An expedition titled "Floating University" has set off from Arkhangelsk, organized by the Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology (MIPT) and the Institute of Oceanology (IO) of the Russian Academy of Sciences (RAS). The specialists are heading to the Arctic aboard the research vessel "Professor Molchanov," operated by Rosgidromet. The expedition will conclude in over a month with a landing in Tiksi, Yakutia, as reported on the MIPT website.
"During the expedition, six scientific teams will conduct research on water masses on the shelf and continental slope of the Russian Arctic seas," the announcement states.
The expedition includes 20 scientists, along with 26 students and graduate students participating in the All-Russian "Floating University" program, who are studying natural sciences in various regions of Russia.
Joint expeditions by MIPT and the Institute of Oceanology have been occurring for several years, uniting scientists from different organizations for collaborative scientific discoveries and training the next generation of oceanologists.
"Year after year, these expeditions not only validate scientific hypotheses from previous years but also uncover new research directions," said Alexander Osadchiev, head of the expedition's scientific work, head of the Arctic Oceanology laboratory at MIPT, and leading researcher at the IO RAS.
He noted that the geography of this year's expedition will significantly expand eastward, with plans to work on the continental slope in the Kara Sea and the Laptev Sea.
"This will allow us to take measurements in a region where climate change is particularly pronounced, and expeditions are rare due to nearly year-round ice cover. However, this year, we are hopeful that the ice will retreat, enabling us to work effectively," Osadchiev said.
According to Rosgidromet's website, the expedition participants will also receive assistance from specialists in the hydrometeorology department of the Northern USMA. "As the ship's scientific assistant, Mikhail Shunin, explained, we plan to measure vertical profiles of temperature, salinity, and bio-optical characteristics from the surface to the seabed using hydrological probes, collect water samples, sediment samples, and conduct other research," the Rosgidromet report stated.
Participants discussed the boundary between nature and ecotourism, whether mass visits to unique areas can remain safe, the responsibilities of investors, and how to prepare tourists for visiting specially protected natural areas.
The head of state expressed confidence that the Forum will be held at a high level, and that its results will contribute to the development of tourism in Russia and the expansion of humanitarian and business ties.
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