But I think it would seem odd to readers. The Ice Core laboratory is both an archive and a distribution center. The lab receives meter-long samples drilled out of distant icepacks, mostly in Greenland and Antarctica, and records their depths and places of origin. Then Cravens and his staff cut the cores into smaller sections and distribute them to researchers who examine the ice for clues on ancient climate. Cravens says he makes sure the ice is cut right and stored right.
Ice cores arrive by refrigerator truck from a California port, wrapped in insulated boxes.
So far, you've only said that the cores are used in studying ancient climates. I think it would be a good idea to mention high up why it's important for scientists to study ancient climates. You can get into the details later. But again, before you weigh readers down with details like this, give them the bigger picture. Samples are then sent out to institutions all over the world.