Table 1.

High-level requirements for a deep-ice CHWD.

provide clean access holes, 36 cm in diameter (greater than 20 cm after 24 h), up to 3500 m deep
operate through ice with minimum temperatures of −35°C
operate at sites where gas hydrates (clathrates) may have floated to the lake surface
operate at 2000 m altitude with ambient summer temperatures of −25°C
survive winter storage temperatures of −55°C
support the clean deployment and recovery of various probes and samplers
minimize drilling time and fuel requirements
remain compatible with available logistics and limitations (IL-76, LC130 aircraft, ship cranage, sea ice operations and over snow traverse)
minimize the logistic burden