China has just achieved a feat by drilling 3,413 meters of ice in Antarctica, revealing a subglacial lake.
In early February, a Chinese expeditionary team pierced a 3,413-meter ice column in Antarctica. This is a new world record for hot water drilling in ice, surpassing the previous record of 2,540 meters by nearly 900 meters, reports the China Daily. This ambitious project opens an unprecedented path to study subglacial lakes that have remained sealed for millions of years.
How they pierced the ice
The 42nd Chinese Antarctic Expedition faced the extreme conditions of East Antarctica to reach the Qilin subglacial lake, located in the land of Princess Elizabeth. This lake, a true scientific treasure discovered in 2022, is about 120 kilometers from Taishan Station. Thanks to an innovative method of drilling with hot water, the team made a precise and stable hole, without the contamination generally associated with mechanical drills.
The process consists of heating the water on the surface, then pumping it through a long pipe to melt the ice in depth. This technique works well in layers of ice over 3,000 meters and is presented as more environmentally friendly by the Chinese Ministry of Natural Resources, which speaks of a « green exploration » approach.
What it changes for science and the environment
The main purpose of the project is scientific. Subglacial lakes like Qilin offer a window to the Earth as it was millions of years ago. Cut off from light and air, these bodies of water can be home to unique ecosystems and offer valuable data on natural resources. By surveying Qilin, the researchers want to collect data on climate change and study analogs of life forms that could exist on icy moons like Europe and Enceladus.
The « clean » drilling method was chosen to reduce the harmful effects on this fragile environment. By limiting the disturbance of ice and the risk of contamination by microbes, fuel or other fluids, the technique preserves the integrity of water and sediment samples, which are essential for further research.
And then? international objectives and issues
With the installation of a new climate observation station on the Zhongshan-Taishan plateau, China strengthens its place in polar research. The expedition claims that more than 90% of the Antarctic ice cap is now accessible for future investigation. The next immediate goal: send sampling instruments through the verified well to get direct measurements on Lake Qilin and prepare long-term studies.
source : l’energeek
