The LIMPICS Team started in beginning of August 2010 for the second time to perform measurements at Colle Gnifetti. Like two years ago, radar as well as seismic measurements were carried out to get a better understanding of the physical properties of the ice for improved paleoclimate interpretations of ice cores and to test new equipment for glaciological applications, namely mini-vibrators of less than 100 kg mass.

The first two days were spent at Gornergrat for better acclimatization. After one day delay due to bad weather the equipment and the team were flown up to the saddle at 4500 m altitude with the helicopter of the Air Zermatt.

The radar measurements were carried out with a RAMAC-GPR system to complete the number of profiles that were shot in 2008. Additionally, a borehole radar was employed for the first time on Colle Gnifetti. The Borehole KCI was quickly located, so that the borehole radar could be used. As the borehole was still open down to the bed, the borehole radar could be lowered to 62 m.

For the seismic measurements the two vibroseis systems ElViS from Geoysm/LIAG were used. With the two vibrators it is possible to produce compression as well as shear waves. This system has never been tested on firn before so we were really excited to check its performance. And it worked well! Two lines perpendicular to each other with P- and S-waves could be shot.

As the weather was not as stable as predicted, the team had only three days at Colle Gnifetti. In summary, despite tough constraints it was possible to collect all the data the team hoped for.