Abstract
AbstractThe Winkie Drill is an agile, commercially available rock coring system. The U.S. Ice Drilling Program has modified a Winkie Drill for subglacial rock and ice/rock interface coring, as well as drilling and coring access holes through ice. The original gasoline engine was replaced with an electric motor though the two-speed gear reducer and Unipress hand feed system were maintained. Using standard aluminum AW34 drill rod (for 33.5 mm diameter core), the system has a depth capability of 120 m. The drill uses forward fluid circulation in a closed loop system. The drilling fluid is Isopar K, selected for favorable properties in polar environment. When firn or snow is present at the drill site, casing with an inflatable packer can be deployed to contain the drill fluid. The Winkie Drill will operate from sea level to high altitudes and operation results in minimal environmental impact. The drill can be easily and quickly assembled and disassembled in the field by two people. All components can be transported by Twin Otter or helicopter to the field site.
Highlights
Evidence of past deglaciation can be measured directly through collection of subglacial bedrock samples
Collected subglacial bedrock samples can be analyzed for cosmic ray exposure, constraining deglaciation from past periods of warmer climate
The effects of future deglaciation are substantial for modern coastal infrastructure as sea level change can be impacted by the melting of ice sheets in Antarctica and Greenland (Schaefer and others, 2016)
Summary
Evidence of past deglaciation can be measured directly through collection of subglacial bedrock samples. Collected subglacial bedrock samples can be analyzed for cosmic ray exposure, constraining deglaciation from past periods of warmer climate. Scientific interest, driven by the U.S Ice Drilling Program (IDP) Subglacial Access Working Group, has led IDP to procure a commercially available rock coring rig and to modify and incorporate new technology into the rig to access subglacial bedrock. After the evaluation of several techniques, a rotatory drill rig was chosen for durability and versatility of retrievable samples. The Winkie Drill is among the lightest commercially available exploration rigs on the market that meets all requirements set by the science community. Modifications were made to the rig and specialized equipment was added to the inventory to facilitate drilling through ice
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