While glaciers can preserve soft tissue, they are not as effective as cryogenic freezing. This explains why Ötzi, and frozen WWI soldiers found in 2017, still showed signs of decomposition and dehydration.
The Future of Glacial Revelations
Naseeruddin’s fate is tragically common among high-altitude explorers. Last year, National Geographic reported the partial recovery of mountaineer Sandy Irvine, missing on Everest since 1924. Cleanup operations on the peak often uncover bodies long hidden beneath the snow and ice.
With glaciers retreating worldwide, more such discoveries—both archaeological treasures and sobering reminders of human loss—are likely in the coming years.
