A high-tech floating research laboratory named the Tara Polar Station has begun its voyage from the French port of Lorient to study the Arctic Ocean, as scientists seek clearer answers on why the region is heating up so quickly.
The Arctic, known for year-round ice and extreme winter cold, is now gripped by climate change and is warming three to four times faster than many other parts of the planet, according to the report. The mission aims to investigate the drivers behind this accelerated warming.
Designed to withstand intense pressure from sea ice and temperatures as low as -52°C, the aluminium-built station resembles a large igloo-like structure and buoy. It will drift in the polar region for about 350 to 500 days, conducting continuous observations.
A special vertical shaft in the base will allow instruments to be lowered beneath the ice to depths of up to 6,000 feet, enabling researchers to gather more than 10,000 samples. The current expedition includes 12 members, including six scientists, who are expected to face five months of polar night without sunlight.
The project is funded by France and brings together 40 scientific groups and 30 research centres from more than 12 countries, including Germany, Canada and the United States. A Lapponian Herder dog is also on board to help detect and warn the team if polar bears approach.
