The 11-person scientific team on the expedition, which aims to provide clear data on the rapid consequences of global climate change this year, has reached the sea ice line at 81 degrees north latitude, halfway through their journey, which they have been continuing for days in difficult conditions in the Barents Sea in the Arctic Ocean.
4th National Arctic Scientific Research Expedition Leader Prof. Ersan Başar stated that they had to struggle with very large waves for 4 days during the difficult ship voyage they started from Tromso, Norway, and said the following:
“We continued our scientific studies at all the stations on our route and took samples. Many studies are being conducted especially in the field of marine sciences. Later, we exceeded 80 degrees. Here, we encountered very dense sea ice, especially in sea ice, it is very difficult for the ship to navigate, and we had a hard time because of these. However, we also took samples in this sea ice. Unfortunately, our plan to go west had to be postponed a bit. We planned to go south, pass through the southern part of the island and go north again.”
STUDIES
The Brasvallbreen glacier is considered one of the most important places in the Arctic to document temperature change. The scientific team also carried out new sampling points on the Brasvallbreen glacier on Nordaustlandet, which they had to change their route.
Explaining that the Brasvallbreen glacier mass is one of the glaciers in the world where melting is very intense and that scientists are particularly focused on this region, Prof. Başar said, “We are taking our samples in front of the glacier together with our scientists. Because we are in front of one of the points where glaciers are melting intensively due to global climate change in the world.”
Başar, who stated that the route of the expedition, which was followed with the current sea ice satellite data of the Norwegian Meteorological Institute, was reshaped by the sea ice movements, said, “Despite the very heavy wind and weather conditions, the same weather changed yesterday and the sun came out. With the sun, the storm seemed to end, we encountered a very calm environment. This calm environment did not only boost our morale, I think it also boosted the morale of the animals in the region. It was the first time we saw such a large number of polar bears together. This was also one of our beautiful memories. The weather is not a bit worse today compared to yesterday, but we still encounter waves, winds and rain in the Arctic, sometimes snowfall and storms.”
Başar, drawing attention to the fact that sea conditions are very binding in the work carried out in the Arctic region and that it is necessary to adapt to these conditions, said the following:
“You are constantly swaying on the ship. Environmental conditions affect us a lot when sampling due to wind, waves and currents. The sea water is currently at zero degrees. Since you are constantly working with water, your hands and feet get very cold. It is also very important for the team to be ready for this. Our team is in a very good state, especially mentally and physically, and we are carrying out all the sampling we planned. As of today, we have completed half of our voyage. I think we will continue to conduct good sampling at our incoming stations.”
The scientific team plans to complete their work in the Arctic Ocean as part of the 4th National Arctic Scientific Research expedition in the coming weeks.
