Recent work on the Tsijiore Nouve glacier in Arolla, Switzerland!

A few daysago, despite challenging winter conditions, Anne Cécile, Laurence, Elsie, ourguide, and I set out onto the Tsijiore Nouve Glacier in Arolla for a smallexpedition dedicated to a new round of ice-sample collection. We collectedsamples from three different locations on the glacier - straightforward butmeticulous work, carried out in the cold and wind, following the tools andprotocols provided by the team. It was deeply satisfying to be able tocontribute directly, even modestly, to such a large-scale project.

 Thefollowing day, together with Molly and Helena from NatureMetrics, we had theprivilege of visiting the ALPOLE (Alpine and Polar Environmental ResearchCenter) at EPFL in Sion, guided by Professor Tom Battin and his team. It wasfascinating to see how these samples are processed in the laboratory:filtration, cultivation of microorganisms, bacteria, fungi, and much more, inorder to build an accurate picture of the invisible life that inhabits these icyenvironments.

 All of thisis part of the @Baseline Glacier Biodiversity Challenge, a collaborative effortbringing together scientists, alpinists, and others to better understand whatlives in and around glaciers before more ice disappears. As a mountaineer, Ihave witnessed glaciers change over the years; being able to contribute tobuilding this baseline data feels meaningful to me, even on a small scale. Itis about listening to the mountain and passing on what we discover.

Thank you to@Meagan Fallone, project partner, for coordinating this wonderful day.
Thank you to @juliettealfano from @France24 for covering the event.

#SophieLavaud #LetsGoSummit #Alpinisme #VieDAlpiniste #WomenWhoClimb #SouvenirsDExpédition #HistoiresDeMontagne #GlacierDArolla #BaselineGlacierChallenge #BiodiversitéDesGlaciers #eDNA #ALPOLE #EPFL

Photos @Anne-Cecile Turner, @Sophie Lavaud, @Elsie et @Bertrand Carlier_Photographe