In order to avoid problems stemming from the accumulation of rock fragments at the bottom of the hole during conventional thermal drilling in ice, a new type of probe has been developed. In this system, the water is warmed electrically inside the probe itself and propelled by a micro-pump. In this way, the hot water sprayed towards the ice scatters the insulating layer of debris and drilling continues normally, as shown by tests on several glaciers over the past 4 years.