cember 1995 and did indeed recover large num-
rate, later collections will be integrated samples
bers of micrometeorites.
from known depths, and thus known ages. More
The SPWW represents a uniquely valuable
specifically, the well deepens approximately 10 m
source of micrometeorites. The age of the ice be-
each year (equivalent to 100 years of deposition)
ing melted is known as a function of depth
and will melt ice that dates from 400 to 1500 A.D.
(Kuivinen et al. 1982), making it possible to date
during its life. By sampling all, or a known per-
the depositional age of the particles recovered.
centage, of the well bottom and repeating the col-
Although the SPWW does not allow horizontal
lection on an annual basis, the flux rate and any
(stratigraphic) control on a fine scale as do tradi-
variation in either rate or composition of micromete-
tional cores, the large numbers of extraterrestrial
orites can be determined on a 100-year time scale.
particles from different time periods should allow
a statistically significant study of the recent varia-
tion of cosmic dust flux at the Earth's surface. The
SOUTH POLE WATER WELL
first year's collection is an integrated sample of
In 1955 Henri Bader suggested building `water
micrometeorites that fell to Earth between 1100
wells' at glacier camps after observing the size and
and 1500 A.D. As melting occurs predominantly
in a downward (older ice) direction at a known
shape of sewage disposal pits (Clark 1965). Schmitt
Table 1. Other wells built in polar regions.
Date
Type
Location
Additional information
Water wella
1959
Camp Century, Greenland
Rodriguez assembles components and first
well is made. Well reached 171.5 ft. Observer
lowered into the well after most of the water
had been pumped out (Schmitt and Rodriguez
1960).
Water wella
1960
Camp Century, Greenland
Original well is restarted, producing a 244-ft
symmetrical, bell-shaped cavity (Schmitt and
Rodriguez 1963).
19601963
Waste heat
Camp Century, Greenland
Made from waste heat from a nuclear reactor
storageb
(Clark 1965).
19601961
Water well
Tuto, Greenland
Russell (1965).
Water wellc
1964
Camp Century, Greenland
Second utility well created.
1972
Water well
South Pole, Antarctica
Operated 3 months (Williams 1974).
197778
Drilling water
Ross Ice Shelf, Antarctica
Water welld
199091
South Pole, Antarctica
Drilled by John Rand and John Govoni. Mined
for micrometeorites in December 1995.
199495
Drilling water
South Pole, Antarctica
Amanda Project, PICO
2
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