A team of researchers is preparing for a significant expedition to Mount Everest in Nepal, scheduled for April 2025, with the goal of investigating why the ice of one of the mountain's glaciers is perilously close to the melting point. This groundbreaking expedition will take them into the Western Cwm, where researchers believe that intense solar radiation is melting snow, even when air temperatures remain below freezing. As this meltwater refreezes, it reportedly creates glacier ice that is much closer to the melting point than previously realized, posing potential consequences for the region.
The expedition is organized by scientists from the University of Leeds and Aberystwyth University, who will be operating over six kilometers above sea level, which is half a kilometer above Everest Base Camp. The team plans to drill into the glacier, utilizing boreholes to record ice temperatures, a critical endeavor given the context of climate change.
Led by Professor Duncan Quincey from the University of Leeds’ School of Geography, the team recognizes that navigating the infamous Khumbu Icefall—a notoriously challenging section along the South Col route—will be a formidable task. Equipment for the expedition will be transported by helicopter, a necessity given the harsh conditions. Once on the glacier, temperatures are expected to plunge below -10 °C at night, necessitating careful planning to ensure the team's safety and successful operation.
Professor Quincey expressed his anticipation for the expedition, stating that “this trip will be the most physically and logistically demanding expedition I've ever been part of, and the unknowns are plentiful.” He highlighted concerns about whether their equipment would function at such high elevations and if successful, whether they could effectively collect and export the data.
This project follows alarming previous findings suggesting that the temperature of the ice in the lower sections of the Khumbu Glacier is warmer than expected for the local air temperature, raising suspicion about the melting mechanisms at play. The implications of such melting are significant, as glaciers in the Himalayas serve as a critical water source for millions across Nepal, Bhutan, India, Pakistan, and Afghanistan. Changes in the rate of glacier thawing could threaten this vital water supply, which many regions depend on for irrigation, sanitation, and hydropower.
In recognition of the significance of global glacier research, the United Nations General Assembly has declared 2025 as the International Year of Glaciers’ Preservation. Moreover, UNESCO is set to celebrate its first World Day for Glaciers on March 21, 2025, underlining the urgency in understanding glacier dynamics and their wider environmental impact.
Professor Bryn Hubbard from Aberystwyth University’s Geography and Earth Sciences department emphasized the surprising potential for snow to melt at sub-freezing air temperatures within Everest's Western Cwm. He advocates for measuring and investigating this phenomenon further, as it can enhance predictions regarding future glacier extent and their role in regional water supply. “These temperature measurements will improve computer models that are used to predict future changes in glacier extent and water supply – particularly important in this heavily populated and water-stressed region,” he stated.
For the expedition, Professor Hubbard also highlighted the unique technological approaches the team will employ. Leveraging Aberystwyth University’s expertise in borehole drilling and sensor development, they plan to delve deeper into the ice than ever before. With energy sources limited, the researchers will utilize solar, battery, and propane power to operate their drilling equipment, further symbolizing the challenges posed by high-altitude research.
The expedition also coincides with the remarkable journey of Kenton Cool, one of the world’s leading high-altitude climbers and a notable alumnus of the University of Leeds. He is embarking on his nineteenth ascent of Mount Everest concurrently with the research team's mission. Cool remarked, “This expedition to Everest is arguably the most important scientific expedition to the mountain for nearly 20 years.” He recognized the significance of the research being conducted at extreme altitudes and its implications for millions of lives below.
As Professor Cool noted, “Being a Leeds Alum myself, I’m proud to be associated with this expedition to a mountain that holds a very special place in my heart. I look forward to not only spending time with the team in Nepal but also to learning about the importance of their research.” His support highlights the broader commitment to understanding and preserving these vital ecosystems.
This expedition is funded by the Natural Environment Research Council, emphasizing the collaboration between various academic institutions, including the University of Leeds, Aberystwyth University, University of Bergen in Norway, and Uppsala University in Sweden. By combining efforts, the hope is to generate a more comprehensive understanding of the processes affecting glaciers, which will inform future climate adaptation and resource management strategies.
The Everest researchers emphasize that their findings could yield data impacting not just the local population but also contribute to the global understanding of glacial behavior under climate change. Their innovative endeavor marks a pivotal moment in glacial science as they explore new ground and seek to deepen our understanding of these essential water sources addressing challenges that could affect millions in the years ahead.
