Blue Ice Core Quality Feasibility Study

In the National Science Foundation Ice Drilling Program’s (IDP) 2024 Long Range Science Plan, IDP was tasked with conducting an engineering feasibility study to evaluate and recommend long-term drilling approaches for retrieving high-quality ice cores down to a depth of 400 meters in Blue Ice Areas (BIAs). As outlined in the 2024 Long Range Drilling Technology Plan, IDP's responsive action is as follows:

“In 2024, through an iterative process with IDP and community scientists, IDP engineers are evaluating a number of known and promising technologies and approaches and will outline the pros and cons of each. A report will be drafted to help inform future development of the appropriate technology.”

This report summarizes the results of this action.