Antarctic bit stuck

Press, 17 December 1976, Page 3

Antarctic bit stuck

Because ice has closed 1 round the bit the Ross Ice Shelf drilling project has had; to be abandoned this summer. The scientists working on it ( had been assigned to other I research, said the project leader (Dr J. Clough) in l Christchurch yesterday. ( Drilling had reached 330( metres, only 90 metres short of holing through the ice I shelf, when the drill became stuck. Dr Clough said the drilling had stopped for a crew change, and when attempts were made to resume it was found that the ice in the

hole had closed over the hit. An open hole through ice tendeu to close itself unless [anti-freeze fluid was poured (into it; but the ice in this I case had closed fat more ! quickly than expected. ; Dr Clough said the drilling ! would probably start from (scratch next summer. Fluid ! could have been poured down the existing hole, but he was not prepared to drill in it. There had been a number of technical problems associated with the drilling, which began in late October, and some of the equipment had

been sent back to the United States.

Next eason some “drastic or desperate” action would have to be taken to free the bit — perhaps by blasting. Dr Clough said this would m create any environmental hazard. “We expected to have some difficulties this season, but to have to abandon the project is very disappointing.” he said. The drilling camp, built to house 35 persons and the equipment, will be left until next: ummer, and four or five scientists are expected to return to the United States. The others will take part in related research in the Antarctic.

The purpose of the drilling was to permit scientists to sample the waters and sediments below the Ross Ice Shelf, and to study any marine life there.