ADveNtuRe fOR ClimAte ChanGe
From July to August 2018, POLARQUEST2018, an international team of arctic explorers and researchers ventured to the Arctic ocean, from Iceland to the Svalbard archipelago, above the Polar Arctic Circle, on board Nanuq, a 60-foot sailboat designed to sail in the polar regions in a self-sufficient mode.
Why in the Arctic?
Because the Arctic is melting much faster than expected and could be ice-free by 2030, and the cause is global warming.
Our Mission
The team went in search for answers to one of the greatest challenges of our time, climate change, and raise awareness about its consequences.
How?
We carried out four scientific experiments never before performed attempted above 78° of latitude:
- Mantanet for Microplastic – the first study to assess the presence and distribution of micro and nano-plastic in the Arctic waters above 78° of latitude.
- AURORA (Accessible UAVs for Research and Observation in Remote Areas) – converting commercial drones into tools for scientific research.
- PolarquEEEst – trying to solve the mystery of the origin of high energy cosmic rays and their impact on global warming.
- Pollutants in the Arctic – measuring the presence of PCBs in the Arctic to better understand its transfer and accumulation mechanisms in the oceans and atmosphere.
Cosmic Rays
Microplastics
Nanuq-Manta is the first study to assess the presence and distribution of microplastics in the Arctic waters above 78° of latitude.
Polar Drones
AURORA (Accessible UAVs for Research and Observation in Remote Areas) will convert commercial drones into tools for scientific research.
