In Antarctica’s Allan Hills Blue Ice Area, researcher Austin Carter of COLDEX lowered a camera into a 93-meter-deep borehole, revealing a stunning view beneath the ice. The footage showed smooth, glistening ice walls, offering a rare visual journey through ancient layers formed over millions of years.
The borehole, originally drilled for ice core sampling, exposed ice containing air bubbles from as far back as 2.7 million years—valuable climate records used to study Earth’s atmospheric history and predict future changes.
While ice core analysis has long supported climate research, actually seeing inside a borehole added a new dimension. The visuals highlighted flowing ice layers, fractures, and trapped bubbles, showcasing the ice’s dynamic nature.
This simple experiment offered both scientific value and visual wonder. It may inspire future research using cameras to explore deeper boreholes and refine drilling efforts. Ultimately, the project deepens our understanding of Antarctica’s vital role in Earth’s climate system.
