'Projecting Ice Memory,' a project by French and Italian researchers from the Fondation Universite Grenoble Alpes, has a modest but important goal. Recognizing that climate change is bound to irreparably melt many of the ice cores of Alpine glaciers, Projecting Ice Memory aims not to preserve entire glaciers, but to save small portion of ice cores for study in the future.
The first part of the project is tackling Col du Dome, a glacier near Mont Blanc. Having taken a section of Col du Dome's ice core, the researchers are taking that sample to Antarctica. In Antarctica, year-round temperatures are far lower than in the Alps. By burying the ice core underneath 33 feet of Antarctic snow, the researchers will create a makeshift ice vault that should preserve the ice core for posterity.
Glacial Preservation Vaults
'Projecting Ice Memory' Attempts to Preserve Chunks of Glacial Ice
Trend Themes
1. Climate Change Resilience - Preserving small portions of ice cores from melting glaciers to study in the future presents an opportunity for developing strategies to adapt to and mitigate the impacts of climate change.
2. Environmental Conservation - Creating glacial preservation vaults can contribute to the conservation efforts by preserving valuable scientific data and artifacts for future generations.
3. Long-term Research - The establishment of ice vaults allows for the continuity of long-term scientific research on glaciers, providing valuable insights into past and present climatic conditions.
Industry Implications
1. Scientific Research - The preservation of ice cores in glacial vaults offers opportunities for researchers to advance their understanding of climate change, geology, and other related fields.
2. Environmental Engineering - Developing innovative methods and technologies for creating effective glacial preservation vaults can drive advancements in environmental engineering, ensuring the long-term preservation of ice cores.
3. Tourism and Education - Glacial preservation vaults can be potential sites for eco-tourism and educational activities, creating opportunities for sustainable businesses and experiential learning.