During the week from 20 - 24 November Martin Radenz and Patric Seifert finally got in personal contact with the DACAPO-PESO collaborative partner University of Magallanes (UMAG) in Punta Arenas. The schedule on the first two days was tight and filled with an introduction of our pdans to the Department for Atmospheric Research (LIA, http://www.umag.cl/ozono/).

University of Magallanes

Boris Barja-Gonzales was our hero of the week. He guided us through meetings with the University Administration, the financial department and, most important for the DACAPO site preparation, to the staff responsible for the infrastructure of the campus of UMAG.   

On Tuesday, 21 November, we received the signed Memorandum of Understanding, which is the basis for the scientific collaboration between TROPOS and UMAG. This event was accompanied by the presentation of primary information about the goals and scientific motivation for DACAPO-PESO. The director and vice director of UMAG as well as the PIs of the local PhD programs took part at this event. (http://www.umag.cl/vcm/?p=27158#textos)

Photo of Martin and Patric with the UMAG administration. Credit: UMAG (http://www.umag.cl/vcm/?p=27158#textos)

Martin and Patric collected numerous impressions about the meteorological conditions at this southern tip of South America. Steady winds and strongly variable cloud conditions are omnipresent in this region. There will definitely be plenty of atmospheric scenarios be observed by the LACROS instruments.

Concerning the deployment of the LACROS instruments we found well suited options for both the two containers as well as for the radiation sensors. LIA has a perfectly located roof platform that provided plenty of space and 360° open view for radiation sensors. The containers will be installed next to a gym that will provide a bit of wind protection.