Non-contact measurement system for hot water drilled ice boreholes

Title Non-contact measurement system for hot water drilled ice boreholes
Publication Type
Journal Article
Year
2021
Author(s) Carson WI McAfee , Julius Rix, Sean J Quirk, Paul GD Anker, Alex M Brisbourne, Keith Makinson
Journal/ Publication
Annals of Glaciology
Volume
62
Issue
85-86
Pagination
223-232
Abstract

A programmable borehole measurement system was deployed in hot water drilled ice holes during the ‘Bed Access and Monitoring of Ice Sheet History’ (BEAMISH) project to drill to the bed of the Rutford Ice Stream in West Antarctica. This system operates autonomously (no live data) after deployment, and records borehole diameter (non-contact measurement), water column pressure, heading and inclination. Three cameras, two sideways looking and one vertical, are also included for visual inspection of hole integrity and sediments. The system is small, lightweight (~35.5 kg) and low power using only 6 ‘D’ cell sized lithium batteries, making it ideal for transport and use in remote field sites. The system is 2.81 m long and 165 mm in diameter, and can be deployed attached to the drill hose for measurements during drilling or on its own deployment line afterwards. The full system is discussed in detail, highlighting design strengths and weaknesses. Data from the BEAMISH project are also presented in the form of camera images showing hole integrity, and sensor data used to calculate borehole diameter through the full length of the hole. These data are used to show confidence in hole verticality and subsurface cavity development and connection.

DOI
10.1017/aog.2020.85
File
URL
Special Collections International Workshop on Ice Drilling Technology Series, 8th International Ice Drill Symposium
Categories Borehole Logging, Hot Water Drilling
Equipment BAS Hot Water drills
Citation Carson WI McAfee , Julius Rix, Sean J Quirk, Paul GD Anker, Alex M Brisbourne, Keith Makinson ( 2021 ) Non-contact measurement system for hot water drilled ice boreholes. Annals of Glaciology , 62 , 85-86 , 223-232 . doi: 10.1017/aog.2020.85
Lead Author
Carson WI McAfee