Ice and SnowIce and SnowЛед и снег2076-67342412-3765The Russian Academy of Sciences68841410.31857/S2076673425020124FOALPVApplied studiesПрикладные исследованияResearch ArticleAnalysis of ice cuttings collected during drilling of the snow-firn layer at Vostok stationАнализ ледяного шлама, полученного при бурении снежно-фирновой толщи на станции ВостокVasilevD. A.ВасильевД. А.
Russian Federation
Vasilev_da@pers.spmi.ruRakitinI. V.РакитинИ. В.
Russian Federation
Vasilev_da@pers.spmi.ruIgnatevS. A.ИгнатьевС. А.
Russian Federation
Vasilev_da@pers.spmi.ruBolshunovA. V.БольшуновА. В.
Russian Federation
Vasilev_da@pers.spmi.ruOzhiginA. Yu.ОжигинА. Ю.
Russian Federation
Vasilev_da@pers.spmi.ruSaint Petersburg Mining UniversityСанкт-Петербургский горный университет040920256523573722807202528072025Copyright ©; 2025, Vasilev D.A., Rakitin I.V., Ignatev S.A., Bolshunov A.V., Ozhigin A.Y.Copyright ©; 2025, Васильев Д.А., Ракитин И.В., Игнатьев С.А., Большунов А.В., Ожигин А.Ю.2025Vasilev D.A., Rakitin I.V., Ignatev S.A., Bolshunov A.V., Ozhigin A.Y.Васильев Д.А., Ракитин И.В., Игнатьев С.А., Большунов А.В., Ожигин А.Ю.http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0https://journals.eco-vector.com/2076-6734/article/view/688414

The size and shape of the ice cuttings influence the choice of drilling regimes, as well as the design of drilling heads, augers, chip chambers, and internal drilling channels. To collect ice chips, two boreholes, VK-22 (30 m) and VK-23 (40 m), were drilled at Vostok station. Sieving was used to analyze the particle size distribution of the ice cuttings at full depth in both boreholes. The shape of the ice particles was examined microscopically at drilling depths of 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, and 35 m of VK-23. The density of the snow-firn layer and the bulk density of ice cuttings were measured. The ice cuttings became finer-grained as the borehole depth increased. The prevailing fraction changes from 1.6–3 mm to 0.4–0.63 mm, the average particle diameter reduces from 1.55 mm to 0.06 mm, and the D10, D50, and D90 values decrease more than twice. The shape analysis revealed that the ice chips are dominated by equant and elongated particles, with medium shape projections described by parameters FF = 0.74 and ER = 0.67. A visual comparison of microscopic images shows that the thickness of the ice cuttings decreases as the depth of the well increases.

Установлены и описаны зависимости изменения размера и формы ледяного шлама снежно-фирновой толщи района станции Восток с учётом плотности массива и механической скорости бурения. Предложена классификация формы частиц ледяного шлама и её аппроксимация к эллипсоиду. Рассмотрена практическая значимость полученных данных при разработке техники и технологий бурения верхних горизонтов ледников.

Antarcticice drillingsnow-firn layerice cuttingssize distributionshape characteristicsАнтарктидабурение во льдуснежно-фирновый слойледяной шламгранулометрический анализхарактеристики формыThe research was performed at the expense of the subsidy for the state assignment in the field of scientific activity for 2024 № FSRW-2024-0003.Исследование выполнено с помощью субсидии на выполнение государственного задания в сфере научной деятельности на 2024 г. № FSRW-2024-0003.Bolshunov A.V., Vasilev D.A., Dmitriev A.N., Ignatev S.A., Kadochnikov V.G., Krikun N.S., Serbin D.V., Shadrin V.S. Results of complex experimental studies at Vostok station in Antarctica. Zapiski Gornogo instituta. Journ. of Mining Institute. 2023, 263: 724–741. EDN: WQNJET [In Russian].Большунов А.В., Васильев Д.А., Дмитриев А.Н., Игнатьев С.А., Кадочников В.Г., Крикун Н.С., Сербин Д.В., Шадрин В.С. Результаты комплексных экспериментальных исследований на станции Восток в Антарктиде // Записки Горного института. 2023. Т. 263. С. 724–741. EDN WQNJETEkaykin A.A., Tchikhatchev K.B., Veres A.N., Lipenkov V.Y., Tebenkova N.A., Turkeev A.V. Vertical profile of snow-firn density in the vicinity of Vostok station, Central Antarctica. Led i Sneg. Ice and Snow. 2022, 62 (4): 504–511. https://doi.org/10.31857/S2076673422040147 [In Russian].Екайкин А.А., Чихачев К.Б., Верес А.Н., Липенков В.Я., Тебенькова Н.А., Туркеев А.