Instruments and Methods: A Steam-Operated Ice Drill for the Installation of Ablation Stakes on Glaciers

• Published in: Journal of Glaciology
• Main Author: Howorka, F.
• Format: Article in Journal/Newspaper
• Language: English
• Published: Cambridge University Press (CUP) 1965
• Subjects: Earth-Surface Processes; Journal of Glaciology
• Online Access: http://dx.doi.org/10.1017/s002214300001875x; https://www.cambridge.org/core/services/aop-cambridge-core/content/view/S002214300001875X

Abstract An easily portably thermal ice drill was designed and constructed, with water vapour being used for melting the ice. A lore hole, 8 m. deep, can be drilled within about 30 min., depending on the ice properties. The energy for boiling the water is supplied by butane cartridges similar to those used for camping purposes. One cartridge lasts for drilling about three holes 8 m. deep. The weight of the whole equipment is 12.5 kg.