Ep 4. Ice Base

In season 3, episode 4 of Impossible Engineering, entitled "Ice Base," the show delves into the engineering behind some of the world's most impressive and forward-thinking ice bases. The episode examines the most extreme and isolated environments on earth, where engineers and scientists must use cutting-edge techniques and technology to create safe and sustainable habitats.

The episode explores a range of fascinating structures and innovations, each created to help humans thrive in the harsh Arctic and Antarctic regions. Viewers learn about the Canadian Diamond Mine, which is located in one of the most remote and hostile parts of Canada's Northern territories, and is only accessible by air for much of the year. Engineers had to develop a unique system of mining, transportation, and logistics that could operate in extreme sub-zero temperatures and difficult terrain. The show also explores the engineering marvel that is the Troll A Oil Platform, located deep under the North Sea.

However, the highlight of the episode is the examination of a German research station known as Kohnen Station, which is situated 2800 meters above sea level on top of a 2000 meter thick ice sheet in Antarctica. The station is home to some of the most innovative and advanced technology designed for extreme environments, including drilling equipment that can extract ice cores up to ten times faster than conventional methods. These ice cores provide essential data on climate change and have already revolutionized our understanding of our planet's history.

The engineering team at Kohnen Station also designed and built a unique melter system that uses hot water to clear a network of deep boreholes. These boreholes are used for a range of scientific investigations, including the measurement of the melt rate of the nearby ice sheets and the atmospheric conditions that affect climate change. This innovative system is just one example of the incredible technical and engineering challenges that must be overcome when building and maintaining structures in the world's most extreme environments.

Finally, the show examines the international efforts currently underway to explore Mars, an environment that is arguably even more challenging and hostile than any we have encountered on Earth. The episode highlights the incredible technological advancements being developed to ensure the long-term viability of human life on the red planet, from 3D printing to advanced robotics.

Overall, "Ice Base" is a fascinating and deeply informative episode that explores the limits of human engineering. It offers a unique insight into some of the world's most impressive and cutting-edge structures, and the challenges that must be overcome to create and operate them. The show is a must-watch for anyone interested in engineering, science, or innovation, and will leave viewers with a newfound appreciation for the incredible feats of human ingenuity that make our world possible.