Forecast of Thermal Behaviour Dynamics at Interface of Borehole 5 and Subglacial Lake Vostok (Antarctica)

摘要

This research covers deep-hole ice drilling techniques and bore-hole surveying as well as environmentally clean technology of subglacial Lake Vostok penetration in Antarctica. Borehole 5G at the Vostok Russian Antarctic Research Station was made using a drilling technology developed at the St. Petersburg Mining University that helped to penetrate Subglacial Lake Vostok while securing environmental safety of this relict lake. The objective of further research activities is to develop a technology to maintain the borehole-lake interface zone in the working condition during the lake survey execution. The paper reviews results of freezing time calculations for the lake water with 'positive' temperature entering the borehole upon penetration into the subglacial lake. These results were obtained using independent calculation methods. Issues concerned with the borehole thermal behaviour at the borehole-lake interface are also examined.