Geotechnical and Exploration Drilling in the Polar Regions

This book provides a comprehensive review of drilling technologies in the polar regions from the portable drilling equipment for shallow sampling and coring to heavy drilling equipment for deep onshore and offshore drilling. Particular attention is being paid to safe drilling methods in permafrost. In the recent years, interest in drilling in the polar regions has increased under the pressure of the geopolitical “rush” and the undiscovered resource potential. In addition, borehole monitoring of permafrost thermal state is urgently needed to get direct signals of climate change. The book focuses on the latest drilling technologies, but also discusses the historical development of sampling and drilling tools and devices over the last 60-70 years to offer valuable insights into what is possible and what not to do in the future.