The Polarstern Expedition PS93.2

The expedition will also be used to accomplish installations for the HGF infrastructure project FRAM (Frontiers in Arctic marine Monitoring). The FRAM Ocean Observing System aims at permanent presence at sea, from surface to depth, for the provision of near real-time data on Earth system dynamics, climate variability and ecosystem change. It serves national and international tasks towards a better understanding of the effects of change in ocean circulation, water mass properties and sea-ice retreat on Arctic marine ecosystems and their main functions and services. FRAM implements existing and next-generation sensors and observatory platforms, allowing synchronous observation of relevant ocean variables as well as the study of physical, chemical and biological processes in the ocean. Experimental and event-triggered platforms complement the observational platforms. Products of the infrastructure are continuous long-term data with appropriate resolution in space and time, as well as ground truthing information for ocean models and remote sensing. Within the framework of a ‘Trans-National Access’ (TNA) initiative of the European project FixO³ (Fixed-point Open Ocean Observatories), the expedition will provide access to the FRAM Ocean Observing System thereby supporting external and joint scientific projects logistically.

During the technically and logistically very challenging expedition we will operate a deep-diving Work-Class Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV) as well as an Autonomous Underwater Vehicle (AUV) and different autonomous Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs). The cruise will end on 15 August 2015, again in Tromsø (Norway).