One of the ways scientists have begun to learn more about the inner workings of our planet is through the use of satellite imaging. Cross-referencing what is seen above the earth with data obtained from its surface provides a stronger understanding of how different atmospheric conditions interact with unique geographies. This approach not only lends well to studying our planet but others we wish to explore.
However, there are some places that satellites simply cannot access. These areas, such as the moulins created within glaciers, are where new robots are being deployed to provide critical data about the formation, structure, and status of these vast mountains of ice.
Moulins are places where water has punched through thousands of feet of ice to form a waterfall within a glacier. Researchers feel they serve as a type of plumbing system for the glacier – carrying away melted water that helps control how fast a glacier moves (yes, they do actually move). Scientists hope to match their locations with features that can be surveyed by satellite, such as an opening on the surface. Connecting these dots could correlate to identifying similar characteristics on Earth, and elsewhere.
Small robots were deployed to help in mapping moulins in Alaska's Matanuska Glacier. It's felt these conditions could be similar to the surface of moons orbiting Jupiter and Saturn. The robots were lowered as deep as 150' into the glaciers, which is about where the water became too murky to see. Going forward, the use of acoustic sensors could allow for exploration at greater depths in mapping these expanses.
Not only will advancements be anticipated through gaining knowledge of these features, but these initial descents will serve to guide future equipment innovations. Initial testing was conducted with a homemade instrument that used 3D-printed parts for the probe and submersible enclosure. In the future, better cameras and laser scanning equipment could allow for more detailed 3-D maps of these glacial caves.