Last night at midnight the perforation system was able to extract an ice core from the lower part of the summit glacier of the Ortler mountain, which lies directly on the rock. It is the second time within a few days that the team has been able to perforate the whole glacier.

The problems of the last few days (see post from 29 September 2011) caused by firn and snow located in the upper layers running down the hole and freezing again further down, forced the researchers to work non-stop throughout the day and night. The extremely favourable climatic conditions for this geographic zone and time of the year have, however, allowed the work to continue more rapidly.

On Monday, 3 October, the students of the Ortler research Education project will visit the place where the perforation operations are taking place. Thanks to the collaboration with the Autonomous Province of Bolzano/Bozen and in particular with Dr. Dinale (Logistical coordinator) not only two but three students will be able to visit the summit together with two accompanying teachers (Franca and Christian). Their names are Giulia, Philip and Giulia.

We would like to remind you that we have published all material for educational activities used during the glaciology camp in the “Materials and resources” section.

These can also be used for classroom activities.A gallery with some lovely pictures taken during a visit to the site is also available on the Facebook-group of the Hotel Franzenshöhe. (Pictures by Karin H. Wallnöfer)