NPR

Pandemic Delays Return Of Arctic Researchers

The COVID-19 crisis is throwing off the complex logistics of a year-long Arctic research expedition. A team of researchers set to rotate out may have to stay on board an ice-breaker for another six weeks.
Researchers and others studying the warming Arctic may have to double their six-week shift on the ice because of coronavirus related travel restrictions.

A massive, year-long science expedition currently underway on an icebreaker in the Arctic Ocean is having to significantly alter its plans due to the Coronavirus pandemic.

Scientists who have been on the — in their own form of isolation at the top of the world — were supposed to be picked up by aircraft in early April, with different personnel rotating in. But with travel and other virus-related , they may now have to remain in the ice until June, essentially doubling their shift. Five such rotations were planned for the expedition over the course of the year.

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