A couple of slow days…. Well, there is always something to do. We have a daunting task ahead of us. First finding the floe, then getting set up. Lots of discussion on the first of these with differing opinions. In the end it comes down to a balance between science drivers, which would push towards thinner ice, and logistical drivers, which would push towards thicker ice. The balance between these is important and we would like to maximize both or course. Fortunately, I think Markus Rex (AWI scientist and MOSAiC lead) and I are in very good agreement on the balance. Overall, we have to more heavily weight the stability of the floe. If we go too thin and ice breaks up early, we lose much of the program. On the other hand, if we go for somewhat thicker ice, this will somewhat impact our ability to characterize the thinnest ice, but it gives us a better chance of lasting the full year. And with a year, even in thicker ice, we will certainly so some great science. I am all the more convinced of this after learning some details of the logistics plan and the power system that has been designed. We need stable ice to support this grid, and even then I’m sure it will be challenging at times. Our second big push is planning the ice install. The leadership team is working on a plan for that and I don’t foresee many problems there…. Just a lot of work that must be efficient and well coordinated. One last highlight of the day….. riding in the ship’s helicopter over to Akademic Federov to give a lecture on “coupled system research” to the MOSAIC School. Arrival was a little silly: the helicopter coming in for landing with a crowd of people assembled on the decks all around the heli-pad. We climb out and walk onto the deck and then towards this mass of people…. Such a rock star entrance! (which is not really my style!) My lecture was meant to be given on day 1 of the school, but a transfer then was not possible since Akademic Federov left Tromso the day after Polarstern. What an exciting school, and a great group of students. These are 20 students selected out of an applicant list of about 250. Nice international coverage, and students interested in all of the main themes of MOSAiC. My push to introduce coupled system research is important for both helping them to understand what MOSAIC is all about, and also to hopefully support their development as the next generation of scientists to participate in Arctic field work.
