Objectives and Purpose

The purpose of the core processing line is to provide sufficient quality and quantity of ice samples to satisfy scientific objectives of GISP2. In achieving this end, there are 5 primary objectives which guide activities in the CPL:

1. Maintain the highest quality of core possible throughout the entire CPL.
2. Maintain the core at temperatures below -15¡ C at all times.
3. Process the core accurately and according to plan.
4. Accurately record information about the core in databases.
5. Preserve as much core as possible for future scientific investigations.

Maintaining Core Quality

Maintaining the quality of the core as it progresses through the line is a primary concern of everyone working in the CPL. The core will cost at least $6000 per meter to produce, and lost sections are irreplaceable. Core quality should be foremost in t he mind of everyone working in the CPL in every step of the processing. Problem areas in the line or suggestions for improving the quality of the core should be brought to the immediate attention of the Chief Scientist. A core damaging, or core loss, situation should not be allowed to persist.

Careful handling of the core at every stage of the processing line is essential to achieving this goal.

Maintaining Core Temperatures

Gas (CO, CH, etc.) concentration measurements are a central analysis of GISP2. At temperatures much above -15\'a1 C micro cracks form in the ice allowing gas exchange which can compromise the gas analyses. The cores\rquote temperature can rise very quickly in a warm environment; it is therefore critical that the cores never stay in an environment with temperatures above -15\'a1C for more than a few minutes.

Times when the core may be in an environment above this temperature are:

1. The drill dome - due to ventilation of the dome, the temp in the dome will be the same as outside.
2. The science trench - because of the heat produced in the science trench by motors and people, it is possible that the trench temperatures may rise above -15\'a1C.
3. In transport - Whenever the core is out of the storage trench and there is the possibility of ambient temperatures above -15\'a1 C.

Core will be cooled as much as possible before entering the CPL, and its time in the CPL should be minimized when temperatures are too high. Core should likewise be moved out of the drill dome and down to the freezer as quickly as possible consistent with the tasks to be carried out in the drill dome.

Sampling Accuracy

Unlike the majority of cores, which are drilled for a single research group, there are many research groups with interests in the GISP2 core, both pre sent and future. The plan for sampling has been worked out carefully to accommodate these interests in the fairest and most scientifically productive manner. Accordingly, it is extremely important that sampling be done according to plan. Changes can, an d should, be made in the field in response to the condition of the core, and scientifically interesting sections: however, all changes must be discussed first with the Chief Scientist on site at the time. This provides a mechanism for representing interests of those who are not present.

Core Records

Maintaining accurate records allows effective coordination of sampling, provides knowledge of the core without physical examination, and provides accountability for the samples which have been taken. Many aspects of the CPL have been designed specifically to make accurate record keeping as effortless as possible. It is essential that each person takes the time to be accurate and complete in their record keeping.

Preserving Core.

Because the GISP2 core is so valuable and because future uses can not be anticipated, as much core as possible should be preserved. Even pieces which have indefinite locations should be bagged and labeled as specifically as possible. Whenever possible, materials left over from analyses should be preserved.