Free Climbing in Greenland (Full Episode) | Arctic Ascent with Alex Honnold | National Geographic

Ingmikortilaq: A Greenland Expedition Summary

Key Concepts: First Ascent, Climate Change Research, Glaciology, Big Wall Climbing, Cosmogenic Nuclide Dating, Moulins, Polar Bear Safety, Remote Expedition Logistics.

I. Introduction & The Challenge of Ingmikortilaq

The documentary follows Alex Honnold and a team of six – two other climbers (Mikey Schaefer and Hazel Findlay), a glaciologist (Heïdi Sevestre), a local guide (Adam Kjeldsen), and a safety/logistics expert (Aldo Kane) – on an expedition to climb Ingmikortilaq, a massive, unclimbed cliff in Greenland. The initial impression of Ingmikortilaq, gleaned from early photographs, is one of daunting, swirling black rock, presenting a significant climbing challenge. Honnold describes it as potentially the biggest first ascent of his career, acknowledging the inherent risk – “Ultimately what’s at stake with climbing is always your life.” The expedition is not solely about the climb; it’s intertwined with a crucial scientific mission to gather data on Greenland’s rapidly changing ice sheet.

II. Greenland’s Landscape & Climate Change Context

Greenland is characterized as a vast, remote, and largely ice-covered island. The documentary emphasizes the dramatic impact of climate change on the region, noting a temperature increase of 5.5 degrees Celsius over the last 40 years, leading to accelerated ice melt and rising sea levels. Ingmikortilaq’s remoteness makes it a critical, yet understudied, location for climate research. The expedition aims to traverse approximately 100 miles, collecting scientific data in previously inaccessible areas. Heïdi Sevestre highlights the global implications: “Our results mean that this huge river of ice is now one more we need to keep tabs on. And when you know that around the world on coastlines, there are about 700 million people, you understand that actually what is happening to Greenland matters to the rest of the world.”

III. The Expedition Team & Preparations

The team composition is diverse, blending climbing expertise with scientific knowledge and local guidance. Honnold, known for his free-solo ascent of El Capitan, leads the climbing effort. Heïdi Sevestre, a glaciologist with the Arctic Monitoring and Assessment Programme and recipient of the Shackleton Medal, is responsible for the scientific data collection. Adam Kjeldsen provides crucial local knowledge and expertise in navigating the challenging terrain. Aldo Kane focuses on safety and logistical support. The team’s preparations include navigating difficult terrain – boulder fields and glacial moraines – and practicing polar bear safety protocols, including firearm training for deterrence. Honnold reflects on the shift in his life post-El Capitan, acknowledging a period of uncertainty and a desire to contribute meaningfully to the world, particularly through climate change research.

IV. Scientific Investigation: Moulins & Cosmogenic Nuclide Dating

A key scientific objective involves studying a moulin – a large, cylindrical shaft in the glacier formed by meltwater draining to the base. The team rappels into a massive moulin to deploy piezometers, instruments that measure water pressure at the glacier’s base. Heïdi explains that increased water beneath the glacier accelerates its movement. The data collected will help determine if increased meltwater is speeding up glacial flow. Additionally, the team collects rock samples from the Pool Wall for cosmogenic nuclide dating. This technique, explained by Heïdi, analyzes the accumulation of isotopes created by cosmic radiation on rock surfaces, allowing scientists to determine how long the rock has been exposed – and therefore, how quickly the ice sheet receded in the past. This historical data is crucial for predicting future ice melt rates. The team successfully collected 10,000 data points from the piezometers, measuring approximately 100 kilopascals of water pressure (equivalent to 30 feet of water).

V. The Climb: Pool Wall & Challenges Encountered

The team focuses on climbing the Pool Wall, a 1,500-foot unclimbed rock face. The climb is divided into three sections: a loose, rocky base, a blank middle section, and a vertical crack system near the summit. The ascent is fraught with challenges, including unstable rock, inclement weather (rain and falling ice), and the need to ensure the safety of less experienced climbers (Heïdi and Adam). Hazel Findlay encounters a particularly dangerous section of loose rock, requiring careful decision-making to avoid triggering a rockfall. Mikey Schaefer experiences a fall while leading a pitch, highlighting the inherent risks of the climb. The team emphasizes the importance of trust and communication in navigating these challenges.

VI. Team Dynamics & Personal Reflections

The documentary provides glimpses into the team’s dynamics. Honnold acknowledges Hazel’s exceptional climbing skills and calm demeanor under pressure. There’s playful banter and mutual respect among the climbers. Adam Kjeldsen’s birthday is celebrated during the expedition, providing a moment of levity. Honnold reflects on the responsibility of bringing less experienced climbers on such a challenging expedition. Sanni, Honnold’s wife, is shown discussing the impact of his achievements and his subsequent search for purpose beyond climbing. Aldo Kane’s role as a safety expert and logistical coordinator is highlighted, with Honnold playfully acknowledging his competence and Sanni’s prior research on him.

VII. Conclusion & Significance

The expedition to Ingmikortilaq represents a unique convergence of adventure and scientific research. The successful deployment of scientific instruments and collection of rock samples provide valuable data for understanding the impact of climate change on Greenland’s ice sheet. The climb itself, while challenging, serves as a platform for raising awareness about the urgency of addressing climate change. The documentary underscores the importance of collaboration, risk assessment, and a commitment to meaningful action in the face of global environmental challenges. The expedition’s success lies not only in the potential first ascent but also in the contribution to a critical scientific understanding of a rapidly changing world.

Notable Quotes:

• “Ultimately what’s at stake with climbing is always your life.” – Alex Honnold
• “This much water under the glacier can make it slide down the valley and melt faster at lower altitudes.” – Heïdi Sevestre
• “I could care less about conquering mountains. It's an interesting blend of artistic creation yet extremely technical exploration.” – Mikey Schaefer
• “Accomplishing your biggest life dream has sort of two sides.” – Sanni Honnold