First account of Indian scientists on winter expedition to Arctic

Context: India embarks on its first-ever winter expedition to the Arctic. With this initiative, India’s Himadri becomes the fourth research station in the Arctic to be manned year-round.

India's Winter Expedition Plan:

Expedition Team:

A team comprising four scientists, financially supported by the Union Ministry of Earth Sciences, is scheduled to carry out the expedition. The expedition is set to take place from December 19, 2023, to January 15, 2024.

Research Areas:

The primary focus of the expedition encompasses atmospheric sciences, astronomy, astrophysics, climate studies, and related fields.

Himadri Station:

The expedition team will operate from Himadri, which stands as India's exclusive research station in Ny-Ålesund. Ny-Ålesund is situated 1,200 kilometers away from the North Pole.

Special Preparations:

Himadri has undergone preparations tailored for polar night observations. These preparations have been facilitated with the support and collaboration of Norwegian agencies.

Evolution of India's Interest in the Arctic:

Historical Treaty (1920):

India became a signatory to the Svalbard Treaty in 1920. The treaty granted permission for operations in the Svalbard archipelago, which falls under Norwegian sovereignty.

Initial Arctic Expeditions (2007-2008):

India initiated its first expedition to the Arctic in 2007. This led to the establishment of Himadri in 2008, marking India's early involvement in Arctic exploration.

Research Developments:

In 2014, India established the IndArc observatory in the Svalbard archipelago. The Gruvebadet Atmospheric Laboratory was set up in 2016, showcasing India's commitment to scientific research in the Arctic region.

Formulation of India’s Arctic Policy (May 2022):

Released in May 2022, India's Arctic Policy outlines key principles and strategies. The policy is structured around six pillars, emphasizing areas such as scientific research, environmental protection, and fostering international cooperation.

Global Research Presence in the Arctic:

First Research Station:

The initial research station in Ny-Ålesund was established by Japan's National Institute of Polar Research in the year 1990.

International Collaboration:

Ny-Ålesund, located in Svalbard, hosts a total of eleven permanent research stations. This collaborative effort involves ten nations, with India being one of the contributing countries.

Year-Round Human Presence:

Historically, only three Arctic stations have maintained a year-round human presence.

Challenges in Arctic Expeditions:

Harsh Environmental Conditions:

The Arctic region presents extreme cold conditions, with average temperatures in February reaching as low as minus 14 degrees Celsius in Ny-Ålesund, Svalbard. These severe temperatures pose considerable challenges to conducting expeditions and research activities.

Limited Research Stations:

Currently, only three Arctic research stations have maintained permanent staff throughout the year. The scarcity of such facilities adds to the difficulties faced during Arctic expeditions, limiting the infrastructure available for continuous scientific endeavors.

Geopolitical Constraints:

The presence of multiple state jurisdictions in the Arctic region introduces geopolitical complexities. Ongoing geopolitical tensions, such as the Ukraine-Russia conflict, contribute to the challenges associated with Arctic exploration and may impact international collaborative efforts in the area.

Arctic Region and Its Global Impact:

Geographical Location:

The Arctic Circle is situated to the north of latitude 66° 34’ N, covering the Arctic Ocean.

Climate Change Concerns:

Scientific investigations emphasize the Arctic's impact on global sea levels and atmospheric circulations, primarily due to the melting of ice.

Rising Temperatures:

Over the last century, the Arctic region has encountered an average temperature increase of 4 degrees Celsius.

Declining Sea Ice:

The extent of Arctic sea ice is diminishing at a rate of 13% per decade, potentially resulting in an ice-free Arctic Ocean by the summer of 2040.