e. How this research fits in with future work being planned

Future research by this investigator will centre on the geochemistry and dating of relict ice and permafrosted sediments obtained from shallow cores. Based on the outcome of the proposed work, the intention for the 2007/08 season will be to core areas of relict ice. Experience has shown that two drilling areas per page 5 season are logistically and scientifically the most productive use of resources and time. However, a season between coring seasons for analysis of samples is necessary.

In two years, we hope to have funds available to drill Beacon Valley in a joint project (Chris McKay) with NASA. Beacon Valley contains an undertermined thickenss of debris-laden ice. The present shallow coring system provides the technical development and expertise that will be necessary to drill Beacon Valley, but the system will need to be scaled up in size. The McKay proposal calls for the development of a 'smart' drill head that is capable of obtaining aseptic samples and has sensors to determine the presence of organic material and conduct microbiological assays through non-destructive methods.