A floating research station shaped like an aluminium igloo set sail from Lorient, France, to begin a multi-year expedition drifting with Arctic ice to study biodiversity and climate change. The vessel, designed to withstand extreme cold and ice pressure, will involve researchers from 30 centers across 12 countries and is expected to drift from the Russian coast to the Fram Strait by 2027.
The Tara Polar Station departs Lorient, France, for a long-term Arctic mission studying biodiversity and climate change while drifting with the polar ice. — AFP pic!
Plus, enjoy an additional FREE RM10 when you sign up using code VERSAMM10 with a min. cash-in of RM100 today. T&Cs apply. LORIENT, July 20 — A floating research station resembling a giant aluminium igloo on Sunday set out from France to begin a long-term mission in the Arctic that will see it drift with the polar ice in the most hostile of environments.
The Tara Polar Station’s specific shape enables it to withstand ice pressure and drift for months on end in a controlled fashion with the pack ice to explore biodiversity and the impact of climate change. While the vessel was built in France, some 30 research centres from 12 countries — including Germany, Canada, Spain, the US, Switzerland, and Japan — are participating in the expedition.
“The Arctic is an ocean that has been little studied and is already changing significantly. It is undergoing a major transformation,” said Romain Trouble, executive director of the Tara Ocean Foundation. The vessel sailed from France’s western port of Lorient with French Minister for the Sea Catherine Chabaud in attendance and hundreds of people cheering on the quayside.
The floating laboratory — shaped like an igloo perched on a large buoy — is designed to withstand sea-ice pressure and endure temperatures as low as -52C. Starting in mid-August, the station will travel eastward along the Russian coast, with an icebreaker clearing the way. Trapped in the pack ice by early September, the station is expected to drift at an average speed of 10 kilometres per day, eventually reaching the Fram Strait — located between Greenland and Svalbard — by the end of 2027.
‘Lose entire chapter of evolution’ The international crew was carefully selected following medical and psychological aptitude tests and team-building. “We weren’t looking for adventurers who want to head to the North Pole alone. The idea is rather to have people who get along well to experience this confined human environment together,” said Clementine Moulin, the expedition director.
Those staying through the winter will have to contend with five months of not just total darkness, claustrophobia and extreme cold, but also the presence of polar bears.
“Bears are a serious matter,” said Eric Pelletier, a 58-year-old genomics researcher and crew member. “It’s not a simple thing — the bear is on its home turf and it’s used to hunting and hides behind blocks of ice. ” Every crew member has received firearms training to deal with potential attacks while a specially trained dog will accompany the crew to help spot approaching animals.
Using an opening in the hull and a wide array of onboard instruments, scientists will collect over 10,000 samples from the water, the atmosphere, and sea ice.
“There is biodiversity at the North Pole that is uniquely adapted to this environment. If the environment changes, that biodiversity might disappear,” said Trouble.
“We could potentially lose an entire chapter of the evolution of life on this planet without even having had time to document it,” he warned. — AFP ‘All Aboard’ the tabletop gaming train! Gaming convention brings together new and old players for wholesome fun at Paradigm Mall PJ
Please follow us on Google to support usArctic Research Tara Polar Station Climate Change Biodiversity
Malaysia Latest News, Malaysia Headlines
Similar News: You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Pogacar's Dominant Stage Win Puts Him on Brink of Fourth Tour de France TitleTadej Pogacar secured a powerful victory on stage 14 of the Tour de France, extending his overall lead to over four minutes and demonstrating his overwhelming dominance ahead of the final stages.
Read more »
Cycling-Pogacar rides to solo win on Tour de France stage 14 to increase overall leadA Vietnamese-led drug network used Thailand as a transit point to smuggle crystal methamphetamine concealed inside jars of tamarind paste.
Read more »
France and England Meet in World Cup Third-Place Showdown with Rotated LineupsPreview and analysis of the FIFA World Cup 2026 third-place match between France and England, featuring heavily changed lineups from both coaches and Kylian Mbappe's pursuit of the Golden Boot.
Read more »
Soccer-France's Mbappe becomes World Cup's all-time top scorerFor most families, the question of inheritance is straightforward. When parents pass on, their assets are divided among their heirs. Houses are sold, land is split and ownership changes hands.
Read more »