RV Polarstern

Polarstern awi hg

RV Polarstern is a German research vessel of the Alfred Wegener Institute for Polar and Marine Research. The ship was commissioned in 1982 and is primarily used for scientific research in the Arctic and Antarctic regions.

Design and Specifications

RV Polarstern is designed to operate in extreme polar conditions. The ship is 118 meters long and 25 meters wide, with a draught of 11.21 meters. It is capable of breaking through ice up to 1.5 meters thick, making it one of the most advanced icebreakers in the world. The vessel can accommodate 44 crew members and 55 scientists, providing extensive laboratory facilities for a wide range of scientific disciplines.

Missions and Research

The primary mission of RV Polarstern is to conduct oceanographic, biological, geological, and geophysical research. The ship has been involved in numerous significant scientific expeditions, including the MOSAiC Expedition, which aimed to study the climate and ecosystem of the central Arctic.

Facilities and Equipment

RV Polarstern is equipped with state-of-the-art research facilities, including multiple laboratories, a helicopter deck, and advanced navigation and communication systems. The ship also has specialized equipment for sampling, data collection, and remote sensing.

Notable Expeditions

One of the most notable expeditions undertaken by RV Polarstern is the MOSAiC Expedition, which began in 2019. This year-long mission involved the ship being intentionally trapped in the Arctic ice to drift with the ice floe, allowing scientists to collect unprecedented data on the Arctic environment.

Future Plans

RV Polarstern continues to be a vital asset for polar research. Future missions are planned to further explore the impacts of climate change on polar regions and to enhance our understanding of these critical environments.

See Also

• Alfred Wegener Institute for Polar and Marine Research
• Icebreaker
• MOSAiC Expedition
• Arctic
• Antarctic