We have now entered the pack ice northeast of Svalbard and initiated our research programme. There are many different measurements to make and equipment to test. We have had problems with many different instruments and at first it was difficult to break through the ice. Sometimes we have had the feeling that as soon as one problem is solved, a new presents itself. Despite this, everyone on board is very happy when we are making progress and we a have great team spirit.
We have now truly exchanged summer for winter. The temperature is around zero degrees Celsius and today we have mist, which is very common here in the Arctic. Right now, we are collecting ice samples with the help of a helicopter, not far from the ship. When there is mist it becomes more difficult to keep an eye out for polar bears, so when the helicopter now lands close to the ship, we can all help to keep an eye out for bears from the boat.
On our first day after entering the pack ice, we saw a polar bear walking straight towards us, not far from the boat at all. Such a powerful animal, and a very exciting experience. Even though the ship is big it did not seem afraid of us at all, but rather curious, and maybe it felt the smell of a potential meal on board. The fact that everyone on board got the opportunity to see a polar bear at close range made us feel even more motivated to continue our sample-taking inside the zero degrees Celsius lab containers.
The chlorophyll levels in the water are low, which gives the water a very clear, blue colour. Also the sea ice has a magical blue colour. The researchers have been able to discern a green nuance at the bottom of the sea ice, where algae attach and grow when conditions are right. The biomass of the different layers of ice will be studied when the helicopter returns with the ice samples.
Another habitat that is of interest for us to study is the meltwater, where the fresh water from the ice meets the salty seawater. When these merge the water become brackish so you can say that we are studying a miniature Baltic Sea. This habitat is becoming increasingly important in the Arctic as more and more sea ice is melting.
