About Learn about who we are
About Icefield Instruments Inc.
Icefield Instruments was formed in 1990 in response to a demand for glaciological instrumentation and consulting services. Icefield Instruments Inc. is incorporated in the Yukon Territory, Canada. Icefield Instruments Inc. has the experience and expertise to design, construct, and test a wide variety of instruments for use in extreme environments. We build both standard products (ice coring drill, Horizontal band saw, ECM) and custom equipment. Through our work with ice coring technology, in particular AUTOCORE and ultra-clean drill technology, we have expertise in delivering clean samples with extremely low contamination levels. We have experience in sub-glacial water sampling, design for high-pressure environments, design for low-pressure environments (Mars), thermal/environmental extremes, and the use of exotic materials. Our contract drilling division has been involved in numerous ice coring expeditions and customer training / support worldwide. Our capabilities cover the complete spectrum of mechanical design, electronic design, software authoring, prototype fabrication, field testing, field services, and commercial production.
Our Team
Erik Blake
President
Erik brings more than 20 years experience as a leading global developer of glaciological and borehole drilling technologies. With a PhD in geophysics from the University of British Columbia, he understands first hand the importance of effective field equipment, and has proven his expertise specializing this technology for both academic and industrial applications.
The depth of his knowledge is evident in his many technological achievements, including his design of a prototype ice coring drill for use on a Mars Rover. In recent years, Dr. Blake has overseen the delivery of ice coring drills for applications in the most extreme environments, including two projects in Antarctica.
Etienne Gros
Ice core driller / Mechanical development specialist
Etienne has 30 years of hands-on and mechanical design experience working as a tool and die maker, mechanical development specialist and ice core driller. His background and expertise in the industry allow him to tackle new technical challenges for Icefield Instruments. Etienne has been involved in many complex and challenging ice coring missions in Northern Canada and Antarctica. He built, designed and modified numerous Ice coring drill systems and related glaciology equipment. In his free time, he enjoys back country skiing and high latitudes sailing.