focus of numerous scientific studies over many decades of Antarctic research.
Photograph by Danny Uhlmann
Aerial view of Shackleton Glacier camp, which was the base of operations for researchers during the December 2017 and January 2018 season. The camp has been built and deconstructed a number of times over the history of the U.S. Antarctic programme's presence.
Photograph by Danny Uhlmann
Scientist Patricia Ryberg returns to Graphite Peak camp after a day collecting fossils on nearby outcrops of rock. The team spent nine days here, living in small mountain tents, and exploring the surrounding terrain between storms.
Photograph by Danny Uhlmann
On the flanks of Graphite Peak, Rudolph Serbet uncovers a 250 million- year-old fossilised tree stump.
Photograph by Danny Uhlmann
Though visited previously by other geologists, Collinson Ridge produced an unexpected amount of new findings, such as the upright fossilised tree stump being measured and sampled by Gulbranson.
Photograph by Danny Uhlmann
A fallen, fossilised log sits entombed in a bed of sandstone on the flanks of Graphite Peak.
Photograph by Danny Uhlmann
An exposed series of rock layers on McIntyre Promontory. Erik Gulbranson surveys for volcanic ash and fossilised trees.
Photograph by Danny Uhlmann
Camp staff, scientists, and pilots play volleyball at the Shackleton Glacier camp.
Photograph by Danny Uhlmann
Looking out the cargo hatch of a ski-equipped Hercules LC-130. These aircraft, operated by the New York Air National Guard, have served as the logistical building block of U.S. Antarctic science for decades. They have the unparalled ability to lift over ten thousand pounds of cargo and passengers and land on remote glaciers.
Photograph by Danny Uhlmann
Awaiting helicopter pick-up before bad weather arrives, Brian Atkinson and Patricia Ryberg build a snow wall to shield themselves from the freezing wind.
Photograph by Danny Uhlmann
A helicopter drops a sling-load of camp equipment at Collinson Ridge. The team spent ten days here and discovered multiple new fossil forests and peat. Peat is a unique fossil material because it preserves plant anatomy in 3D, allowing more precise reconstructions of ancient plant morphology.
Photograph by Danny Uhlmann