В. Профиль плотности снежно-фирновой толщи в районе станции Восток, Центральная Антарктида // Лёд и Снег. 2022. Т. 62. № 4. С. 504–511. https://doi.org/10.31857/S2076673422040147Ignatiev S.A., Vasilev D.A., Bolshunov A.V., Vasileva M.A., Ozhigin A.Y. Experimental research of ice cuttings transport by air while drilling of the snow-firn layer. Led i Sneg. Ice and Snow. 2023, 63 (1): 141–152. https://doi.org/10.31857/S2076673423010076 [In Russian].Игнатьев С.А., Васильев Д.А., Большунов А.В., Васильева М.А., Ожигин А.Ю. Экспериментальные исследования переноса ледяного шлама воздухом при бурении снежно-фирновой толщи // Лёд и Снег. 2023. Т. 63. № 1. С. 141–152. https://doi.org/10.31857/S2076673423010076Kapustin A.V. Some peculiarities of production of meteorological measurements at antarctic station East. Сolloquium-journal. 2019, 9 (33): 17–25. https://doi.org/10.24411/2520-6990-2019-10216 [In Russian].Капустин А.В. Некоторые особенности производства метеорологических измерений на антарктической станции Восток // Colloquium-journal. 2019. № 9 (33). С. 17–25. https://doi.org/10.24411/2520-6990-2019-10216Lipenkov V.Ya., Polyakova E.V., Duval P., Preobrazhenskaya A.V. Structural features of the Antarctic ice sheet in the area of Vostok station based on the results of petrostructural studies of the ice core. Arctic and Antarctic Research. 2007, 2 (76) 68–77 [In Russian].Липенков В.Я., Полякова Е.В., Дюваль П., Преображенская А.В. Особенности строения антарктического ледникового покрова в районе станции Восток по результатам петроструктурных исследований ледяного керна // Проблемы Арктики и Антарктики. 2007. № 2 (76). С. 68–77.Serbin D.V., Dmitriev A.N. Experimental research on the thermal method of drilling by melting the well in ice mass with simultaneous controlled expansion of its diameter. Zapiski Gornogo instituta. Journ. of Mining Institute. 2022, 257: 833–842. https://doi.org/10.31897/PMI.2022.82 [In Russian]Сербин Д.В., Дмитриев А.Н. Экспериментальные исследования теплового способа бурения плавлением скважины в ледовом массиве с одновременным контролируемым расширением ее диаметра // Записки Горного института. 2022. Т. 257. С. 833–842. https://doi.org/10.31897/PMI.2022.82Veres A.N., Ekaykin A.A., Lipenkov V.Ya., Turkeev A.V., Khodzer T.V. First data on the climate variability in the vicinity of Vostok Station (central Antarctica) over the past 2000 years based on the study of a snow-firn core. Problemy Arktiki i Antarktiki. Arctic and Antarctic Research. 2020, 66 (4): 482–500. https://doi.org/10.30758/0555-2648-2020-66-4-482-500 [In Russian].Верес А.Н., Екайкин А.А., Липенков В.Я., Туркеев А.В., Ходжер Т.В. Первые данные о климатической изменчивости в районе ст. Восток (Центральная Антарктида) за последние 2000 лет по результатам изучения снежно-фирнового керна // Проблемы Арктики и Антарктики. 2020. 66 (4). C. 482–500. https://doi.org/10.30758/0555-2648-2020-66-4-482-500Blott S.J., Pye K. Particle shape: a review and new methods of characterization and classification. Sedimentology. 2007, 55 (1): 31–63. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-3091.2007.00892.xBlott S.J., Pye K. Particle shape: a review and new methods of characterization and classification // Sedimentology. 2007. 55 (1). P. 31–63. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-3091.2007.00892.xClarke G.K.C. A short history of scientific investigations on glaciers. Journ. of Glaciology. 1987, (33) S1, 4–24. https://doi.org/10.3189/S0022143000215785Clarke G.K.C. A short history of scientific investigations on glaciers // Journ. of Glaciology. 1987. № 33 (S1). P. 4–24. https://doi.org/10.3189/S0022143000215785Dengaev A.V. Mechanical Impurities Carry-Over from Horizontal Heavy Oil Production Well. Processes. 2023, 11: 2932. https://doi.org/11.2932.10.3390/pr11102932Dengaev A.V. Mechanical Impurities Carry-Over from Horizontal Heavy Oil Production Well // Processes. 2023. № 11. P. 2932. https://doi.org/11.2932.10.3390/pr11102932Ekaykin A.A., Lipenkov V.Ya., Tebenkova N. Fifty years of instrumental surface mass balance observations at Vostok Station, Central Antarctica. Journ. of Glaciology. 2023: 1–13. https://doi.org/10.1017/jog.2023.53Ekaykin A.A., Lipenkov V.Ya., Tebenkova N. Fifty years of instrumental surface mass balance observations at Vostok Station, Central Antarctica // Journ. of Glaciology. 