In 1910, Commander Robert Falcon Scott’s Antarctic expedition had a goal beyond just reaching the South Pole – it was also meant to be a scientific research mission. Scott took a group of scientists with him who collected various species of birds, insects, plant samples, and penguin eggs during the expedition. Although they didn’t make it back alive after reaching the summit, Scott and his two companions managed to bring back a 30-pound rock sample on a sledge.
There is a history of research being associated with expeditions to remote places. However, with the commercialization of mountaineering and expeditions, the focus on scientific research declined. But now, Burdwan University which is located in India is partnering with mountaineer Satyarup Siddhant on his volcano expedition to Africa. The expedition will collect samples and data without harming the environment, which will be useful for research. The university authorities have announced their support for this campaign.
On February 3, Satyarup and Saptashringa, who has already conquered seven volcanoes, will embark on an expedition to Arta Ale volcano (2011 feet) and Danakil low pressure (depression, created by the deviation of three tectonic plates) in Ethiopia, Africa, with Manas Saha and Swapan Ghosh. The university authorities have announced their support for this campaign, and students from various fields of study can benefit from the collected samples and data.
According to Rajeev Banerjee, head of the department of botany of the university, Satyarup will collect samples of soil, hot spring water, plants, rocks, and frozen lava. The samples will be useful for researchers in microbiology, botany, geography, chemistry, zoology, and geology, and may open up new avenues of research. The data collected can provide insights into the chemical composition of the volcano and the mineral ore found in the sample test.
This is the first time Satyarup will see molten lava, even after reaching the highest volcano of seven continents. He is excited to pursue scientific research during his expedition and wants to start a trend of scientific research in mountaineering expeditions from Bengal. Satyarup has received equipment and kits for collecting samples, and the process of obtaining permission to bring back the samples is underway.