Novel in situ chemical sensing technologies for deep sub-ice exploration

Abstract:

A dramatic development in subglacial science in recent decades has been the considerable international effort aimed at improving understanding of the hidden subglacial aquatic environments (SAEs) beneath ice sheets. These include a diverse range of lakes, rivers, shallow and deep sediments. Technology challenges associated with the exploration of these environments are substantial because of their remote nature, extreme conditions and the requirement for sterile/clean access and sampling. While two Antarctic subglacial lakes have now been penetrated (Subglacial Lakes Vostok and Whillans), significant challenges remain for a) the clean access and sampling of deeper SAEs, such as deep sediments in lakes and sedimentary basins, and also b) for in situ monitoring of physical, chemical and biological conditions in SAEs. The scientific arguments for deep drilling into subglacial environments are compelling. Data providing clues to glaciation history and past climate are likely to be locked up in these deeper sedimentary strata. They are also likely oases for microbial life, which is actively involved in biogeochemical cycling processes, such as methane hydrate formation within deep sedimentary basins. This talk aims to give an overview of the current challenges and technology solutions for the exploration of SAEs, with a particular focus on in situ sensing technologies. It also presents recent results from the NERC funded programme, DELVE (DEveLopment and Validation of in situ chemical sensors for icy Ecosystems).