The U.S. Ice Drilling Program comprises scientists seeking to better understand evidence of the past archived in polar ice sheets and high-latitude glaciers, along with drillers who enable the science.
Why Ice Drilling?
Polar ice sheets and high-altitude glaciers are unique natural archives containing high-resolution climate data including samples of abrupt change, ancient air, and ancient life.
Discoveries about changes in climate and the environment, using evidence from glaciers and ice sheets, inform environmental policy.
The National Science Foundation has recently formed the Ice Drilling Program Office (IDPO) to coordinate long-term and short-term planning in collaboration with the greater US ice science community, and to oversee the Ice Drilling Design and Operations group (IDDO), to ensure that the drilling technology will be there when the science needs it.
Attention Scientists
If you are preparing a NSF proposal that includes any kind of support from the IDPO/IDDO as part of your proposed project, you must contact IDPO ( IceDrill@Dartmouth.edu ) at least six weeks before you submit your proposal to obtain a cost estimate and then include the cost estimate in your NSF proposal. You should also notify your relevant NSF Program Manager that your proposal requires support from the IDPO/IDDO.
Long Range Science and Drilling Technology Plans
Long Range Science Plan
This plan will be revisited and revised as appropriate each spring. Download Long Range Science Plan (PDF format; download will occur in a separate window) | Long Range Drilling Technology Plan
This plan will be revisited and revised as appropriate each spring. Download Long Range Drilling Technology Plan (PDF format; download will occur in a separate window) |
The Long Range Science Plan was established by the IDPO and its Science Advisory Board, in consultation with the broader research community, to articulate the direction of U.S. ice coring and drilling science, and to identify drills and drilling technology required to enable the science. 
The Long Range Drilling Technology Plan provides an overview of the multifaceted system of drills and technology needed to advance the science laid out in the Long Range Science Plan.Current and Upcoming Expeditions
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This material is based upon work supported by the National Science Foundation under Grant No. ANT-0841166, ANT-0841225, ANT-0841308, and ANT-0841135. Any opinions, findings, and conclusions or recommendations expressed in this material are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the National Science Foundation.