Frigate of three masts that crossed the oceans, Statsraad Lehmkuhl is owned by the Statsraad Lehmkuhl Foundation, based in the historic city of Bergen. Although its main mission is at the service of the Naval Academy of Norway, it has also been chartered by schools, clubs, shipping companies and in 2000 by the Royal Navy of their country.
Pays tribute to The memory of Minister Kristoffer Lehmkuhl (1855-1949) who, in collaboration with the company Det Bergenske Dampskibsselskab (Bergen Line)in 1921 he managed to buy it from the Government of Great Britain and entered service in 1923. He is currently one of the oldest ships in the world in active duty.
Many students a Board.
El Statsraad Lehmkuhl
With science in the Protagical role during the inaugural of the Third United Nations Conference on the Oceans (UNOC3)UNA news addressed a 111 -year -old Norwegian sailboat in the French Riviera to meet 50 science students, numerous speakers and scientists just arrived from a 46 -day expedition. Combined with the satellite data of the European Space Agency (ESA), the ninvaluable in situ observations of these navigators are an urgent call to understand and protect the Oceans of the world.
The 98 -meter length ship and three masts arrivedlast week to Puerto Lympia, located in the old town of the French city of Niza, where the UNOC3 is held.
Built in 1914 and owned by Norway since 1921, the Statsraad Lehmkuhl – thus called by former Norwegian minister Kristofer Lehmkuhl – was reconditioned last year with state -of -the -art oceanic instrumentswhich transformed him into a floating university. Today, more than a century after its construction, the ship has become an avant -garde research platform, which brings together scientists, students and explorers to unravel the secrets of the ocean.
This transformation is essential for its second expedition, which began on April 11 in Bergen, Norway, with the mission of connecting oceanic sciences, education and sustainability. The expedition seeks to raise awareness and Share knowledge about the crucial role of the ocean in a sustainable future for all. It is expected to return to Bergen within a year.
As part of the United Nations Decade of Oceanic Sciences for Sustainable Development -a Global initiative aimed at reversing the deterioration of the health of the oceans-, This expedition was associated with the Advanced Training course of the ESE over -oceanic synergy over -thection. This association brought together young people from 28 countries to cross data from oceanic observations from space and sea, shortening the distance between satellite data and in situ research.
Relationship between ocean and space
“Unite… science, oceanography and nautical tradition is the best way to enter the ocean From the surface, ”said Craig Donlon, Oceanographer of ESA, who directed the expedition. Donlon explained that they are used Real -time satellite data to guide research on board and guide students to areas that require more and better measurements.
Daily, ESA transmits to the ship the data collected from space, delivering them about three and a half hours after processing. “Then, we approach the captain and we contradict it by saying: ‘We just discovered something new, can we move here, please?'” Donlon says.
Student’s work
Donlon said that avant -garde oceanographic instruments, including an acoustic profile of Doppler Corrientes (ADCP) to measure water movement, hydrophones sets to capture landscapes Submarine sounds and conductivity, temperature and depth sensors (CTD) to analyze seawater properties, work together to decipher the hidden dynamics of the ocean.
Taking advantage of this, students can exchange Its findings in Physics, Biology and Interaction Air-Mar, working individually or in groups in projects that include internal solitary wavesdrifting trajectories and studies of oceanic biodiversity.
“It’s quite difficult, Because they have to work eight hours a day on deck, and the remaining time dedicate it to eating and sleeping, but they also find ways to collaborate“Dolon said.” They made a lot of measurements […] It is an incredible trip. We have almost 15 terabytes of in situ observations made aboard this scientific ship. ”The oceanographer highlighted the value of these works as evidence -based tools that can ensure that data sets support policies with sense and promote ratification.
“Es Our only ocean, and we must learn to live in harmony with its majesty because it is beautiful but fragile. It is not a global landfill. Our future oceanic ambassadors, students aboard this ship, will lead this effort, ”he insisted.
Oceans or space
Among the Young explorers is Pablo Álvarez, registered in the training of ESA to be an astronaut and join the International Space Station for 2030. Before its launch to orbit, Paul perfects his skills and deepens his knowledge aboard this great ship, changing the immensity of space to the mysteries of the sea.
Specializes in the Teledection of the oceanic surface. Through the analysis of satellite images, such as the patterns formed by sunlight when reflected in the waves -known as “solar brightness” –discover information about surface roughness, wind behavior and oceanic dynamics. These key data help both marine scientists and astronauts studying the land at a distance, offering valuable clues that can help predict the movement of ocean.
“In both fields [Ciencias Oceánicas y Ciencias del Sistema Terrestre]with what we do we are taking human knowledge one step further, ”said Pablo Álvarez.”I think that exploring and learning more about our environment and the universe in which we live is in our DNA”.
Many women study Oceanic Sciences
Among students on board, LEna Schaffeld, from Germany, found the particularly inspiring expedition. He felt empowered to know that students exceeded their classmates, an unusual and significant change in a field Often dominated by men. “I think we need many women in science, especially in oceanic sciences. Therefore, it is a pleasure to be one of them,” he said proudly.
Focusing on The growing abundance and distribution of microplastic pollution in the ocean, Lena Schaffeld believes that the trip has also benefited his studies. “We have been crossing different seas. We came from the Norwegian Sea and the Arctic Sea, towards the open Atlantic Ocean, and now the Mediterranean,” he said.
Collecting data along the way, The research student commented that she has found more visible plastics in samples taken from the Mediterranean. “The microplastic are plastic fragments of less than five millimeters, and most are invisible,” he said, and stressed that their work is just beginning and that it is too early to draw conclusions.
“Only afterThe filtration process and when you look with the microscope, which will happen at the end of this trip, we will know how much plastic there is really”Wanting to continue studying these samples, he said that he will also try to explore ways to use satellite data to detect microplastics in the water and to better understand how the plastic moves with the currents.
“Water is in constant movement and The plastic on the surface moves with these currents. Therefore, we will also apply numerical models to predict or even track the origin of that plastic. It will be interesting, ”he added with hope.
Work for oceans to be sustainable
“Bring The ocean to people is a task that we have entrusted to our students, “Donlon emphasized.” They have collaborated with Peter Thomson, the UN special envoy for the ocean. He ordered us to give this course, and we have fulfilled it. ”
For Donlon, “The UNOC3 is the place where we meet. We discuss the most relevant issues and provide a ministerial component to ratify evidence -based decisions”.
The oceanographer pointed out that he is convinced that decisions and debates based on the conference “will strengthen lives and societies”, in addition to contributing to protect the environment for future generations. “A sustainable ocean is not a luxury; It is an absolute need. There can be [economía] green without a prosperous blue ocean”He said.