Explorers Find Cameras Abandoned by Mountain Climbers in 1937
Background
In 1937, renowned mountaineers Bradford Washburn and Bob Bates embarked on a historic expedition to ascend Mount Lucania, Canada’s third-highest peak. However, due to inclement weather, they were forced to abandon their heavy equipment, including cameras, on Walsh Glacier.
Rediscovering the Lost Cache
After 85 years, an expedition team led by professional skier Griffin Post set out to locate the abandoned equipment. Using 3-D mapping and historical photographs, they collaborated with glaciologists Luke Copland and Dora Medrzycka to estimate the glacier’s movement and pinpoint the potential location of the cache.
Challenges of the Search
The Walsh Glacier is a surging glacier, meaning it experiences periods of accelerated movement. This made it challenging to predict where the equipment might have traveled over the decades. Despite meticulous research, the team faced uncertainty and the daunting size of the glacier.
The Discovery
After six days of searching, Medrzycka revised her estimate based on breaks in the moraine. This led them to the discovery of the 20th-century cache, which included an aerial shutter camera, motion picture cameras, and climbing gear.
Preservation and Research
Conservators at Parks Canada are now working to preserve the artifacts and explore the possibility of recovering photographs. Additionally, the discovery provides valuable data on glacier movement and the impact of climate change on Arctic glaciers.
Glacier Movement and Climate Change
By comparing the original location of the equipment to its current location, researchers have gained insights into the glacier’s movement over time. This data contributes to the understanding of how climate change is affecting glaciers, as the Walsh Glacier has lost significant ice cover in recent decades.
Contribution to Scientific Knowledge
The discovery of the abandoned equipment and the subsequent research have expanded our knowledge of glacier dynamics and the impact of climate change on Arctic environments. It highlights the importance of historical data and interdisciplinary collaboration in scientific research.
