Alternative clean approaches to accessing subglacial Lake Vostok

Abstract

A study of the subglacial Lake Vostok requires clean accessing and sampling technologies. The paper presents four potential options — three types of hot-points and a hot-water drilling system — which can be considered as environmental-friendly technologies and could be used in the cold ice of East Antarctica. The description contains only general ideas and a brief estimation of the main parameters of the technologies suggested and does not include any detailed analysis. All the methods proposed have their own advantages and disadvantages. The final decision about a method’s applicability should be made following careful development and engineering work, including theoretical studies, modelling, laboratory testing, taking into account the available funds and logistics opportunities.