Araon Sets Sail for 15th Arctic Expedition to Study Climate Change
The Korea Polar Research Institute (KOPRI) has announced that the icebreaking research vessel, Araon, will embark on its 15th Arctic voyage, departing from Incheon Port at noon on the 15th. This mission is part of Korea's ongoing efforts to understand the impacts of climate change on the Arctic region.
Mission Focus: Climate Change Impact
The Araon will navigate through the Arctic Bering Sea, the Eastern Siberian Sea, and the Chukchi Sea, returning to Korea in early October. The primary objective of this expedition is to closely examine the changes in Arctic sea ice and their effects on global climate patterns. Sea ice in the Arctic plays a crucial role in maintaining the Earth's temperature by reflecting sunlight. However, due to climate change, the summer sea ice area is shrinking, leading to unusual weather phenomena in mid-latitude regions.
Comprehensive Research Activities
The Araon research team will gather data on the characteristics of sea ice and ocean currents in the rapidly changing Arctic Ocean. This information, combined with satellite data, will help in understanding the spatial changes occurring in the Arctic environment. Additionally, the team will investigate new marine life and previously unreported fisheries resources, which use sea ice as their habitat.
Innovative Research Methods
To study the correlation between marine life's habitat and climate change, the team will deploy underwater hearing devices and deep-sea cameras. They will also explore undersea methane emissions in the central Arctic Ocean, aiming to recover observation equipment installed last year and analyze changes in methane levels over the past year.
International Collaboration
This expedition is a collaborative effort involving the Korea Institute of Ocean Science and Technology, the Korea Astronomy and Space Science Institute, the National Defense Research Institute, the Navy, and the maritime police, along with researchers from Thailand and Germany. This international collaboration enhances the research's depth and scope, allowing for a comprehensive understanding of the Arctic's environmental changes.
Significance of the Araon
Senior researcher Yang Eun-jin highlighted the unique competitiveness of Korea in obtaining long-term data from specific Arctic waters. Hong Jong-guk, another senior researcher, emphasized the importance of securing undersea geological data to understand the Arctic's geophysical environment. Shin Hyung-chul, the head of KOPRI, expressed gratitude for the dedication of the researchers and crew, acknowledging Araon's pivotal role in advancing Korea's Arctic research capabilities.
Built in 2009 with an investment of 108 billion won, Araon is equipped with state-of-the-art facilities necessary for comprehensive geomagnetic, oceanographic, and glaciological research. Capable of breaking 1-meter thick ice at a speed of 3 knots, Araon continues to be a cornerstone of Korea's polar research endeavors.
Conclusion
As Araon embarks on its latest mission, the insights gained from this voyage will significantly contribute to our understanding of climate change and its global impact. The dedicated efforts of the researchers aboard Araon exemplify Korea's commitment to advancing polar science and environmental conservation.
The icebreaking research ship Araon will embark on its 15th Arctic voyage. The Korea Polar Research Institute announced that Araon will depart Incheon Port on the 15th for the Arctic Bering Sea, Eastern Siberian Sea, and Chukchi Sea, returning in early October. The mission focuses on studying the effects of climate change on Arctic sea ice and ocean currents, exploring new marine resources, and investigating undersea methane emissions. Various research institutes and international researchers are participating. Araon, built in 2009, is Korea's first icebreaking research ship.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: What is the Araon? A: The Araon is Korea's first icebreaking research ship, built in 2009, capable of breaking 1-meter thick ice at 3 knots.
Q: What is the purpose of Araon's 15th Arctic voyage? A: The voyage aims to study the effects of climate change on Arctic sea ice, observe ocean currents, explore marine resources, and investigate undersea methane emissions.
Q: Which areas will the Araon study? A: The Araon will study the Arctic Bering Sea, Eastern Siberian Sea, and Chukchi Sea.
Q: What is the significance of studying Arctic sea ice? A: Arctic sea ice helps regulate the Earth's temperature by reflecting sunlight. Its reduction due to climate change affects global climate patterns.
Q: Who is involved in this research expedition? A: The expedition includes researchers from the Korea Polar Research Institute, various Korean scientific institutes, and international researchers from Germany and Thailand.
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