The Arctic region remains largely under-researched, with only a few science missions conducted, primarily due to its harsh and extreme environment. Romain Troublé, biologist and CEO of the Tara Ocean Foundation, emphasizes the challenges, including severe temperatures and prolonged periods of darkness.
To address this, the Tarapolar Station is designed for a continuous 18-month mission to study the Arctic’s biodiversity, which remains largely unexplored—scientists believe only 10% of its life forms have been documented. The mission aims to better understand how life adapts to the extreme conditions and responds to climate change, as the Arctic is warming significantly faster than other regions.
The Tarapolar Station’s research is crucial not only for understanding the ecosystem but also for improving predictions of climate change impacts on global systems. Starting in 2026, the mission will involve 50 scientists from various countries and aims to refine climate modeling efforts. Before this, the station will undergo technical tests at sea.
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