A core is a sample of rock in the shape of ... instead of having the pieces of broken rock removed from the well via drilling fluids, the rock is kept intact and raised to the surface for study.

By drilling 1.7 miles beneath the icy surface ... An assessment of the rock from below the core could even divulge when the Antarctic Plateau was ice-free for the last time.

Highlights: Ten Core Drillholes Completed, Totaling Over 1,122 meters Samples for First Three Drillholes at the Laboratory ...