The Hansbreen glacier close to the Polish station. Over the last 50 years it has shrunk significantly. (Photo: P. Wassmann)
The scientists and crew of Jan Mayen were invited to visit the Polish station in Hornsund. Founded 50 years ago this station is an important one for many branches of science, in particular geophysical research. We were all warmly welcome and visited the station to pick up three polish colleagues that had done zooplankton research for ATP. After having been introduced to the history and activity of the station a guided tour was made to the nearby glacier Hansbreen. It was a meticulous day and indeed one of the best the author has experienced on Svalbard. What a fine present towards the end of the cruise!
The Hornsund Polish Polar Station is impressively situated on the northern banks of Hornsund. (Photo: P. Wassmann)
After returning to the ship with out 3 additional polish passengers on board we made an excursion to the inner part of Hornsund. In addition the other members of the 8 overwintering Polish station joined us. They had hardly been on a research vessel and after 10 long months at the station they enjoyed to actually see the inner part of Hornsund. The landscape becomes more dramatic and wide. Two Polar Bears were seen. Gasping and photographing participants lines the bow and the bridge of Jan Mayen.
Dramatic mountains in the inner part of Hornsund. (Photo: P. Wassmann)
On the way back along the shelf we soon run into dense belts of ice floes, had to change plans and tackle delays. But the general impression from this ATP cruise is that it has been a very successful one. Science wise this EU project is in fine shape.
Glorious sunshine and vistas in the inner part of Hornsund. Svalbard and the Arctic at its best! Photo: P. Wassmann)
May 11th, 2010 | 
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Posted in ATP fieldwork and experiments 2010