Advanced Chemistry Students from EVAU (Siegen) Visit the Glacier Laboratory

On Wednesday, an advanced chemistry class from the Evangelisches Gymnasium Siegen was invited to the GlacierXperience, with a focus on chemistry. The students explored “Acid Rock Drainage,” examining how the mineral pyrite (also known as fool’s gold) partially dissolves in water, causing acidification. Using a spectrophotometer, they also demonstrated how heavy metals like copper can dissolve in glacier water. Additionally, they analyzed cryoconite—the black “dust particles” on glaciers—by separating and heating it to determine its organic and inorganic components.