The primary goal of India's inaugural winter scientific expedition to the Arctic is to conduct unique observations during the polar nights. This expedition focuses on critical areas such as climate change, space weather, sea-ice dynamics, ocean circulation, and ecosystem adaptations. The insights gained from these studies will contribute significantly to understanding their impacts on global weather patterns, including monsoons.
This groundbreaking expedition was officially flagged off on December 18, 2023, by the Honourable Union Minister of Earth Sciences (MoES), Sh Kiren Rijiju, at the MoES headquarters in New Delhi. His support highlights the importance of this research endeavor.
The scientists participating in this expedition will remain in the Arctic for approximately 25 days. Their research will span various disciplines, including the evolution of the universe, the effects of climate change on Arctic winters, atmospheric lightning phenomena, and the influence of atmospheric aerosols on the polar climate.
India operates a research base named Himadri, located in the International Arctic Research base at Svalbard, Norway. This base is approximately 1,200 km from the North Pole, serving as a crucial hub for scientific research in the region.
Unlike previous Indian expeditions to the Arctic that were conducted during the summer months (April to October), this winter expedition provides an unprecedented opportunity for research during the polar nights. This period allows for scientific observations that were previously challenging due to continuous daylight and varying environmental conditions.
Scientists face significant challenges during the winter expedition, including the adaptation to prolonged polar nights with no sunlight, extreme cold temperatures averaging around -15°C, and the logistical difficulties involved in conducting research under such harsh conditions.
This winter expedition is poised to bridge existing data gaps regarding the winter ecosystem of the Arctic and the effects of climate change. The research conducted during this period will yield valuable insights into atmospheric, oceanic, and ecological dynamics, enhancing our understanding of these complex systems and their broader implications on global climate patterns.
Following this initial winter expedition, plans are in place for three additional batches of Indian scientists to visit the Arctic in subsequent winters. Each team will stay for about 25 days, ensuring continuous research throughout the full span of the Arctic winter.
Q1. What is the main objective of the winter expedition?
Answer: The primary objective is to conduct scientific observations on climate change, space weather, and ecosystem dynamics during the Arctic's polar nights.
Q2. Who inaugurated the expedition?
Answer: The expedition was flagged off by Union Minister Sh Kiren Rijiju on December 18, 2023, from New Delhi.
Q3. How long will the scientists be in the Arctic?
Answer: Scientists will stay for approximately 25 days, focusing on various important research areas.
Q4. What are the primary challenges faced during the expedition?
Answer: Major challenges include extreme cold temperatures, absence of sunlight, and logistical issues in conducting research in harsh conditions.
Q5. Are there plans for additional expeditions?
Answer: Yes, there are plans for three more batches of scientists to visit the Arctic in winter for ongoing research efforts.
Question 1: What is the focus of India's first winter expedition to the Arctic?
A) Climate change impacts
B) Marine biodiversity
C) Solar energy research
D) Antarctic exploration
Correct Answer: A
Question 2: When was the expedition flagged off?
A) December 1, 2023
B) December 18, 2023
C) January 1, 2024
D) November 30, 2023
Correct Answer: B
Question 3: Where is India's Arctic research base located?
A) Greenland
B) Svalbard, Norway
C) Alaska, USA
D) Iceland
Correct Answer: B
Question 4: How long will the scientists stay in the Arctic?
A) 10 days
B) 20 days
C) 25 days
D) 30 days
Correct Answer: C
Question 5: What temperature do scientists expect during the winter expedition?
A) 0°C
B) -10°C
C) -15°C
D) -20°C
Correct Answer: C
Question 6: How many more winter expeditions are planned after the first?
A) One
B) Two
C) Three
D) Four
Correct Answer: C
Question 7: What unique phenomenon will scientists study during the polar nights?
A) Daylight saving
B) Atmospheric lightning
C) Solar flares
D) Volcanic eruptions
Correct Answer: B
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