Continuous study of an ice core: ECM, Fine stratigraphy air bubbles and crystals

The continuous multi-parameter analysis of an ice core reduces time required for field and laboratory investigations. A method for producing a continuous thin section (TS) along an ice core is described. Semiconductor laser sensors (LS) and multiple electrodes were used for continuous measurements of electrical and optical parameters of the TS along the ice core. An ice core volume of 3-5% is thrown out during ice core preparation for Electrical Conductivity Measurements (ECM), stratigraphy, air bubbles concentration, average bubble diameter, and linear dimensions of ice crystals. A modified commercial LS has a spatial resolution about 0.1mm. Opaque objects, about 1 µm diameter, can be detected inside a TS. The concentration and average diameter of air bubbles can be measured. The fine stratigraphy of an ice core caused by air bubbles or solid particles can be studied inside a TS by LS. Using polarization effects, linear dimensions of ice crystals can be measured.