Lonnie Thompson Returns to the "Roof of the World" to Uncover Secrets of Earth

Lonnie Thompson, a renowned glaciologist and member of the American Academy of Sciences, has returned to the highest county in China, Shuanghu County, 24 years after his last visit. He is collaborating with Chinese scientists, including academician Yao Tandong, to study the Purog Kangri Glacier, the largest accumulation of ice outside the polar regions.

Their primary focus is on crucial ice core drilling, aiming to extract historical information about climate and environmental changes. Thompson, despite his age and recent heart transplant surgery, expressed excitement about the project, emphasizing the importance of preserving these ice cores as archives of Earth's history.

This expedition is part of a larger scientific effort to investigate the Qinghai-Xizang Plateau, known as Asia's "water tower." The target region encompasses "one glacier, two lakes and three rivers," and the goal is to understand the mechanism of environmental change and provide scientific support for the ecological security of the plateau.

Thompson reflected on his first visit to Purog Kangri in 2000, highlighting the significant improvements in infrastructure and research facilities. The team successfully drilled their first ice core that year, reaching a depth of 118.55 meters, followed by two additional cores.

Thompson emphasized the unique position of the Purog Kangri Glacier in glaciology, highlighting its importance for water resources and understanding the global climate picture. He stressed the importance of international collaboration in this field.

Thompson's collaboration with Chinese scientists spans over four decades, during which they have drilled ice cores in various glaciers across China and published their findings in prestigious journals. He expressed optimism about the future of glaciology in China, noting the tremendous investments made by the Chinese government in this field.

Thompson concluded by emphasizing the importance of China's role in the future of glaciology and his appreciation for the country's investment in science. He expressed his desire to continue documenting the changes observed in glaciers and contribute to a deeper understanding of climate science.