Dear Arctic,

Dear Arctic,

it’s time to say ‘goodbye’ or hopefully: ‘see you soon’ – I really hope and I think that I will come back and we meet again.

I know you for long, in my time scales for very long, and we met for the first time in 1999 – 21 years ago on my first Polarstern expedition, which is kind of half of my own life so far. Since then you have changed a lot, and I would like to say that you – and in particular your sea ice – changed very much in contrast to me: it became thinner, younger, more mobile, but not any less attractive, extraordinary or mystic.

This time, for MOSAiC, I came twice and both times could merely have been more contrasting, although your landscape was fascinating and beautiful in both times:

The dark and rough winter 

• when the icescape changed almost every day and challenged our patience and strength to continue and re-do it over again;

• when you impressed me with all the ridging and rafting with the hidden forces to pile up meters of ice … easily; 

• when the full moon was bright enough to illuminate the snow and ice as if there was daylight;

• when the cold challenged us and our equipment and reminded us being well prepared and thoughtful for all our activities.

And now during summer and autumn

• when most ice appeared really fragile. First because it suffered from the melt and second because the new young sea ice and snow had so fine and fascinating shapes

• when the fog fainted and allowed some sunlight to the surface, resulting in unique and colorful landscapes. This was, although there are usually only shades of white and blue around.

Some say, my times here during MOSAiC are or even were the peak of my research of the things that I did over the last (at least) 5 years. But if this is the peak, I hope there will be a long ridge to the next summit, and that this ridge will allow continuing with this exciting research. Then I will come back and learn more about the ice, the snow, the ocean, the atmosphere and all of that around. 

Obviously, you tried already for decades to teach me – and all of us – some lessons of climate and how the earth goes, but I guess we still need to improve in listening and paying attention.

Last but not least: During all my expeditions, I met wonderful teams and (now) friends here on board. And one reason why living with these people on board is always such unique and good time; is, because they all caught the “Arctic virus” – this is thanks to you: the fascinating Arctic. 

So, yes, I will come back -- and I will come back with more questions, but also with new close colleagues and friends. And – of course - I will come back to see you again during any season. Then you are welcome to surprise me again with any kind of ice and weather.

Thanks a lot for this time

Marcel