Under Antarctica — A Kite-Ski Science Expedition to Map Ice-Sheet Dynamics

Starting in November 2025, French glaciologist Heidi Sevestre and explorer Matthieu Tordeur will undertake a 3 month unprecedented kite-ski crossing of Antarctica, to do a radar mapping of the ice cover. They will tow 2 ground-penetrating radars to map both old and young ice layers to better predict Antarctica’s future contribution to sea level rise and to support climate change modelling.  The radars will also detect crevasses, englacial lakes, subglacial topography and snow accumulation—a treasure trove of data. 

Heidi and Matthieu will cover more than 3,600 kilometers, relying on innovative and environmentally friendly kite-skiing for transport. 

Through this one-of-a-kind expedition they will provide critical insights into Earth's climate system—knowledge essential for developing effective strategies to protect biodiversity, mitigate climate change, and adapt to its global impacts. 

For more info about the expedition: Under Antarctica Expedition