Capacity building and cryosphere research expedition to Rikha Samba Glacier, Mustang, Nepal

About the expedition and workshop

The 2024 cryosphere research and capacity building expedition to Rikha Samba Glacier is scheduled take place from 22 September to 9 October. The event this year includes a pre-field workshop on 20 September at ICIMOD campus to equip participants with critical knowledge and skills essential for effective fieldwork. This approach ensures a comprehensive understanding of the expedition’s scientific and safety protocols before entering high-altitude environment.

Pre-field workshop:

The workshop serves as a foundational training platform where participants will gain insights into cryosphere monitoring techniques, discuss the importance of snow and glacier measurements, and review expedition safety and communication protocols.

Fieldwork expedition:

During the field expedition, participants will engage in practical activities, including data collection, sensor maintenance, and new installations across the glacier and permafrost monitoring stations. This hands-on experience will deepen understanding of glacier dynamics, snow accumulation, and permafrost behaviour under changing climatic conditions.

Objectives:

1. Pre-Field Workshop Objectives:

• Equip participants with essential theoretical knowledge to monitor snow, glacier, and permafrost.
• Familiarize participants with scientific instruments and software used in field monitoring (e.g., HOBOWARE, Qfield).
• Discuss safety protocols, communication strategies, and high-altitude sickness prevention.

2. Fieldwork expedition objectives:

• Conduct on-ground snow measurements and maintenance work on snow monitoring stations.
• Perform glacier mass balance measurements, install bamboo stakes, Automatic Weather Station (AWS) maintenance, and snow density assessments.
• Maintenance work on permafrost monitoring stations and download data from temperature loggers deployed along the route.
• Capture repeat photographs for glacier monitoring and assess environmental changes.

Expected outcomes:

1. Pre-Field workshop

• Enhanced readiness and safety awareness among participants, ensuring a well-prepared team for field conditions.
• Improved understanding of scientific goals and individual roles within the expedition.
• Established protocols for documenting fieldwork activities, ensuring data accuracy and consistency.

2. Fieldwork expedition

• Comprehensive data collection on snow depth, glacier mass balance, and permafrost conditions to support long-term cryosphere research.
• Enhanced capacity for participants in using field equipment and data analysis tools, contributing to professional growth and regional research capabilities.
• Strengthened collaboration among regional experts, fostering a network for ongoing cryosphere monitoring and knowledge exchange.

The event is organised by Action Area A – Managing Cryosphere and Water Risks under the Strategic Group (SG-1) on Reducing Climate and Environment Risks with support from the Government of Norway.