The 4th National Arctic Scientific Research Expedition team, carried out under the auspices of the Presidency, under the responsibility of the Ministry of Industry and Technology and under the coordination of TÜBİTAK MAM Polar Research Institute, reached the sea ice boundary with a changed route 71 degrees north latitude to the North Pole.
The 4th National Arctic Research Expedition is carried out under the auspices of the Presidency, under the responsibility of the Ministry of Industry and Technology and under the coordination of TÜBİTAK MAM Polar Research Institute.
This year, the expedition's 11-member scientific team, whose goal is to provide clear data on the rapid consequences of global climate change, has completed its journey, which they have been continuing for days in difficult conditions in the Barents Sea, in the Arctic Ocean, by approaching the sea ice limit, which can be seen at 81 degrees north latitude.
“Many studies are being conducted, especially in the field of marine sciences.”
Leader of the 4th National Arctic Research Expedition, Prof. Ersan Başar explained that they had to fight very large waves for four days during the difficult cruise they started from Tromsø and said:
“We continued our scientific investigations at all the stops on our route and took samples. A lot of research is being done, especially in the field of marine sciences. Then we reached temperatures above 80 degrees. Here we encountered very dense sea ice, especially in the sea.” “We also took our samples in this sea ice. Unfortunately, our plan to go west had to be postponed a bit. We then headed south, cross the southern part of the island and go north again.”
Studies were conducted at new sampling sites in Nordaustlandet and the surrounding area
The Brasvallbreen glacier is considered one of the most important places in the Arctic for documenting temperature changes. The science team also conducted studies at new sampling sites on the Brasvallbreen glacier on Nordaustlandet, which had to be routed differently.
Prof. Başar said: “We are taking our samples with our scientists in front of the glacier. Because we are in front of one of the points in the world where glaciers are melting intensively due to global climate change,” he said.
“We have completed half of our expedition”
Başar explained that the route of the expedition, which was followed by the current sea ice satellite data from the Norwegian Meteorological Institute, was changed by sea ice movements: “Despite the very strong wind and weather conditions, the same weather changed yesterday and the sun came out. When the sun shone, the storm seemed to be over, and we encountered a very calm environment.” This calm environment not only boosted our morale, I think it also boosted the morale of the livestock in the region. That was the first time we saw polar bears together, and it was one of our beautiful memories. The weather today is not a bit worse than yesterday, but there was still a wave of Arctic snowfall and storms, he said.
Pointing out that the sea conditions in studies in the Arctic region are very binding and that these conditions need to be adjusted, Başar said:
“You are constantly rocking on the ship. The environmental conditions affect us a lot during sampling due to the effects of wind, waves and current. The sea water has now reached zero degrees. Your hands and feet get very cold because you are constantly working with water.” “It is also very important that the team is ready for this, especially mentally and physically.” In other words, our team is in very good shape and we are carrying out all the planned sampling. To date, we have completed half of them. I expect that we will do good sampling at our arrival stations.
The science team plans to complete its studies in the Arctic Ocean as part of the 4th National Arctic Scientific Research Expedition in the coming weeks.
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