Dartmouth grad student embarks on quest for the planet's oldest ice

In Antarctica, Jacob Chalif, a graduate student from Dartmouth College, is undertaking an important mission to collect the planet's oldest ice cores. This exploration is part of a collaboration with the National Science Foundation’s Center for Oldest Ice Exploration, known as COLDEX. The project aims to push the boundaries of ice core records in Antarctica to uncover samples that are older than any previously retrieved. Chalif and his 12-member team are stationed at the Allan Hills camp, notorious for its harsh conditions, including average winds of 40 mph and temperatures that plunge well below zero, especially during the Austral summer. To reach their work site, Chalif and his team travel daily by snowmobile to drill for core samples. The ice cores, which may be millions of years old, provide invaluable insights into past atmospheric conditions through the air bubbles they contain. These bubbles act as a window into Earth's climate history, allowing scientists to analyze changes and make predictions about future weather patterns. Such research is crucial as it enhances our understanding of climate change and its impacts. The team is focused on successfully obtaining several thousand pounds of ice, which will later be sent back to the United States for further analysis at Dartmouth College. This process is not only scientific but also deeply personal for Chalif. He describes the experience as spiritual, emphasizing the importance of understanding the human impact on the environment. Staying warm is crucial in the extreme conditions, and outside of the heated communal tent, everything they handle is frozen. Chalif's expedition represents a significant contribution to the field of climatology. By examining the oldest ice, scientists hope to gain unparalleled access to Earth's atmospheric history. This research serves not just academic purposes but also aims to inform broader discussions about climate and environmental stewardship, making the work of Chalif and his colleagues vital in educating future generations about the significance of their findings.