Polarstern Maps 2,200 km of Seismic Profiles Along Lomonosov Ridge

The research icebreaker Polarstern is due to return to its home port of Bremerhaven from its final Arctic expedition of the summer, having mapped around 2,200 kilometres of seismic profiles along the Lomonosov Ridge. The ten-week expedition took around 40 researchers from several nations across the Arctic to the North Pole and the ridge. In total, the ship covered a good 9,000 nautical miles to collect data on the geological past.

 

Details of the Expedition

 

The Polarstern completed an expedition. It was an Arctic voyage. It lasted ten weeks. Around 40 researchers took part. They came from several nations.

The voyage covered vast distances. It spanned 9,000 nautical miles. It reached the North Pole. The Lomonosov Ridge featured. It gathered geological data.

 

The Seismic Mapping

 

The team mapped the ridge. This is an underwater range. It crosses the Arctic Ocean. It rises from deep seabed. It was little studied before.

The team closed a data gap. It measured 2,200 kilometres. These are seismic profiles. They cover a key section. This links earlier studies.

 

The Scientific Value

 

The data has major value. It stretches continuously. It links to a deep borehole. Ages can now be assigned. Reflectors can be traced.

The data informs Earth’s history. It reveals current changes. It links to tectonic shifts. Climatic upheavals feature. It aids future projections.

 

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The Geological Haul

 

The team retrieved rich samples. It collected sediment cores. These span many metres. Special coring devices featured. They brought large volumes.

The cores enable broad analysis. They span glacial cycles. They include warm periods. New methods can be used. These reveal past conditions.

 

The Wider Research

 

The team studied ocean currents. It used many measurements. These crossed the ridge. The ridge affects circulation. Water exchange was examined.

The team serviced other stations. It recovered seismometers. Greenland stations were serviced. These track ice loss. They confirmed land rise.

 

Significance of the Expedition

 

The voyage marked milestones. The ship passed two million miles. It reached the Pole again. This was its ninth visit. It was a special voyage.

The findings matter for Europe. Arctic water drives circulation. This shapes mild winters. The data reveals past change. It informs a warming future.