The Great Arctic Drift

On 29 November, Tara launched Arctic Drift 2007–2008 to gather data related to changing conditions in the Arctic. The Arctic is warming up faster than the rest of the world, with potentially devastating consequences for humanity.

Sea ice cover across the region has decreased by 10 per cent during the past three decades, lowering the salinity of Arctic waters and risking the ability of the Gulf Stream to bring warm water—and mild winters—to northern Europe. Arctic Drift is a major two-year programme linked to the International Polar Year 2006. The activity is supported by the European Research Programme’s DAMOCLES (Developing Arctic Modelling and Observing Capabilities for Long-term Environmental Studies) project.

Tara was released from the pack ice returning, once again, to a sailboat. She reached her home port in Lorient in February 2008, and the public joined a welcoming ceremony and other festivities to celebrate Tara's return. More