2023. P. 1–13. https://doi.org/10.1017/jog.2023.53Gibson C. RAM-2 Drill system development: an upgrade of the Rapid Air Movement Drill. Annals of Glaciology. 2020, 62 (84): 1–10. https://doi.org/10.1017/aog.2020.72Gibson C. RAM-2 Drill system development: an upgrade of the Rapid Air Movement Drill // Annals of Glaciology. 2020. V. 62 (84). P. 1–10. https://doi.org/10.1017/aog.2020.72Goodge J.W., Severinghaus J.P., Johnson J., Tosi D., Bay R. Deep ice drilling, bedrock coring and dust logging with the Rapid Access Ice Drill (RAID) at Minna Bluff, Antarctica. Annals of Glaciology. 2021, 62: 1–16. https://doi.org/10.1017/aog.2021.13Goodge J.W., Severinghaus J.P., Johnson J., Tosi D., Bay R. Deep ice drilling, bedrock coring and dust logging with the Rapid Access Ice Drill (RAID) at Minna Bluff, Antarctica // Annals of Glaciology. 2021. V. 62. P. 1–16. https://doi.org/10.1017/aog.2021.13Hu Zh., Talalay P.G., Zheng Zh., Cao P., Shi G., Li Y., Fan X., Ma H. Air reverse circulation at the hole bottom in ice-core drilling. Journ. of Glaciology. 2019, 65: 149–156. https://doi.org/10.1017/jog.2018.95Hu Zh., Talalay P.G., Zheng Zh., Cao P., Shi G., Li Y., Fan X., Ma H. Air reverse circulation at the hole bottom in ice-core drilling // Journ. of Glaciology. 2019. V. 65. P. 149–156. https://doi.org/10.1017/jog.2018.95Hong J., Fan X., Liu Y., Liu G., Liu B., Talalay P. Size distribution and shape characteristics of ice cuttings produced by an electromechanical auger drill. Cold Regions Science and Technology. 2015, 119: 204–210. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.coldregions.2015.08.012Hong J., Fan X., Liu Y., Liu G., Liu B., Talalay P. Size distribution and shape characteristics of ice cuttings produced by an electromechanical auger drill // Cold Regions Science and Technology. 2015. V. 119. P. 204–210. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.coldregions.2015.08.012Hong J., Talalay P., Sysoev M., Fan X. DEM modeling of ice cuttings transportation by electromechanical auger core drills. Annals of Glaciology. 2014, 55 (68): 65–71. https://doi.org/10.3189/2014AoG68A002Hong J., Talalay P., Sysoev M., Fan X. DEM modeling of ice cuttings transportation by electromechanical auger core drills // Annals of Glaciology. 2014. V. 55 (68). P. 65–71. https://doi.org/10.3189/2014AoG68A002Hou Zh., Liu Y., Meng Q., Xu H., Liang N., Yang G. Investigation of the dynamic ascent characteristics of ice core during polar core drilling. Cold Regions Science and Technology. 2024, 222: 104184. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.coldregions.2024.104184Hou Zh., Liu Y., Meng Q., Xu H., Liang N., Yang G. Investigation of the dynamic ascent characteristics of ice core during polar core drilling // Cold Regions Science and Technology. 2024. 222. 104184. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.coldregions.2024.104184International Organization for Standardization. ISO 13322–1:2014 Particle size analysis – Image analysis methods – Part 1: Static image analysis methods, 2nd ed. Geneva: International Organization for Standardization, 2014.International Organization for Standardization. ISO 9276–1:1998 Repre- sentation of results of particle size analysis – Part 1: Graphical representation, 2nd ed. Geneva: International Organization for Standardization, 1998.International Organization for Standardization. ISO 9276–1:1998 Representation of results of particle size analysis – Part 1: Graphical representation, 2nd ed. Geneva: International Organization for Standardization, 1998.Kern J., Montagna G., Borges M. Techniques for determining size and shape of drill cuttings. Brazilian Journal of Petroleum and Gas. 2022, 16 (2): 65–77. https://doi.org/10.5419/bjpg2022-0006Kern J., Montagna G., Borges M. Techniques for determining size and shape of drill cuttings // Brazilian Journal of Petroleum and Gas. 2022. V. 16 (2). P. 6577. https://doi.org/10.5419/bjpg2022-0006Kyzym I., Reyes R., Rana P., Molgaard J., Butt S. Cuttings Analysis for Rotary Drilling Penetration Mechanisms and Performance Evaluation. Conference: ARMA 2015. 49th US Rock Mechanics. 