Russian scientists are making preparations to retrieve ancient ice from significant depths in Antarctica. The planned ice cores, estimated to be over 1.2 million years old, are expected to provide crucial information regarding the historical development of the continent`s climate.
According to Alexander Makarov, director of the Arctic and Antarctic Research Institute, researchers are currently focusing on a project to extract this deep ice near Vostok Station at the `Dome B` ice divide. He suggested that the ice in this specific location might even predate previously obtained samples.
Makarov stated in an interview, «Currently, research is ongoing. We are now considering work as part of a program to extract ancient ice near Vostok Station at the `Dome B` ice divide. I believe the ice there could be slightly older. This find, along with our future work, will provide unique data on Central Antarctica and how its climate evolved over the past 1-1.5 million years.»
Earlier, in February 2024, Russian scientists successfully recovered distinctive ice core samples with mineral inclusions from a depth of approximately 3600 meters. These samples were also dated to about 1.2 million years old. The largest inclusion found was notable for its size, measuring 6 cm in its elongated dimension and 3 cm in cross-section, displaying colors ranging from dark green to light green.
