From April 13th to May 22nd, four scientists from the non-profit organization Imaqa, specializing in scientific expeditions in extreme environments, are preparing to undertake one of the most demanding expeditions in the Arctic: crossing the Greenland ice cap over 1,700 km by kite-skiing.
Currently training in Norway, the team will depart from Kangerlussuaq to reach Qaanaaq. This project, spanning from south to north of the territory, combines scientific research and physical endurance. The goal is to harness the power of the wind and kite-ski technology to progress on icy surfaces where weather conditions can rapidly change, with temperatures often well below zero and sometimes violent winds.
The researchers, experts in various fields of ice and climate science, will document the state of the ice cap, including surface snow collection and chemical analysis. This is a nearly unprecedented crossing on a global scale. The data collected will be shared with four international research centers.
Kite-skiing is not merely an extreme sport; it allows explorers to cover long distances with the wind’s traction, requiring perfect mastery of navigation, sails, and skis on often invisible terrain. These scientists will face the vast majority of the immense ice cap.
Several challenges await, including extreme weather conditions, wind as the sole propulsion, towing over 100 kg of equipment on sleds, and most importantly, an uncertain terrain with crevasse risks.
This challenge aligns with a logic of sustainable polar science and data collection to better understand the climate changes affecting the Arctic regions. By using a non-motorized method of locomotion, the scientists reduce their carbon footprint while gathering crucial information on ice, snow profiles, and elements essential for evaluating ice melt.
