FELICS, a new ice core drilling system for high-altitude glaciers

A new solar powered portable system for ice core drilling was developed especially for work on very high altitude glaciers requiring an extremely light and easy to use system. FELICS (Fast Electromechanical Lightweight Ice Coring System), with a net weight of 228 kg for the complete drilling system including power supply, represents a new design. The main features are the absence of an outer barrel and a tilting table, and the use of a one-piece cutting ring, which simplify utilization of the device and make it very efficient. In addition, FELICS is designed to be installed inside a protective tent, effectively allowing a 24 hour working day. The new drilling system has been successfully employed in a the European Alps and in the Andes (on Cerro Tapado, Chile at 5536 m a.s.l., on Illimani, Bolivia at 6300 m a.s.l. and on Chimborazo, Ecuador at 6250 m a.s.l.) with a drilling performance of 136 m in only 6 working days. In addition, a small version of FELICS for maximum depths of 18 m was developed for exploratory studies.