2015.Kyzym I., Reyes R., Rana P., Molgaard J., Butt S. Cuttings Analysis for Rotary Drilling Penetration Mechanisms and Performance Evaluation // Conference: ARMA 2015. 49th US Rock Mechanics. 2015.Litvinenko V.S. Foreword: Sixty-year Russian history of Antarctic sub-glacial lake exploration and Arctic natural resource development. Geochemistry. 2020, 80 (3). https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chemer.2020.125652Litvinenko V.S. Foreword: Sixty-year Russian history of Antarctic sub-glacial lake exploration and Arctic natural resource development // Geochemistry. 2020. 80 (3). https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chemer.2020.125652Litvinenko V.S., Leitchenkov G.L., Vasiliev N.I. Anticipated sub-bottom geology of Lake Vostok and technological approaches considered for sampling. Geochemistry. 2020: 80. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chemer.2019.125556Litvinenko V.S., Leitchenkov G.L., Vasiliev N.I. Anticipated sub-bottom geology of Lake Vostok and technological approaches considered for sampling // Geochemistry. 2020. 80. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chemer.2019.125556Merkus H.G. Particle Size Measurements Fundamentals, Practice, Quality. Springer, 2009.Mikhalenko V., Kutuzov S., Toropov P., Legrand M., Sokratov S., Chernyakov G., Lavrentiev I., Preunkert S, Kozachek A., Vorobiev M., Khairedinova A., Lipenkov V. Accumulation rates over the past 260 years archived in Elbrus ice core, Caucasus. Climate of the Past. 2024, 20: 237–255. https://doi.org/10.5194/cp-20-237-2024Mikhalenko V., Kutuzov S., Toropov P., Legrand M., Sokratov S., Chernyakov G., Lavrentiev I., Preunkert S., Kozachek A., Vorobiev M., Khairedinova A., Lipenkov V. Accumulation rates over the past 260 years archived in Elbrus ice core, Caucasus // Climate of the Past. 2024. V. 20. P. 237–255. https://doi.org/10.5194/cp-20-237-2024Ren Z., Gao H., Luo W., Elser J. Bacterial communities in surface and basal ice of a glacier terminus in the headwaters of Yangtze River on the Qinghai–Tibet Plateau. Environmental Microbiome. 2022, 17 (12): 1–14. https://doi.org/10.1186/s40793-022-00408-2Ren Z., Gao H., Luo W., Elser J. Bacterial communities in surface and basal ice of a glacier terminus in the headwaters of Yangtze River on the Qinghai–Tibet Plateau // Environmental Microbiome. 2022. № 17 (12). P. 1–14. https://doi.org/10.1186/s40793-022-00408-2Rodriguez J., Edeskär T., Knutsson S. Particle shape quantities and measurement techniques: a review. The electronic journal of geotechnical engineering. 2013, 18: 169–198.Rodriguez J., Edeskär T., Knutsson S. Particle shape quantities and measurement techniques: a review // The electronic journal of geotechnical engineering. 2013. 18. P. 169–198.Talalay P.G. Removal of cuttings in deep ice electromechanical drills. Cold Regions Science and Technology. 2006, 44 (2): 87–98. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.coldregions.2004.08.005Talalay P.G. Removal of cuttings in deep ice electromechanical drills // Cold Regions Science and Technology. 2006. 44 (2). P. 87–98. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.coldregions.2004.08.005Talalay P.G. Mechanical Ice Drilling Technology. Singapore: Springer, 2016Talalay P.G. Mechanical Ice Drilling Technology. Singapore: Springer, 2016.Veres A.N., Ekaykin A.A., Golobokova L.P., Khodzher T.V., Khuriganowa O.I., Turkeev A.V. A record of volcanic eruptions over the past 2,200 years from Vostok firn cores, Central East Antarctica. Front. Earth Sci. 2023, 11: 1075739. https://doi.org/10.3389/feart.2023.1075739Veres A.N., Ekaykin A.A., Golobokova L.P., Khodzher T.V., Khuriganowa O.I., Turkeev A.V. A record of volcanic eruptions over the past 2,200 years from Vostok firn cores, central East Antarctica // Front. Earth Science. 2023. № 11. P. 1075739. https://doi.org/10.3389/feart.2023.1075739Zhang Z., Lan X., Wen G., Qingming L., Yang X. An Experimental Study on the Particle Size and Shape Distribution of Coal Drill Cuttings by Dynamic Image Analysis. Geofluids. 2021: 1–11. https://doi.org/10.1155/2021/5588248Zhang Z., Lan X., Wen G., Qingming L., Yang X. An Experimental Study on the Particle Size and Shape Distribution of Coal Drill Cuttings by Dynamic Image Analysis // Geofluids. 2021. P. 1–11. https://doi.org/10.1155/2021/5588248