Observatory Events

The highest elevations of the Himalayas are among the most rapidly changing environments on the planet and of immense hydro-climatological significance, yet meteorological observations are largely non-existent above ~5,500 m. As a result, scientific understanding of glacier-climate interactions, paleoclimate reconstructions from ice cores, and future high-elevation climate change remains limited. As part of the most comprehensive single research expedition to date in the region, a team led by Baker Perry, Ph.D., Professor of Geology and Planning at Appalachian State University, installed a network of five weather stations at elevations ranging from 3,810 m to 8,430 m during the 2019 National Geographic and Rolex Perpetual Planet Expedition to Mount Everest. The Balcony (8,430 m) and South Col (7,945 m) weather stations are the highest ever installed. Join Dr. Perry as he discusses (1) the numerous challenges specific to the design and installation of the weather stations, (2) particular challenges in conducting scientific research above 8,000 m, and (3) initial insights from the data collected thus far.