Ice Core Close Up (IMAGE) Desert Research Institute Caption An ice core, pushed out of the drill head. On Dec. 1, 2011, the West Antarctic Ice Sheet (WAIS) Divide ice core project, funded by the National Science Foundation, reached its final depth of 3,405 meters (11,171 feet; over 2 miles), recovering the longest US ice core to date from the polar regions. The 12.2-centimeter (4.8-inch) diameter cylinders of ice that make up the ice core contain uniquely detailed information on past environmental conditions during the last 68,000 years. Credit Mark Twickler, University of New Hampshire Usage Restrictions None License Licensed content Disclaimer: AAAS and EurekAlert! are not responsible for the accuracy of news releases posted to EurekAlert! by contributing institutions or for the use of any information through the EurekAlert system.