Scientists have successfully extracted what is believed to be the oldest ice core on the planet, located in Antarctica and dated to approximately 1.2 million years ago. This significant achievement was accomplished by a research group from the Institute of Polar Sciences, which faced extreme temperatures of up to -35ºC during their expedition.
The ice core, measuring 2.8 kilometers in length, is eight times longer than the Eiffel Tower. Researchers have discovered tiny air bubbles within the core that may provide insights into climate conditions during the Middle Pleistocene Transition, a period when glacial cycles were interrupted.
Carlo Barbante, a key researcher from Ca'Foscari University in Venice, emphasized the importance of this ice sample, stating, 'You hold in your hands a piece of ice that is a million years old.' The core contains layers of ash from ancient volcanic eruptions and air bubbles that date back to a time when early humans roamed the Earth.
The extraction site, known as Little Dome C, is situated on the Antarctic plateau at nearly 3,000 meters altitude. This location allows scientists to study past climate changes through the ice cores. The project, titled 'Beyond Epica: Oldest Ice,' involved significant logistical efforts, including the establishment of camps and laboratories near the extraction site.