Under the auspices of the Presidency, the auspices of the Ministry of Industry and Technology and the coordination of the TÜBİTAK MAM Polar Research Institute 9th National Antarctic Scientific Expedition, was completed after a challenging journey of 34 days. The 20-person team of scientists carried out important studies that will contribute to the international scientific world.
The Challenging Journey and Transportation to the Science Base
The team departed from Istanbul Airport on February 6 and completed a total of A journey that lasts 60 hours after it reached Antarctica. Scientists, On Horseshoe Island after completing their research Maintenance and repair work of the Global Positioning Satellite System (GNSS) station on Dismal Island Realized.
However, the return process was quite arduous. Storm, heavy waves and snowfall Before leaving King George Island, the team He had to wait a month for the weather to improve on the Chilean-flagged Betanzos shipDuring this period, scientists continued their work such as preserving the collected samples and preparing them for analysis.
19 Different Scientific Projects Implemented
Horseshoe Island, where Türkiye's scientific research camp is located, will have a great impact on the international scientific community 19 projects These projects were carried out National Polar Science Strategy Within the framework of five main headings gathered under:
- Global Climate Change
- Ecosystems Under Threat
- Anthropogenic (Human-Related) Impacts and Social Systems
- Looking from the Past to the Future
- Looking into Space
Within the scope of studies New bathymetry maps were produced, data were collected from geodetic stations, space observations were made, environmental pollution was analyzed, meteorological measurements were carried out and detailed research was done on aquatic ecosystems..
Türkiye's Contribution to Science Diplomacy
Minister of Industry and Technology Mehmet Fatih Kacır, the scientific committee climate change, polar ecosystem, earth sciences, life sciences and near space-atmospheric sciences He stated that he obtained important data in critical areas such as: This expedition, which made a great contribution to Türkiye's science diplomacy, also strengthened international collaborations. He stressed.
Expedition coordinator Prof. Dr. Burcu Ozsoy, Drawing attention to the seriousness of the melting of glaciers in Antarctica, once again revealed the importance of research. Özsoy stated that the polar research that has been going on for 9 years has gained an important place in the scientific world.
High School Students Took Part in the Expedition for the First Time
One of the highlights of this year's expedition It was the first time that high school students took part.. Three students who won the TÜBİTAK Polar Research Competition had the chance to participate in research with scientists in Antarctica. After winning an award at TEKNOFEST, the students had the opportunity to test their projects in Antarctica.
New Discoveries with Geological and Space Observations
Another important aspect of the expedition was, geology and space exploration It was. Prof. Dr. Hasan Hakan Yavasoglu, newly established The near space observation station offers the opportunity to observe the magnetic field changes in the world from the southernmost points stated.
Most of the geological research was concentrated on Deception Island. Here, an active volcanic structure and magmatic activity were examined. Ayrıca, Tectonic, volcanic and glacial movements of this region located in the South Shetland Islands north of Antarctica was observed in detail.
Studies on Climate Change and Glacial Melting
Scientists in Antarctica glacial melting has reached serious levels observed. GNSS measurements and seismometer data, the continent recorded changes in sea level and movements of glaciers. Prof. Dr. Yavaşoğlu, These data will make a great contribution to global climate change studies. He stressed.
Positioned around Türkiye's science camp recording devices will provide visual and data analysis for three yearsIn this way, long-term studies on glacial changes can be made.
Türkiye's Scientific Future in Antarctica
9th National Antarctic Scientific Expedition, It showed that Türkiye has started to gain a strong place in the field of polar sciences at the global level.. As a result of the expedition More than 250 scientific articles and researches have been published, which proved the contribution of Turkish scientists to the field.
In the coming years, More comprehensive scientific projects and the establishment of new stations are targeted.. Türkiye, It aims to take on a stronger role in the international arena on issues such as climate change, polar ecosystems and space observations..
This time, not only to the world of science, but also It was also a big step in terms of Türkiye's science diplomacy and international prestige.. In the coming years, It is anticipated that more Turkish scientists will continue their research in Antarctica.
Turkey's 9th National Antarctic Scientific Expedition, completed with great scientific achievements despite the harsh natural conditions. Thanks to this time Important findings were obtained on climate change, geology, biology, space observations and aquatic ecosystems.. Also, Türkiye has become a more effective actor in the international scientific community.
This type of research, In addition to raising awareness about the global climate crisis, it will continue to open new doors in Türkiye's scientific and technological development..
