As of 2024, there are currently 70 permanent research stations from 29 countries scattered around the continent of Antarctica conducting important scientific research to better understand the Earth system and its changes due to human activity. In the Arctic, however, there are no such permanent research stations because there is no land in the Arctic. Largely funded by the French government, the Tara Ocean Foundation is building a new drifting laboratory that can host up to 18 crew members and can be stationed permanently over the Arctic. This floating laboratory is equipped with a self-propulsion system. So, it can navigate around the Arctic if needed. It also has an underwater hatch (moon pool) to lower CTD and other sensors directly into the Arctic Sea. The $23 million floating station is scheduled for a 2-year long sea trial in 2026.
Image Credit: https://fondationtaraocean.org/en/schooner/tara-polar-station/
Arctic ecosystems get long-term look with drifting research station
TARA POLAR STATION : Studying the Arctic, sentinel of the climate
Ocean to Climate 
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