Subglacial Environment exploration- concept and technological challenges for the development and operation of a Sub-Ice ROV'er (SIR) and advanced Sub-Ice instrumentation for short and long-term observations

Subglacial Environments play a key role in the dynamics of ice sheets, provide a unique habitat for life, influence ocean circulation, are part of the global geochemical cycle and house valuable paleoclimatic and paleo-environmental records. Yet they are one of the least explored environments on Earth. Direct exploration of this environment and sample recovery is only possible through boreholes drilled through kilometer thick ice and requires customized scientific equipment. Here we present an update on the development of a Sub-Ice ROV (SIR) deployable through an ice borehole, and outline the concept of a Geochemical Instrumentation Package for Sub-Ice Environments (GIPSIE).