Turkish scientists probe future of world in Antarctica

By Sebnem Coskun

ANTARCTICA (AA) - Türkiye’s 8th National Antarctic Science Expedition is seeking answers to questions about the future of the world with 22 different projects on the continent.

Under the auspices of the Presidency and the Ministry of Industry and Technology, and coordinated by TUBITAK MAM Polar Research Institute, an expedition team has been working on Horseshoe Island in Antarctica for one month.

The team of scientists, including foreigners, are conducting studies in environmental and pollution research, oceanography and hydrography studies, atmospheric and space observations, geology and geophysics, energy systems, meteorological measurements and the production of bathymetric maps.

Referring to his study, “Distribution and Fingerprint Analysis of Dissolved Dispersed Petroleum Hydrocarbons in Antarctic Peninsula Seawater,” team leader Ersan Basar told Anadolu that scientists are searching for the answer to where the oil pollution in the ocean water of Antarctica originates.

- Research by Turkish scientists

The expedition, led by Atilla Yilmaz and Dogac Baybars Isiler, is investigating the effects of human-made pollutants on Antarctic lakes.

It is also exploring improving navigation and safety at sea in the polar regions.

Aybike Gul Karaoglu is looking at the presence of pollutants in the Antarctic marine ecosystem.

Bengusu Mirasoglu is conducting a study on improving health services in the polar regions through the National Antarctic Scientific Expedition Medical Consultancy and Medical Field Service.

- Extent of changes in glaciers being investigated

The expedition is conducting studies to investigate the effects of climate change on Antarctica.

Erhan Aslan's study seeks to determine if empirical models could be produced by monitoring long-term solar radiation changes and atmospheric components.

Fahri Karabulut's project is focused on glacier changes due to global climate change.

Zafer Sahingoz is looking at maintaining and repairing Horseshoe Island’s Automatic Meteorological Observation Station.

Yunus Aytac Akdogan is focused on the annual mm-scale geodynamic movement of the Dismal and Horseshoe Islands.

Mehmet Cihan Erol is examining hydrographic surveying studies.

Ertugrul Agirbas is analyzing phytoplankton for ecosystem management.

- Plastic pollution being addressed

Other projects are aimed at understanding geological formation, tectonic movements, and the Earth's magnetic field changes in the South Magnetic Pole region.

Ulgen Aytan is studying plastic pollution in Antarctica, while Mehmet Korhan Erturac is looking at the effects of melting ice on land elevation.

Mehtap Dursun is exploring the presence of micropollutants in Antarctic waters.

Denizhan Vardar is analyzing seabed sediment distribution, erosion and deposition mechanisms on Horseshoe Island.

Murat Ozkatan's project is researching tectonic and paleomagnetism changes in Marguerite Bay.

- Research being conducted on how new-generation batteries will perform in polar conditions

Nuket Sivri's study explores the effect of Critical Raw Material concentrations on the Antarctic aquatic ecosystem and the potential ecological risk index (PERI) adapted for the Antarctic polar region.

Meanwhile, Huseyin Ayhan Yavasoglu is developing an energy storage system with new-generation battery cells for harsh polar conditions, testing it in a driving cycle specific to mobile vehicles.

- Anadolu’s photojournalist Coskun to highlight global impact of climate change

Oleg Vassilev is exploring the use of new methods to gather data for modeling and simulating how glaciers react to rising temperatures.

Antonio Fernandez is examining if the rate of glaciation in the last 200 years is faster compared to the early Holocene period.

Sofia Galban Mendez is studying the spread, adaptation and location of microorganisms in the polar regions.

Shweta Dutta is probing the potential connection between lightning strikes in the southeastern US and low-frequency whistler waves observed in Antarctica.

Kagan Gokhan Gorgisen's research is aimed at supporting the National Technology Initiative by focusing on training and preparing qualified personnel.

Anadolu’s photojournalist Sebnem Coskun is documenting the expedition's scientific research, climate change impacts and life in the region to share the findings with the world.

*Writing by Gizem Nisa Cebi in Istanbul