The expedition is contributing to two scientific programs, both of which are directly related to climate change research. Along the way to the North Pole, the expedition will deploy specially developed meteorological buoys that record ice movement, the temperature, and barometric pressure. After setting out the buoys in different locations their data will be automatically retrieved via satellite connections over a period of at least three months.

All data will be fed into the database of the International Arctic Buoy Programme (IABP). The objective of this program is to establish and maintain a network of data buoys in the Arctic Ocean that will provide meteorological and Oceanographic data for weather forecasts and research purposes, including the World Climate Research Programme (WCRP). For more information on this program visit: iabp.apl.washington.edu

The expedition will also classify the terrain and weather conditions in standardized reports and take daily readings of the snow cover thickness and temperature at representative depths of the snow layer. This will help validate the observations of an ESA satellite which is going to test predictions of thinning arctic ice due to global warming.
Read more on the ESA satellite mission »