Scientists Extract Oldest Known 1.2-Million-Year-Old Ice Core in Antartica

What is believed to be the world's oldest ice, dating back 1.2 million years, has been excavated deep in Antarctica, writes the BBC. Encased in the record-old ice are ancient air bubbles that scientists hope will solve a climate mystery. - This is a historic moment for climate and environmental research, says Professor Carlo Barbante.

'Time machine' discovery in Antarctica may unlock mysteries of climate change

Deep beneath the icy expanse of Antarctica lies a 9,186-foot-long ice core, a time capsule from 1.2 million years ago, holding mysteries of our planet's past.

The analysis of such old ice layers allows conclusions to be drawn about global climate history.

The ice core is 2.8 kilometers long: European researchers have taken an extremely long sample in Antarctica. It is intended to help solve one of the "greatest mysteries in climate science."

Scientists Drill 1.7 Miles Into Antarctic Ice, Revealing 1.2 Million Years of Climate History

Researchers say a collected sample is the longest continuous record of Earth’s past climate from an ice core

Scientists from the European Beyond Epica project have drilled an ice core of no less than 2,800 meters long at the South Pole. With the help of this, the global climate can be reconstructed up to at least 1.2 million years ago. "It is a historic moment for climate and environmental science."