The Third Arctic Scientific Research Expedition, under the auspices of the Presidency and the Ministry of Industry and Technology, and coordinated by TÜBİTAK MAM Polar Research Institute, has set sail to explore the Arctic. This year's expedition marks an international collaboration, with scientists from Brazil, Czech Republic, and Norway joining the team.
A Global Effort in Arctic Research
Industry and Technology Minister Mehmet Fatih Kacır said “The participation of scientists from Brazil, Czech Republic, and Norway has transformed the Third Arctic Scientific Research Expedition into an international endeavor. The team, consisting of 9 Turkish and 3 foreign scientists, will focus on 14 different scientific projects during the expedition.”
Kacır emphasized that one significant addition to this year's expedition is the inclusion of a young participant, a high school student. The student, who won the 2204-D High School Students Climate Change Research Projects Competition organized by TÜBİTAK BİDEB and was announced as the winner in the Water category at TEKNOFEST, will contribute by implementing a national technology to clean up oil spills using an absorbent material made from natural resources.
The Necessity of Polar Research
The President of TÜBİTAK, Prof. Dr. Hasan Mandal, emphasized the importance of addressing polar regions in relation to climate change. As a signatory to the Paris Climate Agreement and with a vision for 2053, Türkiye recognizes the significance of climate issues in terms of food security, health, and energy supply. The exploration of polar regions has become a necessity due to the increasing impact of climate change. The data collected from the Arctic region will provide valuable insights into these global challenges.
Unprecedented Developments in This Year's Expedition
Prof. Dr. Burcu Özsoy, Director of TÜBİTAK KARE Institute and coordinator of the scientific expedition, highlighted the significant developments in this year's project. The expedition will be joined by the Turkish General Directorate of Meteorology and the Directorate of Navigation, Hydrography, and Oceanography, as well as international scientists. The National Arctic Science Expedition will also host researchers from around the world.
Scientists from the Czech Republic will study how species living in cold climates are affected by climate change, while the Brazilian scientist will focus on the effects of climate change on phytoplankton. During the expedition, samples will be collected from the Arctic Ocean, which will then be analyzed in laboratories. The Norwegian scientist will investigate the impact of new sea routes on maritime activities and examine the current state of these routes.
The Decline of Sea Ice
The expedition is planned to last 30 days aboard the research vessel. Due to the region's location, there will be 24 hours of daylight, allowing for more sampling opportunities. Reflecting on the previous two expeditions, Prof. Dr. Özsoy noted that unlike Antarctica, which has a continental landmass, the Arctic region consists mainly of ocean. Therefore, the focus of research in the Arctic lies in atmospheric and physical sciences, as well as marine, biological and social sciences. The expedition aims to study the impact of climate change on ecosystems, observe the sea ice in the Arctic, collect meteorological data, and examine the marine ecosystem. The expedition aims to study the impact of climate change on ecosystems, observe the sea ice in the Arctic, collect meteorological data, and examine the marine ecosystem.
During the previous expeditions, significant research was conducted on these topics. The current expedition will build upon this previous work by collecting additional samples and gaining a deeper understanding of the changes occurring in the region. The team's progress clearly demonstrates the decline of sea ice, as they were able to reach the 80 degrees North on the first expedition and the 81 degrees North on the second. The current expedition is expected to reach as far as the 82 and 83 degrees North, indicating a substantial decrease in sea ice.
The Journey Begins
After completing passport procedures at the VIP terminal of Istanbul Airport, the research team embarked on their journey to Tromso, making Oslo their first stop. From there, they will proceed to explore the Arctic region, conducting vital scientific research that contributes to our understanding of climate change and its impact on the fragile ecosystems of the polar region.
05.07.2023