Scientists from the University of Bern are expecting a one-of-a-kind treasure in August: parts of the oldest ice core ever extracted from Antarctica. It contains data going back at least 1.2 million years.
The previous record was 800,000 years. Hubertus Fischer, who heads the Swiss research, assumes that the data contained in the new core goes back even a little further than expected, he told the media on Wednesday. But only more precise analyzes will show this. In total, the core is 2.8 kilometers long.
Each meter of the ice core contains around 13,000 years of climatic history, according to Professor Fischer. In the laboratory at the University of Bern, scientists will analyze gases such as CO2 and methane contained in the ice to obtain information about the climate at that time.
Precision is essential, said Hubertus Fischer. “We are very meticulous on this point,” added the researcher. Other parts of the ice will be analyzed by other universities in Europe.
Their work could help decipher a great enigma in the climatic history of our planet. Indeed, at this time, around 1.2 million years ago, glacial cycles suddenly slowed down considerably, going from 41,000 to 100,000 years. Scientists will try to understand why.
A long road to Europe
For now, the ice is still in Antarctica. It will soon be loaded into refrigerated containers on an Italian research ship which will take it to Europe. Carrots are cooled to minus 50 degrees.
Once in Europe, the core elements will first be transported by truck to Bremerhaven (D), where initial analyzes will be carried out before they are sawn and distributed to universities.
In Bern, researchers will analyze the ice using a new laser technique developed in collaboration with the Federal Laboratory for Materials Testing and Research (Empa). This technique makes it possible to measure greenhouse gases in ice with the greatest precision, according to Hubertus Fischer. Finally, the ice will be sublimated, that is to say brought to the gaseous state, for the measurements carried out in Bern.
“Celebrated every step”
The ice core was successfully recovered earlier this year. For the scientists, it’s a big relief: “We celebrated every milestone,” commented Barbara Seth, from the University of Bern, who participated in the Antarctic drilling, during a live broadcast from Antarctica .
The scientists worked as a team, allowing them to drill 16 hours a day in freezing cold. The borehole was topped by a tent in which temperatures of minus 25 degrees reigned, she said.
Coordinated by the Institute of Polar Sciences of the Italian National Research Council, the project “Beyond EPICA – Oldest Ice” (BE-OIC), is funded by the European Commission. The drilling was carried out at the isolated Little Dome C site in Antarctica by a team representing twelve research institutes from ten European countries. The project cost around 30 million euros.
This article was automatically published. Source: ats
