Swiss Scientists Extract World's Oldest Ice Core

In a groundbreaking achievement for climate science, researchers from the University of Bern have successfully extracted the world's oldest ice core from Antarctica. This remarkable discovery, dating back 1.2 million years, represents a significant leap forward from previous records, surpassing the previous oldest continuous ice core by approximately 400,000 years. The achievement marks Switzerland's continued leadership in climate research and glaciology.

The extracted ice core measures an impressive 2.8 kilometers in length, with the upper 2,480 meters containing a high-resolution climate record. Each meter of ice compresses approximately 13,000 years of climate history, providing an unprecedented window into Earth's past. The core extends all the way to the Antarctic bedrock, with its lowest sections containing heavily deformed ice of unknown origin that may be even older than 1.2 million years.

This discovery is particularly crucial for understanding a major climate mystery: the significant change in ice age cycles that occurred between 800,000 and 1.2 million years ago. The University of Bern describes this as 'one of the greatest mysteries of climate science.' The ice core's analysis will provide vital insights into global climate history, including the patterns of warm periods and ice ages, potentially revolutionizing our understanding of Earth's climate system.

The precious ice cores have been carefully transported to Europe using specially designed refrigerated containers aboard an Italian research icebreaker. This delicate operation ensures the preservation of these invaluable climate archives. The University of Bern's world-class facilities will now begin the meticulous process of analyzing the cores, extracting data that will contribute to our understanding of Earth's climate history.

The analysis of this unprecedented ice core is expected to provide crucial insights that will enhance our understanding of Earth's climate system and its future development. This Swiss-led research will contribute significantly to climate change studies and help scientists better predict future climate patterns. The University of Bern's achievement reinforces Switzerland's position at the forefront of climate research and demonstrates the nation's commitment to advancing our understanding of global environmental challenges.