Rodwell #2 (the blue building) and
Hazardous Waste (the orange tent). Rodwell #2 was the operating
Rodwell at the time. Rodwells were designed by an engineer named
Rodriguez when working for the US military in Greenland in the
1950's.
The idea is to start with a little water (melted snow or
such), heat it up, then push it down into the ice to melt the ice.
The resulting water is returned to the surface, where it is heated
again and a portion sent back below to continue the process, while
the rest can be used. Over time, there is a big hollowed out hole
under the ice, and eventually it is no longer efficient to use that
well, so the rig is moved to another spot. Rodwell #2, and #3 under
construction, are intended to be partly mobile. For continuous
service, at least two buildings will be required. A Rodwell at the
South Pole can provide water for the station for about 7 years.
Nov 2007