Arctic scientists race to preserve ‘ice memory’

Arctic scientists race to preserve ‘ice memory’

Subject : Environment

Section: Msc

Concept :

• Arctic scientists are set to start drilling to save samples of ancient ice for analysis before the frozen layers melt away due to climate change, mission organizers said.
• They will extract ice in a series of tubes from as far as 125 metres (137 yards) below the surface, containing frozen geochemical traces dating back three centuries.

Why preserve ancient ice?

• Analysis of chemicals in deep “ice cores” provides scientists with valuable data about past environmental conditions.
• Studies indicate that the Arctic is warming between two and four times faster than the global average.

How will it be preserved?

• One set of ice tubes will be used for immediate analysis while a second set will be sent to Antarctica for storage in an “ice memory sanctuary” under the snow, where the samples will be preserved for future generations of scientists.