RICE Core Processing

The RICE ice core was processed at the New Zealand Ice Core Facility in two separate campaigns in 2013 and 2014. During this time, the cores were split and cut according to the RICE cut plan (below). During core processing, we conducted the following analyses:

- Water isotopes
- Black carbon
- Methane
- Conductivity, pH (acidity)
- Dust particles
- Discrete sample collection for major & trace element analyses
- Discrete sample collection for gas analyses (including methane and carbon dioxide)



RICE Ice Core Cut Plan 

RICE ice core cut plan according to the countries responsible for different analyses.

Cold Laboratory 

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Ice cores were split, logged, cut (horizontally & vertically) and measured for conductivity (ECM) in the cold laboratory. Samples for the continuous flow were then sent to the clean laboratory for analysis. 

Clean Laboratory 

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Sample processing in the clean laboratory included continuous flow analysis (CFA), where a continuous stream of melted ice was analyzed by several instruments different instruments. Check out the gallery to see examples of the CFA process. 

Core Processing Campaigns (by year)

2012 Core Processing Campaign
  • Cut ice to 40m
  • 8-40m RICE core
  • 2010/11 RICE Firn Core
  • Analyses: continuous flow of dD, d18O, black carbon, discrete samples for major ion, trace elements, stable isotopes, radioactive isotopes using the NZ melt head and NZ/Australian continuous flow set up

2013 Core Processing Campaign
  • Cut ice to 516m (stopped because of brittle ice)
  • ECM from 50-516m
  • Continuous flow analysis 40-500m RICE core
  • Increased storage temperature from -36C to -18C to relax the ice and rest for one year
  • Analyses: continuous flow of dD, d18O, black carbon, pH, conductivity, Ca, dust grain size and particulates, and methane;  discrete samples for major ion, trace elements, stable isotopes, radioactive isotopes using the Danish melt head and the Danish/Australian/NZ/USA continuous flow set up
 
2014 Core Processing Campaign
  • Cut ice to 761m (remainder of the core embargoed)
  • ECM from 500-761m (repeat measurements)
  • Continuous flow analysis 500-761m RICE Core
  • Continuous flow analysis of 8-40m RICE Core (duplicate measurements)
  • Continuous flow analysis of 2012/13 B Firn Core
  • Analyses: continuous flow of dD, d18O, d17O, black carbon, pH, conductivity, Ca, dust grain size and particulates, methane, and drilling fluid detector;  discrete samples for major ion, trace elements, stable isotopes, radioactive isotopes using the Danish melt head and the Danish/Australian/NZ/USA continuous flow set up