Tara — drifting in the Arctic Ocean
To better understand and protect the oceans, the Tara Ocean Foundation has been taking action for nearly two decades. Its latest project is nothing less than a drifting research station in the Arctic, whose goal will be to gather information about the effects of global warming on marine biodiversity.
Now, 15 years after a first 500-day drift ice expedition with the sailing ship Tara, another expedition is to be launched to explore the Arctic and the problems caused by climate change. To this end, a new platform is being commissioned and should be operational within the next two years.
In a press release dated 5 April, the Tara Ocean Foundation unveiled its new project. It comprises a new drifting polar research base. The Tara Polar Station aims to better understand the effects of global warming on marine biodiversity, as well as the adaptive capacity of endemic species.
The drifting polar station Tara, designed by architect Olivier Petit, will be available to scientists from around the world on several drift missions through 2045. The polar base is designed to accommodate an international crew of 12 to 20 people for missions of 18 consecutive months.
The plan is for scientists at the Tara polar station to conduct observations and experiments on site, including during the polar night in winter, at temperatures between -20° and -45° Celsius.
A multidisciplinary project
“This ice-covered and hard-to-reach ocean at the edge of the world remains a mystery to science and especially to biologists. Many missions have been successful there in the summer, but few have taken the time to go there all year to take an interest in the biodiversity it harbours. Thanks to the enormous support of the French government, we have the ambition to expand the frontiers of Arctic polar research over the next three decades,” Romain Troublé, the director-general of the Tara Océan Foundation, said in a press release.
Broad support for the project
On the occasion of the presentation of the French polar strategy, the French state thus confirmed its “immediate public financial support” within the framework of the future investment plan for the construction of the Tara polar station. The regions of Brittany and Normandy are also among the partners in this project, which is supported by Dr Frederik Paulsen, the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation and Explorations de Monaco, and several companies, including Capgemini Engineering, Véolia Foundation, BNP Paribas, Bureau Veritas and Agnès Troublé.
Heiner Kubny, PolarJournal
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