Never had the honor of meeting this man, but the more I learn, the more I admire.
His name is Konrad Steffen, son a Zurich tailor who fell in love with polar ice just as it began to disappear. On one research trip, an avalanche broke his leg and dislocated his jaw...
His name is Konrad Steffen, son a Zurich tailor who fell in love with polar ice just as it began to disappear. On one research trip, an avalanche broke his leg and dislocated his jaw...
...but using an aluminum stake as a split and snowmobile for shelter, survived 24 hours.
He became one of the most beloved and respected glaciologists in the world, teaching at U. of Colorado but happiest in Greenland, working gloveless in -25° like an icy Indiana Jones.
He became one of the most beloved and respected glaciologists in the world, teaching at U. of Colorado but happiest in Greenland, working gloveless in -25° like an icy Indiana Jones.
He brought his findings before Congress, explaining how a piece of Antarctica the size of California could melt into the sea with such speed.
And each trip into the field became more dangerous as his famous Swiss Camp repeatedly came apart with the rest of the Arctic
And each trip into the field became more dangerous as his famous Swiss Camp repeatedly came apart with the rest of the Arctic
A few days ago he went to check data in blowing snow. His team later found a man-sized hole in thin ice covering a deep, hidden crevice.
Konrad Steffen died trying to warn the world.
If he's not a heroic first responder, I don't know what is. #RIP
washingtonpost.com/local/obituari…
Konrad Steffen died trying to warn the world.
If he's not a heroic first responder, I don't know what is. #RIP
washingtonpost.com/local/obituari…
