An NSF facility for storing, curating, and studying ice cores from the glaciated regions of the world
The U.S. National Science Foundation Ice Core Facility (NSF-ICF) — formerly the National Ice Core Laboratory (NICL) — is a facility for storing, curating, and studying meteoric ice cores recovered from the glaciated regions of the world. NSF-ICF allows scientists to conduct examinations and measurements on ice cores, and it preserves the integrity of these ice cores in a long-term repository for future investigations.
Sample Requests
Requests for samples from NSF-ICF are coordinated through the Science Director. Samples are available to investigators, but NSF-funded investigators may be given priority to certain core sections. Investigators must complete the SAMPLE REQUEST/FACILITY USE FORM and email it to the SMO at least four weeks in advance of their proposal submission deadline if the investigator plans to:
- request samples from the NSF-ICF ice core archive; or
- collect a new ice core and store it (even just temporarily) at NSF-ICF; or
- use the NSF-ICF facility for core processing or for other laboratory work.
Inventory
The NSF-ICF currently stores over 22,000 meters of firn and ice core collected from various locations in Greenland, Antarctica, and North America. Sample requests are coordinated through the Science Management Office at UNH. For information on how to access the cores, please see Services.
About NSF-ICF
Learn about the NSF-ICF facility, what we do at NSF-ICF, our location, and our contact information.
NSF-ICF Services
Learn about requesting samples, storing ice cores, using NSF-ICF, and scheduling a sample visit.
About Ice Cores
Learn about ice cores, what we do at NSF-ICF, how ice cores are drilled, and watch videos about ice cores.
NSF Center for Oldest Ice Exploration REU Program
Are you an undergrad (or mentor of an undergrad) interested in a paid summer research opportunity in the polar sciences?
Check out the National Science Foundation (NSF) Center for Oldest Ice Exploration (COLDEX) Research for Undergraduate (REU) Program!
What will your summer look like with the NSF COLDEX REU?
- You will work in a NSF COLDEX research lab with NSF COLDEX researchers working on topics in either Antarctic ice core chemical analysis, oldest ice exploration, ice flow modeling, engineering, science communication, or geoscience education. Note: the NSF COLDEX REU does not include field work in Antarctica.
- You will participate in an online orientation at the beginning of the summer and meet virtually each week with the REU cohort for career and research skills workshops and other group activities.
- You will have the opportunity to get involved in discussions about the future of NSF COLDEX research through monthly research seminars and meetings.
The application window is December 1, 2024 – February 1, 2025.