Technical innovations and optimizations for intermediate ice-core drilling operations

Triest, Jack; Mulvaney, Robert ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-5372-8148; Alemany, Olivier. 2014 Technical innovations and optimizations for intermediate ice-core drilling operations. Annals of Glaciology, 55 (68). 243-252. 10.3189/2014AoG68A049

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Abstract/Summary

The British Antarctic Survey, in collaboration with Laboratoire de Glaciologie et Géophysique de l’Environnement, has in recent years successfully drilled to bedrock on three remote sites around the Antarctic Peninsula. Based on the experience from the multi-season project at Berkner Island (948m depth, 2002–05) we optimized the drill set-up to better suit two subsequent single-season projects at James Ross Island (363m depth, 2008) and Fletcher Promontory (654m depth, 2012). The adaptations, as well as the reasons for them, are discussed in detail and include a drill tent set-up without a trench; drilling without a borehole casing with a relatively low fluid column height; and using a shorter drill. These optimizations were aimed at reducing cargo loads and installation time while maintaining good core quality, productivity and a safe working environment. In addition, we introduce a number of innovations, ranging from a new lightweight cable tensioning device and drill-head design to core storage and protection trays. To minimize the environmental impact, all the drill fluid was successfully recovered at both sites and we describe and evaluate this operation.

Item Type:	Publication - Article
Digital Object Identifier (DOI):	10.3189/2014AoG68A049
Programmes:	BAS Programmes > Polar Science for Planet Earth (2009 - ) > Chemistry and Past Climate
ISSN:	02603055
Additional Keywords:	ice coring
Date made live:	05 Jan 2015 11:54 +0 (UTC)
URI:	https://nora.nerc.ac.uk/id/eprint/509216

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