Polarstern / CAML expedition: That’s all folks !
The acrobatic flight of the Southern Giant Petrel in the Patagonian sky
© G. Chapelle / Alfred Wegener Institut
Yesterday was another day of cuising on an empty ocean. Even the birds didn't distract us from our last tasks aboard. Everyone is busy wrapping up the mission reports, exchanging and archiving data, including pictures and video footages. While the external temperature is going up, the hard discs are getting hot !
This morning, we were all invited to the traditional farewell drink offered by the captain and the chief scientists in the famous blue lounge. A good opportunity to relect back on the expedition and to thank everyone for making it happen in the best possible conditions.
During these two months, we have learned that:
- Antarctica is really the scene of international scientific cooperation;
- Shared passions can give birth to a tremendous amount of achievement, both in quantity and quality;
- The Antarctic ice is starting to change under the pressure of climate change, while still offering us breathtaking shapes, colors and light;
- The flora and fauna linked to this icy continent and the oceans that sourround it are reacting to change by moving or disappearing altogether;
This afternoon, while we were passing by the Argentinian coast, Giant Petrels have appeared again. Nearly as big as albatrosses, you can see them in nearly all parts of the Austral Ocean, from South América to Antarctica. Seeing them flying around is also one of the spectacular things we have seen aboard Polarstern.
In 10 hours from now, the Internet connexion will be shut down and we will have reached South America. I hope that I was able to communicate to you these wonderful moments in a way that will make you want to discover our planet and respect it.
See you soon
Gauthier Chapelle
