The expedition ARKTIS-XV/2 of 'Polarstern' in 1999

The expedition ARK XV/2 of RV POLARSTERN started at the 21st of July 1999 in Tromsoe and terminated again in Tromsoe at the 8th of September. The main purpose of the expedition was to perform geoscientific research (geophysics, geology, petrology and bathymetry) off the North-East Greenland coast, the Fram Strait and Northern/Western Svalbard. This programme was supplemented by biological and glaciological research activities. One reason for the early start of the expedition in July was to have the possibility for reaching the Morris Jessup Rise north of Greenland. Ice observations of the past 2 years indicated that large polynyas were presented around North Greenland mostly till end of July. In comparison with these observations this season was unusual. Throughout the whole July 1999 no open water formed at the North Greenland coast facing the Arctic Ocean. Continuous pressed ice conditions prevented any research north of 81 N. Even in the Fram Strait we hit extremely difficult ice conditions. It therefore was necessary to modify our scientific programme. (orig.)SIGLEAvailable from TIB Hannover: RN 9219(368) / FIZ - Fachinformationszzentrum Karlsruhe / TIB - Technische InformationsbibliothekDEGerman