Scientists lost their instruments within Antarctica’s most dangerously unstable glacier, though not before getting a glimpse at the warming waters underneath.

© Chang W. Lee/The New York Times

A team hopes to place instruments in the waters beneath the colossal Thwaites Glacier, with the help of a drill that uses hot water to punch through ice.

© Chang W. Lee/The New York Times

After working and camping for a week on Thwaites Glacier, scientists were ready to start drilling into the ice, if only the weather would let them.

© Chang W. Lee/The New York Times

Low clouds have lifted long enough for helicopters to ferry scientists and their gear to a fast-melting glacier on the edge of Antarctica.

© Chang W. Lee/The New York Times