From July to August 2024, Mark James Hopwood, Associate Professor of the Department of Ocean Science and Engineering at the Southern University of Science and Technology (SUSTech), led a team on a 35-day scientific expedition along the southeast coast of Greenland aboard the German research vessel, RV Maria S. Merian. The team comprised of 22 researchers from 11 countries, including China, the United Kingdom, and Germany.
The expedition focused on polar ice-ocean interactions in regions influenced by the East Greenland Coastal Current. By studying these areas, the team collected a wealth of data crucial for understanding Arctic-Atlantic interactions and their implications for global climate change.
As co-leader of the project, Professor Hopwood guided the team from Reykjavik, Iceland, navigating through three major fjords—Lindenow, Morgens Heinesen, and Sermilik—each impacted by the East Greenland Coastal Current. The team also conducted studies in the fjord shelf slope areas and the coastal shelves bordering these fjords.
The primary goal of the expedition was to investigate the impact of Arctic ice outflow on the North Atlantic, particularly examining how the cold polar waters and sea ice from eastern Greenland are transported into the Atlantic Ocean, thereby influencing the global climate system.
The RV Maria S. Merian navigating the eastern bay of Greenland
Given the severe sea ice conditions in the region, previous surveys have been sparse. Professor Hopwood and his team collected water columns and atmospheric and core samples from these ice-covered waters. The expedition also faced unexpected challenges, including encounters with polar bears and detours to rescue stranded vessels.
“This expedition presented many tense moments, but our team overcame these challenges and successfully collected data from 172 sites, laying the groundwork for more in-depth research in the future”, said Professor Hopwood.
Xin HUANG, a Ph.D. student at SUSTech, reflected on the experience, saying, “This expedition gave me a deep appreciation for the creativity and adaptability of scientific researchers. The interdisciplinary exchanges and international collaborations greatly broadened my scientific research horizons”.
Apsara Patteri Vijayan, another Ph.D. student from SUSTech, added, “Working alongside some of the world’s top oceanographers has significantly enhanced my understanding of ocean science. I look forward to making groundbreaking discoveries with this data”.
Mark James Hopwood (right) with Xin HUANG (middle) and Apsara Patteri Vijayan (left)
Southeastern Greenland’s coastal region is sparsely populated and geographically remote, with many areas remaining largely unexplored. This scientific expedition has not only provided valuable data to support future polar research and climate change strategies but also offered significant insights into international scientific collaboration.
