Patagonian Icefield Research Program 2024
After three years at Grey Glacier, the Patagonian Icefield Research Program 2024 will take place at Bernal Glacier, which is the largest of the five outlet glaciers that descend from Cordillera de Sarmiento into the waters of Fiordo de las Montañas (fjord of the mountains). Bernal Glacier is located 60 km west of the city of Puerto Natales in southern Patagonia. There, surrounded by Patagonian fjords, we will spend twelve days on this fascinating glacier, in the heart of Kawésqar National Park, where the students will learn to work and coexist with a natural, wild and pristine environment.
We will reach Bernal Glacier with a 4-hour navigation in a fast boat and set up our camp within a Lenga Forest on the Little Ice Age moraine of Bernal Glacier, which we will be able to reach every day with a 10-minute walk. To learn more about the area, you can have a look at the UNCHARTED Project and their map of the Cordillera de Sarmiento.
Important dates
August 23, 2024
Scholarship application deadline (scholarships available only for students from low-income countries )
August 31, 2024
Volunteer faculty application deadline
September 1, 2024
Scholarship recipients published
September 6, 2024
Volunteer faculty selection results informed
September 15, 2024
Students application deadline
September 20, 2024
Student selection results published
September 27, 2024
Enrollement fee due (for students without scholarship)
November 15, 2024
PIRP 2024 Starts!
Meeting in Punta Arenas for introductions and gear check at 10:00 AM
November 16, 2024
Tent camp setup practices and other activities in Punta Arenas
November 17, 2024
Transportation from Punta Arenas to base camp at Bernal Glacier
November 18,-19 2024
Learning life in the field techniques
November 20-22, 2024
Learning glaciology field techniques
November 23-27, 2024
Work on research projects
November 28, 2024
Return to Puerto Natales stay at El Raky
November 29, 2024
Data sorting, analysis and presentations preparation
November 30, 2024
Potluck and quick presentations to the Puerto Natales community at 7:00 p.m. on Cacique Mulato restaurant
December 1, 2024
Data sorting and projects discussions
December 2, 2024
Return to Punta Arenas and farewell