Paleo Slide Set: Polar Ice Cores
GISP2 science trench

This is the GISP2 science trench. The air temperature in the core processing line ranges 
from -35 degrees C in the early part of the field season to nearly -20 degrees C near the end. 
Working in these extreme temperatures requires heavy clothing: snowsuits, insulated boots, mittens 
(gloves if tasks requiring dexterity are being performed), and headgear. These scientists are 
also wearing special clean suits over their cold weather gear to prevent the core samples from 
becoming contaminated and ruining physical and chemical analyses done on the core. Some core 
analysis is done on-site in the core-processing line. The results of these tests help guide 
the course of subsequent sampling and analysis. Up to 50 m of core a day were processed through 
the CPL by an average staff of 12-15. 

Photo Credits:
Mark Twickler 
GISP2 SMO, University of New Hampshire.