Mosaic expedition. MOSAiC Expedition 2020-01-29

MOSAiC Expedition

Further aspects of the sea ice observation will include determining the mass budget by measuring the depth of snow cover and ice thickness, as well as measuring the diffusion of in the ice, the ice's , and its. The data gathered will be used by scientists around the globe to take climate research to a completely new level. The characterisation of processes in , in the atmospheric , surface layer and surface energy flux will lead to a better understanding of the lower , which interact with the surface in the Arctic. For example, the annual mass budget for and will be monitored, and will be taken on the in seafloor channels. For this purpose, continuous measurements will be taken of fluxes directly below the ocean-ice boundary, to help understand the speeds of the ice and ocean, vertical thermal and momentum flows, diffusion of mass and other key processes. Though Nansen has demonstrated the fundamental feasibility of such an endeavour, the scientific measurements possible in his days were still quite rudimentary.

MOSAiC Expedition

In addition, various types of ice will be monitored throughout the entire annual cycle in order to determine the spatial variability and development of cover in the Arctic over time. To improve our understanding of and aerosol-cloud interactions over the Central Arctic, especially in winter, measurements will be taken on the composition of the particles, their physical properties, their direct and indirect radiation effects, and their interactions with cloud properties. In addition, radar measurements will be used to determine the vertical profile of wind speed and direction as well as key cloud properties, including ice and liquid water content. On 20 September 2019 the ship will depart from the Norwegian port of together with the Akademik Fedorov, proceed east along the , and at roughly 125° East, turn north and begin breaking into the sea ice of the Central Arctic, which will still be feasible at that time of year. These observations will also play an important part in improving these models and developing new ones for and , and for climate projections.

MOSAiC Expedition

Fuel depots set up on islands off the coast of Siberia specifically for the expedition will support potential emergency operations by long range helicopters, which will be able to reach Polarstern in the event of an emergency at least during the early and late phases of the expedition. After a year, the ship will reach the , free herself from the ice, and return to her homeport in by mid-October. After delivering one last load of fuel, at the end of October Akademik Fedorov will return to Tromsø. Consequently, data from the Central Arctic is virtually non-existent, particularly during winter. In addition, extensive operations involving helicopters and other aircraft are planned. Association of Polar Early Career Scientists. Snow trenches and will help the researchers gather this valuable data.

MOSAiC Expedition

A third key element: observing the cycles of biogenic gases like , , and in the , sea ice and , which will contribute to our grasp of the underlying biogeochemical paths. Key t, as well as the kinematic structures of the , will be investigated with the aid of and , and. The findings will contribute to more reliable climate projections for the Arctic and globally, to improved weather forecasts and better Arctic sea ice forecasts. The emphasis will be on characterising snow cover and ice cover, and on arriving at a better understanding of the processes that determine their properties. In total, during the various phases of the expedition, more than 600 people will be working in the Central Arctic. In addition, the and of the mixing layer will be explored in detail. The data gathered will be used by scientists around the globe to take climate and ecosystem research to a completely new level.

MOSAiC Expedition

Hundreds of researchers from 20 countries take part in this exceptional endeavour. Hundreds of researchers from 20 countries take part in this exceptional endeavour. They will improve the preparedness of communities in the Arctic and northern mid-latitudes, provide the scientific basis for the development of policies for a sustainable development of the Arctic and support fact based decision-making in the areas of mitigation of and adaptation to global climate change. Moreover, the deep ocean will be observed in the broader context by creating profiles of the flow speed, temperature, and dissolved oxygen in the top hundred metres of the on a regular basis, so as to better grasp its effects on the upper ocean-ice boundary layer. . The network will consist of both autonomous and remote-controlled instruments, which will be checked at regular intervals using helicopter flights from the central Polarstern, which forms the Central Observatory. Measurements from the water column will shed new light on key mechanisms occurring in the ocean, e.

MOSAiC Expedition

In turn, the models will offer insights into phenomena that are not directly observable. The sea-ice landing strip will also be used for delivering provisions and supplies, and for exchanging staff. One of the greatest challenges will be taking carrying out these measurements consistently throughout the s entire annual cycle, especially at the beginning of the freezing period, so as to monitor the transition from open water to a very thin ice layer. Once she reaches about 85° North, Polarstern will put her engines in neutral and allow herself to become trapped in the sea ice. In order to understand and explain the changes at work in the Arctic , new will be developed, and previous models will be refined, on the basis of the observations and readings taken during the expedition. During its one-year-long journey, the central expedition ship, the from Germany's , will be supported and resupplied by the icebreakers and Russia , Sweden and China.

MOSAiC Expedition

An extensive research camp will then be set up all around the ship on the ice. For the first time a modern research will operate in the direct vicinity of the year round, including the nearly half year long polar night during winter. Readings taken at higher altitudes will provide insights into the characteristics of the middle and upper and the interaction with the stratosphere. They also play an important role in the that binds and potentially exports. His daring voyage showed that it was possible to let a ship drift across the polar cap, from Siberia to the Atlantic, stuck in the thick sea ice and solely driven by the forces of the natural drift of the ice. From this point on, the natural drift will carry Polarstern and its network of research stations across the North Pole region. .

MOSAiC Expedition

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MOSAiC Expedition

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