Latvian scientist team heads to Greenland
A team of geologists from the University of Latvia is embarking on a month-long expedition to Greenland's Qaanaaq Glacier. They aim to collect ground-level data on ice thickness and temperature to verify or refute existing climate models regarding glacier melt.
Why it matters
Direct field measurements are critical for improving the accuracy of climate change projections, as remote satellite data often fails to capture the complex internal dynamics of melting glaciers.
A team of four geologists will study the Qaanaaq ice caps in north-western Greenland. Greenland contains the largest ice mass in the Northern Hemisphere. If it were to melt, global sea levels would rise by seven metres. Information on the condition of the glaciers is mostly obtained remotely from satellite data. However, this data sometimes differs significantly from the reality that scientists observe during their expeditions. Their numerous, heavy rucksacks contain scientific equipment, ground-penetrating radar, measuring instruments, drones, tents and everything else needed to carry out research on the glacier and live in tents. The team of four researchers has a long journey ahead of them. They are heading to the north-west of Greenland, to the Qaanaaq Glacier. For the University of Latvia’s geologists, this will be their third expedition to Greenland and their most ambitious yet. It will last a month.
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