Glaciers, ice sheets, and subglacial environments contain records of the past and present which provide clues to understanding the future. They also contain information relating to the physics of ice sheets and the processes that control their stability. Furthermore, the subglacial realm preserves unique biological, geochemical, and geological environments. Extracting this information involves drilling and coring of the polar ice sheets, a specialized and challenging engineering endeavor that requires extensive planning, specialized technology, and logistics.
Vision
To enable scientific discoveries using evidence from within and beneath glaciers and ice sheets.
Mission
The U.S. National Science Foundation Ice Drilling Program’s mission is to conduct integrated planning for the ice drilling science and technology communities, and to provide drilling technology and operational support that will enable the community to advance the frontiers of science.