Polarstern Sets Sail for the Arctic

In addition, the expedition will be used to set up further installations as part of the FRAM (FRontiers in Arctic marine Monitoring) Ocean Observing System. FRAM will make continuous investigations from the ocean’s surface to the deep sea possible and provide timely data on Earth system dynamics, and on changes in the climate and ecosystems. “The data from the observing system will contribute to a better understanding of changes in ocean circulation, the characteristics of the water masses, and sea-ice retreat, as well as their impact on the Arctic’s marine ecosystem,” says Soltwedel. To this end, the team will employ not only an autonomous unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), but also various autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs) that operate in the water column as well as on the ocean floor (benthic crawler). Moreover, the researchers will investigate the inputs of plastic waste into the ocean. To do so, they will monitor vertical flows of plastics from the surface to the ocean floor and the interactions between plastics and marine organisms.

The team of over 50 participating scientists and the more than 40 crewmembers spent two weeks in strict quarantine at a Bremerhaven hotel. After three negative corona PCR tests, the green light will be given for the start of the expedition. Polarstern is expected back in its home port of Bremerhaven on 28 June.