Using the dataset from the first two years of our measurements, which could be considered as a survey of the background conditions, it is now possible to undertake a more detailed analysis on the processes currently affecting the frozen and liquid water in the region and the direction of the changes. The most important aim is to assess the future of water presence. To achieve this general aim the usual tasks, such as downloading data, replacing instruments and collecting samples, will be complemented with a new activity which is measuring the thickness of the permafrost.
Permafrost, water, ice and sediment analysis
- Downloading the data and replacing the instruments at the 6 altitude levels and at 6000 m a.s.l. where we have an additional instrument measuring air temperature and relative humidity.
- Geoelectrical sounding, a geophysical method measuring the electrical resistivity of the sediment, along several profiles at the altitude of 4200, 4600, 5300, 5800 and 6000 m a.s.l. in order to measure the thickness of the permafrost and the water content of the regolith.
- Sampling the regolith at 4200 and 4600 m a.s.l. to determine the porosity and water retention capabilities of the sediments at these altitudes.
- Identifying the signs of former glaciations and the paleoglaciers which were the source of the contemporary deposits of ice both on the surface and below sediments.
- Installing temperature measuring instruments on and below the surface in the side crater at the altitude of 6500 m a.s.l. where post-volcanic activities are still present.
- Making high resolution three-dimensional pictures from quadrocopters about the regions where buried ice, possibly from glacial origin, is present under sand coverage.
The role of the wind
- Collecting the captured material from the sediment traps.
- Making high resolution three-dimensional pictures from quadrocopters about strongly rippled surfaces.
- Measuring the thickness of the sand and debris coverage using geoelectrical sounding.
High altitude lakes and their life system
- Measuring the presence of permafrost, the total thickness and the thickness of the active layer, below and around the lakes at 6000 m a.s.l.
- Sediment and water sampling, determining the chemical composition of the water.
- Sampling bacteria colonies around the lakes.
