Following the needle

The Arctic is a truly special place that has inspired me for as long as I can remember. I think every child encountering a compass for the first time will ask the very natural question of what might happen if you continued following the needle. Oh yes, it points northward, naturally there has to be a point that is the most north, right? Looking at a globus my young eyes were naturally drawn to the top, this mystical ice sheet with no landmass underneath. Ice and Snow solemnly growing and breaking, almost untouched by man, ruled by fierce beasts, the arktikos, truly magnificent kings with majestic white fur. Going there sounded like a dream you let go as you mature and for most people that may be true. I am incredibly grateful to my Professor and mentor Rainer Kiko to have the opportunity to follow the needle of my heart and get to see the white frontier with my own eyes. And what an opportunity it is: My first research cruise, being part of this sensory mechanical wonder that gazes downward into the cold abyss. Many people might loose the ability to marvel at the prospect of adventure but when I look at this warm community of sailors, technicians and scientists embarking together on a journey to shed light in the dark depths of the arctic oceans, I can't help but remain in awe.

Born in the Arctic, slowly making its way southward.

I am a Master Student from GEOMAR in Kiel, Germany and my task on this vessel is the operation of the UVP6 (Underwater Vision Profiler), a camera system attached to a laser unit, quite literally shedding light and observing the particle distribution throughout the water column. This non-invasive approach to POC (Particulate Organic Carbon) analysis will help map carbon sequestration and answer questions related to particle sinking at a fine resolution, in light of mesoscale eddy systems. While the operation itself requires a patient hand and long shifts (which are both familiar ground for me) there were some initial problems with the battery connection that have caused lots of headache not just to me but also my fellow scientists and the incredibly helpful UTM technicians. The unavailability of spare parts certainly asks of us to find creative solutions, which we did, but I wouldn't want it any other way for an Arctic exploration should require us to grow closer to our shipmates and find new solutions, at least in my humble mind.

Northern Fulmar, travelling towards the sunlight.

In the cold of the arctic ocean I have found warm hearts, readily helping hands and conversations as deep as the cold waters below. The intriguing interdisciplinary knowledge transfers between us scientists have allowed me to vastly deepen my formerly nearly exclusively theoretical knowledge in the different fields of ocean research. Apart from my own tasks which now run a lot more smoothly than in the beginning I have started to lend a helping hand to some other researchers which has allowed me an even further insight into the fascinating journey that is marine research.

Mink Whale, sharing my preference for the starboard side of the stern.

And whenever work allows it, I will retreat thankfully to the starboard side of the stern and breathe in the cold air, the same air that Captain Sir John Franklin, Roald Engelbregt Gravning Amundsen & Alfred Wegener breathed before me. There I will gaze out, towards the horizon, sometimes with my camera, my spyglass or a song on my lips. To stand here, having a 270° view as well as some moments for myself brings me into a state of awe and marvelling & allows me to enjoy the waves and swell alongside the loyal northern fulmars and the odd sperm and mink whale. Whilst I cannot deny the cold winds have once pressed a tear out of the corner of my eye for my beloved and dearly missed lady on the shore I will enjoy every moment of this once in a lifetime call for adventure and treasure the memory for the rest of my life. Many, many thanks to my shipmates who, regardless of the language barrier, have welcomed me with open arms.

Watching the sundown and experiencing 5°C spray.