Viability of chemical and water isotope ratio measurements of RAID ice chippings from Antarctica

Abstract The British Antarctic Survey's (BAS) Rapid Access Isotope Drill (RAID), designed for rapid drilling to survey prospective ice core sites, has been deployed at multiple locations over 6 years. This method creates chippings that can be discretely sampled and analysed their chemical water isotopic composition. Ice sampling methods have evolved since the first uses of BAS RAID, enabling a more quantifiable sample resolution. Here, we show isotope records obtained from RAID are comparable those equivalent depth resolution proximal cores. Records impurities also good agreement with nearby Our findings suggest is suitable both reconnaissance sites. Residual contamination certain ions discussed, proposed design changes avoid this issue future use.