This week, the Transarctic 2019 expedition was completed in Vladivostok. The comprehensive studies of the Arctic were carried out during the expedition, as reported by the Ministry of Natural Resources of Russia.
The expedition was aimed at building a reliable system of observation and analysis of ongoing operations in the area of the Northeast Passage, as well as geological studying of the shelves and the fulfillment of environmental protection tasks.
Transarctica 2019 has provided basic information for further research. For 2020 scientists have scheduled the North Pole 2020 expedition, which will continue the tradition of exploring the high latitudes of the Arctic.
According to the organizers, preliminary results indicate the success of the expedition and the significant contribution that will be made to polar science and scientific and technical support for the development of the Arctic.
Studies in the Arctic and Far Eastern border seas were carried out during spring-autumn 2019. At each stage, unique studies were carried, which provide the scientists with more information about the state of the natural environment of the Arctic region. The expedition developed forecasting capabilities that could ensure the safety of navigation in the waters of the Northeast Passage and economic activities in the Arctic zone of Russia, taking into account climate change.
The first phase of the Transarctic 2019 expedition (March 20 - May 21) took place in the western part of the Arctic, where the North Pole 2019 seasonal drift station was established. During the work Russian and foreign experts obtained data on the state of the environment in a changing climate. The group of scientists also studied the processes in the atmosphere-ice-ocean system, which are necessary for improving hydrometeorological and ice forecast models. They assessed the impact of climatic changes in the Central Arctic on the natural environment and ecosystem of the Arctic region of Russia.
During the second stage (May 15 - June 14), a comprehensive monitoring program for the condition and pollution of the Barents and Kara Seas at age stacks was completed, and a set of hydrometeorological observations was carried out. Preliminary analysis showed that the water temperature in the Barents Sea increased by 0.5–1.0 ° C compared to the long-term norm.
During the third stage of the Transarctic 2019 expedition (July 16 - August 2), the Floating University was organized. During the voyage, scientists and students conducted research work in the waters of the White and Barents Seas, on the islands of Vaigach and Sosnovets, as well as on the territory of the polar hydrometeorological station MG-2 Beliy Nos (White Nose).
In addition to field work, the scientists held lectures, seminars, and practical classes. Particular attention was paid to the development of environmental research methods.
The fourth stage - the longest (July 25 - October 23) - was devoted to the resetting of regular comprehensive monitoring of the condition and environmental pollution of the border Arctic seas of Russia from the Barents to Okhotsk seas. Complex work was carried out in the field of oceanography, meteorology, hydrobiology, geochemistry, ecology.
For the first time in such a vast water body scientists took samples to assess the contamination of water with microplastics, the accumulation of which is considered one of the most challenging problems nowadays.
Drifting buoys were installed in various areas to transmit real-time weather information. Scientists intend to develop initiatives for the regular installation of buoys in the Arctic.
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