A staff of Turkish scientists returned to Türkiye after a profitable monthlong journey as a part of the third National Arctic Scientific Expedition.
Conducted aboard the Norwegian-flagged analysis vessel PolarXplorer, the 11-member staff, underneath the auspices of the Presidency and Ministry of Industry and Technology and the coordination of the Scientific and Technological Research Council of Türkiye – Marmara Research Center (TÜBITAK MAM) carried out intensive scientific actions at 28 completely different station factors within the Arctic area.
The expedition crew carried out scientific analysis in fields together with adaptation of ecosystems within the Arctic Ocean, phytoplankton samplings, identification of marine pollution, monitoring of bodily parameters of seawater, observations of atmospheric air pollution within the marine setting comparable to microplastics, meteorological observations, environmental impacts and seasonal assessments of recent commerce routes, observations of sea ice, and monitoring of marine mammals.
Captain Özgün Oktar, the expedition chief, emphasised the importance of the polar areas for scientists, as they provide precious insights into local weather change and its impression on the ecosystem.
The staff skilled a record-breaking scorching July throughout the expedition, highlighting the results of worldwide warming within the Arctic area.
“When we look at the world averages, the month of July, in which we completed our expedition, went down in history as the hottest month in the world. We also experience this temperature in the Arctic region. We are in the moment when the air temperature is about 10 degrees at 78 degrees north latitude. This, of course, says a lot in terms of the environment and climate change. With this warming, we can see that the glaciers melt, disappear, and merge into the sea over time,” Oktar mentioned.
During one of many samplings on the eleventh station level, situated at 80.1 levels latitude, the staff needed to pause their work briefly when two polar bears approached their analysis vessel.
Polar bears have been more and more drawn to the human presence because of local weather change, as rising temperatures and melting sea ice have an effect on their habitat and meals sources.
The encounter with the polar bears evoked blended emotions within the staff, underscoring the pressing want to know and mitigate the results of local weather change on these threatened species.
“Their close approach to our vessel scared us. We all went out on the bridge, taking into consideration safety as we observed the behavior of bears afterward. They came close to the lowest part of the vessel, and we were expecting they would make a move on the boat. However, most likely, the exhaust smell scared them off and they moved farther away,” Oktar mentioned.
Recalling that they survive looking monk seals, Oktar underscored the risk the polar bears face: “By 2030, maybe there can be no sea ice left in the summertime season, which means the polar bears’ feeding grounds can be misplaced.”
In addition to scientific analysis, the expedition examined a undertaking designed by the winner of the TÜBITAK BIDEB 2204-D High School Students Climate Change Research Projects competitors – the undertaking aimed to unravel ocean floor air pollution attributable to spilled oil.
Burcu Özsoy, the coordinator of the scientific expedition, cited the undertaking as precious when it comes to engaged on pollution-related applied sciences that are always open to developments.
“One of the biggest risks in shipping is oil pollution spreading to the sea and ocean surface. Today, efficient technology and methods have not been reached yet. In this sense, the work of our student is a very serious and positive project for us,” she famous.
The analysis staff additionally visited a number of worldwide analysis stations throughout their expedition, fostering collaborations and data sharing amongst scientists from completely different international locations.
The third National Arctic Scientific Research Expedition efficiently completed its scientific aims, shedding mild on essential environmental points associated to the Arctic area and its impression on international local weather patterns.
The researchers hope that by understanding the causes of local weather change, humanity can take efficient measures to cut back its impression on the delicate Arctic ecosystem, together with the endangered polar bears.
Source: www.dailysabah.com
