Arctic Ascent with Alex Honnold (Premieres Feb. 4 on National Geographic; Feb 5 on Disney+ and Hulu) is an exhilerating three-part expedition where climber Alex Honnold, known for the 2018 documentary, Free Solo, explores unclimbed peaks. This time, the object of his attention lies in Greenland, a region significantly affected by climate change. Alongside climbers Hazel Findlay and Mikey Schaefer, Honnold aims to summit Ingmikortilaq, an unclimbed Arctic seacliff taller than El Capitan. More than a climbing adventure, this expedition allows Honnold, a climate activist, to observe the impacts of climate change on this crucial wilderness. Assisted by glaciologist Dr. Heïdi Sevestre, Greenlandic guide Adam Kjeldsen, and adventurer Aldo Kane, the team uses a special radar to measure the depth and density of a rarely studied section of Greenland’s ice cap, providing valuable data on the effects of climate change.
Heïdi Sevestre took the time to discuss the expedition and the research she conducted with SCINQ.
Can you describe the primary objectives of your research at the Renland Ice Cap, particularly in relation to climate change studies?
Our main objective was to conduct a thorough health assessment of this less-explored Arctic region. As a glaciologist, I emphasized studying snow and ice, but delving into what sets this region apart—tall cliffs and deep fjords—was also crucial for a comprehensive picture. Working with my research team, we established partnerships with 12 research institutes, entrusting me to execute 18 diverse research protocols in the field.
How can the real-time depth and density measurements taken during the expedition contribute to our understanding of the ice cap’s current state?
Greenland plays a pivotal role in decoding climate changes. Changes in the ice sheet directly affect global sea levels. Initially, we focused on the periphery of the Greenland Ice Sheet, then turned attention to Daugaard Jensen, an outlet glacier draining the ice sheet, in the later part of the expedition.
Studies reveal that peripheral glaciers also impact sea level rise significantly, yet they’re less explored than the ice sheet. Our Renland Ice Cap traverse, a first on skis, involved collecting Ground Penetrating Radar data. This data helps in understanding ice thickness, and will be compared with measurements from Danish scientists using planes.
By exploring the fjord connected to Daugaard Jensen glacier, we addressed the impact of water temperature changes on melting and calving. We launched a NASA “float” for the Oceans Melting Greenland project (OMG). Preliminary data indicates a warming trend in the fjord.
Understanding the past is key for predicting the future. Hence, we collected rock cores along Pool Wall. Using various dating techniques, we aim to reconstruct the post-last ice age ice sheet thinning process.
What specific challenges did you face while conducting research in the extreme conditions around Ingmikortilaq and the Renland Ice Cap?
The first issues we encountered revolved around maintaining charged batteries despite the freezing conditions and drilling into extremely ancient and tough rock at Ingmikortilaq. Our goal was to drill about 1m deep into the rock face to install temperature sensors, tracking the rock’s response to rising temperatures. This endeavor led to one drill breaking and another catching fire during Aldo and Mikey’s drilling efforts.
Could you elaborate on any unexpected findings or insights gained from your work on this expedition?
As you’re aware, scientific data processing is time-consuming. The collected data has been dispatched to various labs and research institutes for thorough processing and analysis. An initial finding highlighted the stability of the Daugaard Jensen glacier. This contrasts with the swift responses to climate change seen in most outlet glaciers. This observation has been corroborated by both previous and subsequent studies employing satellite images.
What is the significance of studying areas like Ingmikortilaq and the Renland Ice Cap in the broader context of Arctic research?
Nord Vest Fjord, a focal point in our expedition within Scoresby Sund, poses challenges due to its difficulty and expense of access. The last exploration of Edward Bailey glacier occurred in 2016, and on-the-ground research for Daugaard Jensen was conducted approximately 15-20 years ago. Not all Arctic regions experience climate change uniformly, emphasizing the importance of obtaining data from these less-explored areas.
This expedition marked two scientific firsts: the installation of temperature sensors on Ingmikortilaq with the assistance of Aldo and Mikey, and the traverse of the Renland Ice Cap on skis, collecting radar data with Adam’s support.
How do you think the climbing expedition led by Alex Honnold can help raise awareness about the effects of climate change in Greenland?
This is what really drew me to this project. Arctic Ascent is not a documentary on climate change but a series designed to heighten awareness through an exhilarating expedition set in Earth’s most breathtaking landscapes. Similar to Alex, I am deeply enthusiastic about science communication, understanding that science’s impact is negligible if not effectively communicated. It was crucial for me to illustrate the process of conducting field science and emphasize how shifts in Greenland have repercussions worldwide.
In your experience, how has the ice landscape around Ingmikortilaq and the Renland Ice Cap changed over recent years, and what does this indicate about future trends?
This expedition was my first experience with scientific work in this part of Greenland, so I cannot speak from experience. However, the broader Arctic is warming four times faster than the global average. Greenland is currently losing 30 million tons of ice per hour, according to the latest study in Nature. The burning of fossil fuels accelerates the transformation of the Arctic, with consequences ranging from the loss of sea ice and parts of the Greenland ice sheet to the thawing of permafrost. These changes will profoundly impact our jobs, health, and daily lives. The Arctic’s plight, especially in Greenland, should serve as a wake-up call to alter the course of history. Humanity depends on the Arctic, and reciprocally, the Arctic urgently requires humanity to cease burning fossil fuels.
What kind of collaboration was involved between the climbers and the scientific team, and how did it benefit your research?
Much of the science wouldn’t have been possible without our phenomenal dream team. An instance occurred in the moulin on Edward Bailey Glacier. Aldo’s skillful rigging enabled two of us to safely rappel simultaneously.
On Pool Wall Mickey and Aldo, with the help of Hazel and Alex swiftly set up fixed ropes, allowing me to join them, and collect rock cores.
Beyond the climbers, Adam, during the Renland traverse, pulled an entire Ground Penetrating Radar system while I was pulling the second one, both consistently gathering valuable data.
These anecdotes only scratch the surface of the team’s incredible support throughout the journey. I am immensely grateful for their help, it fuelled my ambition to create more partnerships between athletes and science in remote regions. The potential in collaboration is large, recognizing not all scientists boast the fitness levels of Hazel, Alex, Aldo, Adam, and Mikey!
Looking forward, what are the next steps or future research plans for you following the findings from this expedition?
Next steps are for the research labs that tasked us to collect data on their behalf to continue processing and analysing the data. In my personal research, the spotlight is on Tropical glaciers situated along the equator, particularly in countries like Colombia and Uganda. Collaborating with my team from The Last Tropical Glaciers, our goal is to generate 3D models of these glaciers, preserving the final archives of these vanishing wonders and tell the tales of the communities residing in close proximity to these extraordinary landscapes.
IMAGE CREDIT: National Geographic/Pablo Durana
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