This project supports a public benefit by facilitating research on ice cores curated and stored at the NICL. The ice cores curated and stored at the NICL were collected with Federal funds and are available to qualified researchers whose research goals and needs for ice core samples have been vetted by qualified ice core scientists. UNH plays a vital role in support of ice core (paleoclimate) research by coordinating, reviewing, and recommending proposed research projects. The principal purpose of this assistance agreement is to provide support to the NICL by means of coordinating and approving ice core sampling requests; hosting, serving and updating the NICL webpage; publishing the biannual In-Depth newsletter; interacting with the public and media on scientific matters regarding ice cores specifically stored at the NICL; and providing an interface between the NICL staff and ice core community.