Research vessel freezes into Arctic ice to study climate change

A team of twelve scientists and a dog named Örkki are drifting through the frozen Arctic Ocean aboard the research vessel Tara Polar Station, UN News reported. The 26-metre French research vessel departed Norway in August with the deliberate goal of becoming trapped in floating sea ice for the winter season. [1]

The expedition crew is documenting rapid changes in the polar ecosystem as sea ice retreats and maritime traffic increases, UN News said. The researchers are conducting their work during the winter drift to gather empirical data for climate science. [1]

The Arctic climate is defined by long cold winters and brief cool summers, with winter temperatures frequently dropping below minus 30 degrees Celsius. The Arctic Ocean covers approximately 14 million square kilometers and is surrounded by landmasses including Alaska, Canada, Greenland, Scandinavia, and Siberia. [2][3]