Editors Note: Scientists from The University of Texas at Austin and research partners are in Greenland conducting the first ever robotic exploration of its glaciers from underwater. Led by Ginny Catania, a research professor at the University of Texas Institute for Geophysics and UT Jackson School of Geosciences, the expedition hopes to learn the role of sediment walls — known as moraines — in bolstering glaciers and holding back sea level rise. UTIG science writer Constantino Panagopulos joined the team to document the work and tell the story.

The CTD is a package of electronic instruments that measure conductivity, temperature, and depth. Researchers take these measurements at regular intervals to track changes in ocean conditions as they near the glacier and calibrate their instruments to adjust for those changes.

Scientists from The University of Texas at Austin and research partners are in Greenland conducting the first ever underwater robotic exploration of large glaciers.

Learn more about the mission at TERMINUS: Studying Greenland’s Underwater Glacial Walls