Turkish science team reaches Arctic sea ice line

Twelve scientists on the 6th National Arctic Scientific Research Expedition, under the auspices of the Turkish Presidency, reached the sea ice line at 81 degrees north and began sampling.

Scraper SystemJuly 19, 2026, 09:21 PM

Turkish science team reaches Arctic sea ice line

The team of Turkey's 6th National Arctic Scientific Research Expedition reached the sea ice line at 81 degrees north latitude. Twelve scientists are taking part in the expedition, conducted under the auspices of the Presidency, the responsibility of the Ministry of Industry and Technology, and the coordination of the TÜBİTAK Polar Research Institute (KARE).

A total of 12 different projects are being carried out in the fields of oceanography, biology, chemistry, atmospheric dynamics, meteorology, geodesy and satellite systems, with one researcher each from Argentina, Uruguay and Bulgaria also participating. The team is continuing its work in the area 1,200 nautical miles from Tromsø aboard the 44-meter 'Sola' vessel, which flies the Vanuatu flag.

Minister of Industry and Technology Mehmet Fatih Kacır stated on his social media account that the team had traveled approximately 3,000 nautical miles and collected data at over 80 sampling points. Kacır said, "With the vision of the National Technology Move, we are conducting science not only in laboratories but also in the world's most challenging geographies; we continue to contribute to both our country's scientific accumulation and the common future of humanity with the knowledge we obtain from the poles."

Türk bilim ekibi Kuzey Kutbu'nda deniz buzu hattına ulaştı

Expedition Leader Captain Doğaç Baybars Işıler, in his assessment to an AA correspondent, said they aim to increase the number of sampling points and scientific research each year. Işıler reported that together with international researchers, they conducted animal and sea ice observations, and performed depth-based temperature and salinity measurements with CTD devices.

The scientists also observed and tracked Arctic wildlife such as polar bears, walruses, whales and seals throughout the ship's voyage.

Turkish science team reaches Arctic sea ice line

Twelve scientists on the 6th National Arctic Scientific Research Expedition, under the auspices of the Turkish Presidency, reached the sea ice line at 81 degrees north and began sampling.