Latvian researchers conclude their third expedition to Greenland

RIGA - Geologists from the University of Latvia have returned from their third expedition to Greenland, where they spent a month studying the Fan outlet glacier of the Qaanaaq Ice Cap, LETA was told at the university.

The researchers analyzed the glacier’s thermal structure and determined its surface elevation and ice thickness.

Using ground-penetrating radar, the scientists took measurements over a distance of approximately 35 kilometers. Contrary to previous assumptions, the data obtained indicate that the glacier is composed of cold ice that does not reach the melting point. This was also observed in areas where the ice thickness reaches approximately 300 meters.

During this expedition, the Latvian team also used passive seismic sensors for the first time in Greenland research. The researchers noted that the data collected could help refine the understanding of glacier development and improve predictions of how they will change.

The work was hampered by changeable weather conditions. In August, there were both warm days and very rainy and windy days in northeastern Greenland. Heavy rainfall caused flooding and, in some places, washed away the road between Qaanaaq Airport and the town. The large volume of water also made it difficult to reach the glacier, as glacial meltwater rivers had risen rapidly.

The researchers had to use complicated access routes to reach the retreating edge of the glacier. One of the unusual phenomena observed during the expedition was several-meter-high jets of pressurized glacial water. At the same time, ground-penetrating radar data indicate the presence of tunnels in the lower part of the glacier.

The expedition was supported by the Latvian Council of Science Program for Fundamental and Applied Research Projects.