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In Situ Observations
Once lakes are accessed, observations, measurements, and sampling activities will require the deployment of a variety of instruments and equipment. Many of the desired measurements are similar to those collected in the deep ocean. The environmental conditions, especially temperature and pressure, in subglacial environments are similar to those encountered in the deep ocean, so oceanographic technologies are applicable to subglacial environment exploration. The biggest challenge is the dimensional limitations dictated by the size of the access hole. Detection of life with sensors will compliment the analysis of in situ samples. Technologies to detect life have been, and are being, developed by the space science community. Space scientists develop instrumentation and sensors that conform to the volume and weight restrictions dictated by space vehicles. The technological advances of the space science community will inform the development of subglacial lake sensors.
Another challenge is the recovery of samples at in situ temperatures and pressures. Unless sample chambers are pressurized, the material brought to the surface will de-pressurize losing gases, dissociating gas hydrate, altering chemical equilibriums, and disrupting biological particles. The energy industry, the geological drilling community, and oceanographers have devised equipment to collect samples from depths and pressures similar to those encountered in subglacial environments. However, technologies used in the deep ocean may be too bulky for ice borehole deployment. A companion challenge is being able to manipulate and analyze samples retrieved at high pressure and low temperature in the laboratory. These methodological challenges are significant and may require the development of specialized facilities to handle such samples. However, scientists have been able to utilize samples that are depressurized upon retrieval and processed at surface ambient conditions without compromising the integrity and value of the data obtained.
Enabling Technologies, Remote Observations, Models, Entry Technologies, ..... , and Sediment Cores