A photo from open sources Photo from ellsworthlive.org.uk Glaciologists abandoned attempts to get to the Antarctic Lake Ellsworth. British researchers had to suspend drilling a well in Antarctica with which they were going to get to the ice-cold lake Ellsworth, the Russian service of the BBC .. Equipment failure and lack of fuel prevented it. Members British Antarctic expedition was about to drill a well to a lake that has been cut off from the outside world for a million years. Project valued at $ 13 million suggested spot drilling of ice using jets of boiling water. It was planned to pump through one well hot water, and through another, 300 m deep, using a pump pump out its surplus to the surface. The expedition camped on the location of the future well on November 22, and the drilling itself began on 13 December. However, almost immediately, the researchers came across serious problems. First, the boiler with which were going to pump water, and had to wait until from Britain will bring spare parts. Last Friday, the boiler was repaired, but researchers faced a new obstacle – they failed connect two wells together. “For reasons that we still to be determined, we were not able to tie the wells at a depth of 300 m, although they tried to do it within 20 hours, “- said in a blog project leader, glaciologist from the University of Bristol Martin Siegert. After most of the fuel turned out to be spent, had to stop all work, since the participants expeditions risked to remain without fuel in the ice desert. “At the team had no choice but to abandon their plans in this season. This, of course, is very unpleasant for us, but we have a lot learned this year, “said Siegert. Head of the expedition assured that scientists will not abandon attempts to get to the lake. “Sixteen years ago, we suggested that those in deep under the ice lakes there may be living conditions and that these bodies of water learn more about climate change. I am sure that we can unravel the secrets of Lake Ellsworth in the future, “concluded Siegert. The timing of the resumption of work is not yet known. “Of course we we’ll try to continue working, but so far we can’t say when it will happen. While we are waiting for a full report on the reasons failure, ”said expedition member Audrey Stevens. – I do not I rule out that someone will get ahead of us and be the first to get to lakes. “Much more than the British, lucky Russian scientists: in February 2012, members of the Russian expedition after 20 years of work were able to drill a well to another Antarctic lake – East. Water samples were taken right after that, but they failed detect traces of life. Now it is planned to take new samples, and in season 2013 – 2014 should start already full blown exploration of the lake using instruments.
Victor POSPELOV
Antarctica Water Life
