Türkiye Launches Fifth Arctic Scientific Research Expedition

(MENAFN) Türkiye has officially commenced its fifth National Arctic Scientific Research Expedition, featuring a team of 12 researchers engaged in 19 different studies in the Arctic Ocean.

This marks a significant step forward in the nation’s expanding polar exploration initiatives.

The mission is organized under the authority of the Turkish Presidency and is directed by the Ministry of Industry and Technology, working closely with the Scientific and Technological Research Council of Türkiye (TUBITAK) MAM Polar Research Institute.

The research group began their journey from Istanbul, making stops in Oslo and Tromso before arriving in Longyearbyen, located in Svalbard at 78 degrees north latitude. Scientific investigations have now started at this high-latitude site.

Industry and Technology Minister Mehmet Fatih Kacir shared the news of the expedition’s commencement on the social media platform X, following the earlier successful conclusion of Türkiye’s ninth National Antarctic Science Expedition this year.

According to Kacir, the scientists will gather seawater and sediment samples, study microplastics present on the ocean surface, and monitor atmospheric patterns using GNSS and meteorological instruments.

“The traces of climate change will be tracked in the polar regions,” he emphasized.

Additionally, the minister underscored the involvement of three high school students, winners of Türkiye’s TEKNOFEST technology contest.

These students will have the opportunity to test their innovations in Arctic conditions and contribute meaningfully to the expedition’s scientific objectives.

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