AUTHOR=Carlson Daniel F. , Pasma Jonathan , Jacobsen Mathias Edslev , Hansen Mads Holm , Thomsen Steffen , Lillethorup Jeppe Pinholt , Tirsgaard Frederik Sebastian , Flytkjær Adam , Melvad Claus , Laufer Katja , Lund-Hansen Lars Chresten , Meire Lorenz , Rysgaard Søren TITLE=Retrieval of Ice Samples Using the Ice Drone JOURNAL=Frontiers in Earth Science VOLUME=7 YEAR=2019 URL=https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/earth-science/articles/10.3389/feart.2019.00287 DOI=10.3389/feart.2019.00287 ISSN=2296-6463 ABSTRACT=

The ecological impacts of meltwater produced by icebergs and sea ice in the waters around Greenland are poorly understood, due in part to limited observations. Current field sampling methods are resource and labor-intensive, and not without significant risk. We developed a small, unoccupied, and robotic platform to retrieve ice samples, while simultaneously eliminating safety risks to scientists and their support infrastructure. The IceDrone consists of a modified commercial hexcopter that retrieves ice samples. We describe the design requirements, construction, and testing of the IceDrone. IceDrone's capabilities were validated in the laboratory and during a field test in January 2019 near Nuuk (southwest Greenland). IceDrone retrieved samples in hard and dry glacial ice in harsh winter conditions. The field test led to modifications in the drilling head design and drilling process that enable it to retrieve samples in thin sea ice. All design files and software are provided in an attempt to rapidly enhance our collective understanding of ice-ocean interactions while improving the safety and productivity of field sampling campaigns.