Arctic Ocean, 1 September

Over three weeks have now passed on this year’s Oden expedition to the central Arctic Ocean, and we have reached the midpoint – with fewer days left than we have already spent at sea. We are still on "the other side" of the pole, which means a flipped day with the darkest hours in the middle of the day. Soon, however, we will head back towards the area around the pole before starting our journey home. The weather has continued to bring heavy fog and other adverse conditions, which has complicated our work since we have not been able to use the helicopter on the ice as much as planned.

Despite this, we have managed to take additional sediment cores from the seafloor. These several-meter-long samples represent a climate archive that may reach millions of years back in time. We have also collected more water samples from different depths and new ice cores from the sea ice. In addition, we continue to collect surface water samples, launch weather balloons, and monitor the energy exchange between the atmosphere and the ocean.

An important part of this year’s expedition is the research school running in parallel with the scientific work. Much of the research is carried out by PhD students, who also give lectures on various topics. In addition to learning about the ocean, sea ice, and atmosphere, there have been lectures on sediments and biology, seismology, seafloor mapping, and much more. This past week, the students took part in a workshop on UNCLOS – the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea – the international agreement that regulates how the oceans can be used.

Between work and lectures, there is also time for social life: a cinema showing every evening, a ping-pong tournament, and even salsa dance lessons on two occasions. And tonight – the traditional crayfish party!

Text by: Michael Tjernström, ECS-program Coordinator