Yesterday the researchers and technicians were able to extract another ice core from the summit glacier of the Ortler mountain. For the third time within just a few days they were able to reach the rocks on which the glacier lies.

This time, not only the climatic but also the perforation conditions were particularly favourable. Since the upper layers only contained little melt water, which therefore did not obstruct the hole, the perforation was faster.

The researchers are now working on a fourth and final perforation. The weather is forecast to change next weekend and the team plans to finish all work and dismantle most of the equipment by then.  During the past few days the Education group visited the Ortler glacier.

Yesterday, three students and two teachers were able to visit the perforation site. Paolo Gabrielli and the entire team accompanied them during their visit, explaining every single aspect of the expedition.

A couple of days ago, the author of this text (Matteo) spent a night at the remote camp, planning to stay there for one more night, in order to collect pictures and videos to be used on this homepage. Due to a few problems (because of the altitude), I had to leave the glacier after fewer than 24 hours. Hard to accept…I guess I won’t be able to climb the north face of K2… 😉

Nevertheless, I have collected enough material to produce a video showing in detail how the perforation system works. I hope you enjoy watching it!