Session: 07-01-01 Arctic Environments and Frontier Regions

Submission Number: 182331

Investigating Ice Drilling Performance in the Firn Layer at the South Pole 

This research aims to assess the effectiveness of ice drilling operations within the firn layer at the South Pole for the IceCube Upgrade Project to install neutrino detectors below the Antarctic ice. Field experiments conducted during the 2024–2025 austral summer season underscored the critical importance of maintaining an optimal balance between the drill head load and the corresponding drilling depth, as this relationship directly affects borehole deviation, penetration stability, and the overall success of the drilling operation. The experiments demonstrated that precise control of both the standing load and the vertical drilling speed can substantially reduce borehole misalignment, minimize the risk of drill head entrapment, and enhance the consistency of penetration within the firn layer. Observations indicated that excessive loading during penetration often resulted in a lateral tilt of the drill string, increasing mechanical resistance against the ice and complicating the retraction process. To address these challenges, the research recommends a systematic approach to optimize drilling parameters, emphasizing the importance of real-time monitoring of load distribution and penetration response. These findings provide essential operational guidance for improving the safety, precision, and productivity of ice drilling under extreme polar conditions, thereby advancing the successful deployment of neutrino detection systems and contributing to future developments in Antarctic scientific infrastructure.

Presenting Author: Chana Sinsabvarodom Chiang Mai University

Presenting Author Biography: Asst. Prof. Dr. Chana Sinsabvarodom is a faculty member in the Department of Civil Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Chiang Mai University, Thailand. His research focuses on Polar Engineering, Hydrodynamics, and the Probabilistic Modeling of Ice and Ocean Processes.

Authors:

Chana Sinsabvarodom Chiang Mai University
Albrecht Karle University of Wisconsin Madison
Terry Benson University of Wisconsin Madison
Kurt Studt University of Wisconsin Madison
Thirasak Panyaphirawat Chiang Mai University
Siramas Komonjinda Chiang Mai
Waraporn Nuntiyakul Chiang Mai University
Achara Seripienlert Chiang Mai University