Türkiye’s 4th Arctic research expedition team arrives in Tromso

Under the auspices of the Presidency, the Fourth Arctic Scientific Research Expedition, organized by the Ministry of Industry and Technology and coordinated by TUBITAK MAM Polar Research Institute, has reached Norway’s Tromso.

The team will begin their expedition at 71 degrees north latitude after starting their journey from Istanbul.

Expedition details

Research team

The expedition team, comprising 11 scientists, embarked on the Norwegian-flagged Polar Xplorer, a 62-meter vessel, in Tromso. Over approximately one month, they will conduct scientific sampling and studies at 24 different locations in the Arctic Ocean for 16 projects.

Research focus

This year, the scientists will particularly focus on investigating the causes and effects of global climate change, conducting evaluations and sampling in marine areas where rapid changes are observed.

They will also replicate the marine sampling performed during the 8th National Antarctic Science Expedition to compare and contrast the similarities and differences between the Arctic and Antarctic regions.

Besides marine sciences, the expedition will include research in atmospheric sciences, physical sciences and biological sciences.

Statements from expedition leaders

Professor Burcu Ozsoy, Coordinator of the 4th National Arctic Scientific Research Expedition

Professor Ozsoy, in a statement to the Anadolu Agency (AA) before the expedition, emphasized the increasing scientific endeavors in the region with new projects each year. She highlighted Türkiye’s contributions to the global scientific literature by developing climate change projections and investigating human impacts on polar regions.

“We have begun experiencing the 1.5-degree warming scenario projected by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC). Our work will help us better understand these impacts in the Arctic,” she stated.

Professor Ersan Basar, Leader of 4th National Arctic Scientific Research Expedition

Professor Basar shared that the team, comprising 11 scientists, has joined the ship in Tromso.

“This year, we have 16 marine science projects. We also have scientists from Bulgaria and Chile participating in the expedition,” he noted.

He mentioned that the expedition would last about a month, concluding in Longyearbyen in the Svalbard archipelago, from where the team would fly back to Türkiye.

“Throughout the expedition, we will conduct various marine science projects, collect data and samples, and analyze them in laboratories,” he added.

Bilateral research projects

Professor Basar emphasized Türkiye’s annual scientific expeditions to both the Arctic and Antarctic, noting the bilateral nature of some projects.

“Scientists conduct certain projects in both the Arctic and Antarctic simultaneously, enabling us to observe changes in the polar regions more effectively. Some of our space research projects are also conducted in Antarctica. We carry out scientific projects in space, the southern, and northern polar regions,” he explained.

Pre-expedition training

Onboard training

Before setting sail, the research team received onboard training for the Polar Xplorer, which will be their workspace and living area for the next month.

Importance of training

Dogac Baybars Isiler, Deputy Leader of the Fourth National Arctic Scientific Research Expedition, highlighted the importance of the training: “We provide survival training at sea. Before starting the voyage, all participants must be prepared for ship and sea conditions and be familiar with safety protocols.”

“This includes immersion suit training to ensure that all participants can effectively apply safety measures if necessary,” he stated.