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Turkish scientists arrived Sunday at the Turkish Scientific Research Camp on Horseshoe Island in Antarctica, marking the 10th National Antarctic Science Expedition to the continent.
It marks a decade of Türkiye’s continuous scientific presence in Antarctica, Anadolu Agency reported.
The team reached the Turkish Scientific Research Camp by Zodiac boats to begin their work and then raised the Turkish flag and recited the national anthem.
The expedition is organized under the auspices of the Turkish presidency, led by the Industry and Technology Ministry, and coordinated by the TUBITAK Marmara Research Center's Polar Research Institute.
To examine the effects of climate change, the team will collect ice samples, as well as water samples from lakes and marine areas, and conduct extensive analyses.
In addition, data will be gathered on biodiversity in aquatic ecosystems, as well as on geology and near-space research.
The ship named “Sola,” which will serve as the team’s living space for about one month, completed its journey from King George Island after approximately four days and anchored off Lystad Bay near Horseshoe Island.
After an 11-day journey, the research team reached the camp located at 68 degrees south latitude on Horseshoe Island.
The research vessel Sola, which will serve as the team’s living quarters for about one month, traveled from King George Island and anchored off Lystad Bay near Horseshoe Island after four days at sea.
This year’s expedition includes 17 researchers, 16 from Türkiye and one from Bulgaria, who will conduct studies spanning life sciences, physical sciences, earth sciences, and environmental research.
Research will focus on aquatic ecosystems, biodiversity, geology, and near-space sciences in the region.
During the expedition, scientists will collect ice samples as well as lake and marine water samples to study the impacts of climate change.
Throughout the voyage, the team also observed icebergs, glaciers and Antarctic wildlife, adding observational data to ongoing research efforts.
As part of the expedition’s first phase, the team completed maintenance and data backup operations at the Global Navigation Satellite System station on Dismal Island, established six years ago.
The station plays a critical role in monitoring tectonic movements in the region.
Expedition leader Ersan Basar said the system was functioning efficiently and that new systems were installed to ensure continued data collection.
Team members from the General Directorate of Mapping also carried out static measurements at several geodetic points on Horseshoe Island after finishing work on Dismal Island.
The team officially began its mission by raising the Turkish flag and singing the national anthem.
Basar described returning to the same region for the 10th time as a source of pride, emphasizing the continuity of Türkiye’s scientific work in Antarctica.
“Being here for the 10th time is extremely meaningful for us,” he said, adding that despite being 14,000 kilometers from Türkiye, the team felt at home once they opened the doors of the base.
The 10th National Antarctic Science Expedition will continue its scientific activities in the region over the coming weeks.
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