Eleri’s grandmother gifts her a carved compass, sending Eleri and her friend Sorin on a trek to Cloudspine Peak. Under Dr. Kavi’s guidance, they record temperature, wind speed, and air pressure across elevation bands, revealing how alpine ecosystems shift from lush meadows to stunted summit growth. Sorin uncovers volcanic secrets in ancient rock strata while Eleri documents mountain goats and snowbell flowers adapting to thin air. When a sudden storm looms, they learn to interpret cloud formations and barometric changes for safe travel. Back at base camp, they synthesize findings into a biodiversity and climate gradient, advocating protection of peaks.
