The Arctic Up Close – Spending the Winter on Drifting Sea Ice

Description

EXPERIENCE | LECTURE The Arctic is changing faster than almost any other region on Earth. In particular, sea ice is highly sensitive to climate change and simultaneously affects weather, oceans, and ecosystems far beyond the polar region. To better understand these changes, the Tara Polaris I Expedition is currently drifting with an international research station frozen in Arctic sea ice through the central Arctic Ocean. In this lecture, polar researcher Dr. Marcel Nicolaus will report on research and daily life during this extraordinary Arctic expedition. A small international team lives and works for months under extreme conditions, investigating year-round processes in the atmosphere, snow, sea ice, and ocean. The focus of the expedition is the study of the Arctic ecosystem. At the same time, the expedition initiates a long-term observation to better understand the Arctic climate system and document changes. The lecture provides insights into life and work on the drifting station, the scientific background of the expedition, and the unique challenges of conducting research in one of the most remote regions of the Earth. In addition to current images and personal impressions, a live connection directly to the expedition in the Arctic Ocean is also planned. Dr. Marcel Nicolaus is a sea ice physicist at the Alfred Wegener Institute (AWI) in Bremerhaven. For over 25 years, he has been researching the physical properties of snow and sea ice in the Arctic and Antarctic, as well as their role in the global climate system. He has participated in more than 30 international expeditions and has been involved in leading roles in the MOSAiC Drift Expedition (2019/2020) and the Polarstern Expedition CONTRASTS (2025). In spring and summer 2027, Marcel Nicolaus will be part of the Tara Polaris I Expedition himself, living and working for several months on the drifting research station in the Central Arctic Ocean. In addition to his research, he is actively engaged in promoting young talent and science communication. Price: Free entry Cast . Image credit: zVg 2026