Microstructural insights during Abrupt events

The physical properties of ice crystals are strongly related to the flow and deformation of ice. This has been established by detecting crystal size and crystal orientation on 10cm x 10cm thin sections of ice through many of the deep ice cores by microstructure mapping. This method maps etch grooves on polished and sublimated surfaces at microscopic resolution generated by the Extra Large Area Scanning Microscope (xLASM) and allows for a detailed investigation of deformation-induced microstructural features. 

Here, we carry out a detailed examination of the microstructural features present along 25 meters of ice within the North Greenland Eemian Ice Drilling project (NEEM). The study analyzes ice from 2003 meters to 2028 meters in depth, covering three abrupt events (GI-19.2, GS-20, and GI-20) within the Last Glacial Maximum. In combination with fabric measurements and borehole logging data, we aim to understand shifts in ice rheology and flow dynamics during these abrupt events.