Ship Alliance left yesterday from the Norwegian port of Tromsø to begin the Arctic Marine Geophysics campaign "HIGH NORTH 18" between the seas of Norway and Greenland, beyond the Arctic Circle.
The mission conducted by the Italian Navy, with the scientific coordination of the Hydrographic Institute of the Navy, sees the renewal of the synergy with the NATO Maritime Research and Experimentation Center in La Spezia (NATO STO-CMRE) and the collaboration with main research institutions national (CNR, ENEA, OGS, INGV, ERI), international (Sorbonne University of Paris and Norwegian FFI) and with representatives of the national industry (e-GEOS and IDS).
"High North 18" is part of the commitment of the Navy in the Arctic and is the natural continuation of previous missions in order to consolidate and further develop the results of scientific research in particular in the study of climate change in areas of particular interest. The mission is possible thanks to the ship's capabilities Alliance to operate in the polar regions confirming the consolidated operational flexibility of the Navy which, in the context of its dual and complementary functions, is able to carry out scientific research activities with various national and international partners.
The Navy sees in the possible new trade routes that could open to the North, an element of interest in terms of the environment and safety of navigation, as well as for the geostrategic, thalassopolitical and socio-economic aspects that this could entail for our country.
Specifically, the latest generation sensors will be used during the mission, in an area of operations at very high latitudes between the Strait of Fram, the Svalbard Islands and the Yermak Plateau to define the mapping of unexplored areas, characters and dynamics of the water column and the seabed in relation to sedimentary processes, circulation and ice, so as to be able to draw concrete results from the research, through the study, analysis and monitoring from the atmosphere to the seabed.
The particular polar weather conditions and the constant presence of light during the 24 hours will be a stimulating challenge for the 46 crew members of the Navy who, after having followed a targeted training, will constitute a valid and essential support for the 23 researchers a Ship board Alliance.
