(Aug. 1) – Share methods and techniques of glaciological research with the Chilean Department of Water involved in the study of glaciers in the Andes and Patagonia. This is the goal of the international project ” Plan de Acción para la Conservación de Glaciares ante el Cambio Climático “, promoted by EvK2Cnr. The EvK2Cnr is a private independent and nonprofit body, that since twenty years carries out research projects in science and technology at high altitude. It is coordinated by Guglielmina Diolaiuti, researcher at the Department of Earth Sciences, University of Milan. The project will help collect data for the construction and implementation of two networks: monitoring of Chilean glaciers and mountain hydrological monitoring. “The project started in mid-December 2011 and will conclude at the end of December this year,” says Dr. Diolaiuti. “Obviously this collaboration can be renewed as it’s getting very interesting from our point of view and very useful and profitable for Chilean partners. ” “This project – says the Milanese researcher – was made possible through funding provided by an international call from the Inter-American Development Bank for scientific advice in the field of Glaciology, to be provided for the Department of Waters of the Chilean government. The EvK2Cnr of Bergamo, that organizes and coordinates observations and monitoring campaigns in remote areas of the planet (Nepal-Himalaya, Karakorum-Pakistan, Africa) and with whom I work as a researcher since ten years, has participated in the call and won the tender.” Dr. Diolaiuti remarks with enthusiasm and satisfaction an important aspect of this research: “The project was scientifically and legally designed by under 40s. Me as a glaciologist, Daniel Bocchiola from the Polytechnic of Milan as a hydrologist and Luca Listo from EvK2Cnr as head of the administrative-managerial part. The project also involved senior researchers but the initiative came from a very young team.” “Among the young people involved – adds Guglielmina Diolaiuti – there is also Michele Citterio, an Italian PhD who works in Denmark since 5 years and he’s an expert in weather stations in extreme conditions.” The glaciological studies in Chile complete the non-polar cryospheric research conducted by the EvK2Cnr, the University of Milan and the Polytechnic of Milan and will broaden the knowledge on the dynamics of glaciers and their response to the climate change. (PO/Gil/Peg)
