Mission Spiritus has completed a demanding stage of the Patagonia expedition, safely navigating through a crevasse field to leave the glacier and continue into the mountains.
The route off the ice proved to be one of the toughest days of the journey so far. Careful route finding, teamwork and sound judgement were needed throughout the crossing. The team has now negotiated the crevasse field safely and completed the transition from ski boots to walking boots for the next leg.
Sampling complete on the glacier
The team has collected the environmental samples planned for this glacier stage of the expedition.
Mission Spiritus collects environmental samples in remote and extreme environments to support research into airborne micro and nano plastics. The samples collected during expeditions are analysed by Columbia University as part of this wider scientific work. Mission Spiritus is backed by Columbia University and works with the Columbia Climate School’s Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory.
Back on the mountains
With the glacier behind them, the team is now back on the mountains and preparing for the next section of the route.
Changing from skis to walking boots is a practical marker of a new phase in the expedition. The terrain, pace and demands of the journey will change, but the same focus remains – moving safely, respecting the environment and documenting the fieldwork carefully.
A demanding day, safely completed
Patagonia continues to require patience and adaptability. Weather delays, glacier travel and changing terrain are all part of working in a remote mountain environment.
For the team, this was a difficult day with a positive outcome: the crevasse field was safely negotiated, environmental sampling on the glacier was completed and the next stage of the expedition is ready to begin.
Further updates will follow from the field.
