About

Aiming to promote the interdisciplinary exchange of scientific knowledge about the Arctic and Antarctic, the Polar Research Group serves an international community of researchers.

Studies on the poles, whose significant effect on the world's climate is increasingly understood, are increasing day by day. Both the quality and quantity of scientific studies that make it more and more understood that the poles are the most important geographies in reducing the effects of climate change and making our world a livable planet are increasing day by day are increasing. It is obvious that the effects of Antarctica on the world's climate will be very decisive in particular. The low temperature and salinity of the sea water around Antarctica, which is surrounded by cold ocean currents, intensifies and causes deep ocean currents to emerge. The fact that ocean currents starting from the shores of Antarctica and extending to the Northern Hemisphere essentially ensure that life in the Northern Hemisphere is milder was revealed by oceanographers in the 19th century with the first modern marine science studies. The Arctic Ocean is an ice-covered ocean and its climate is open to cold and continental effects throughout the year. While sea ice expands in the winter months, it retreats in the summer months. The Arctic Ocean is affected by warm and salty currents that merge with the Mediterranean water, and together with warm water from the North Atlantic and water from the Black Sea, feed the ecosystem in the Arctic. In both regions, climate change causes serious effects such as sea ice loss, ocean acidification and temperature increases. This situation directly affects marine life and the global climate system, leading to widespread ecosystem changes.

The determination of climate change events and atmospheric changes that our world has faced from the past to the present can be explained by samples taken from the glaciers and seabed in the polar regions. The poles, which are geologically protected regions, shed light on the future with their protective identity for all developments that have occurred since the formation of the world. The importance of modeling studies to be shaped for decision makers with these data obtained in taking the necessary precautions for the future is of great importance.

In addition to the existence of high-potential natural resources, Antarctica has the feature of a protected natural laboratory for climate research, geophysics, biology, space sciences and other branches of science. Antarctica is the coldest, driest, highest and windiest continent on Earth, and although it is difficult to just exist under these extreme conditions, this region offers many opportunities for scientific research. Antarctica is a kind of giant natural protected laboratory where human impact is the least in the world. However, current research indicates that both polar regions have decreased immunity in terms of pollution and may even be under high pressure due to their oceanographic features. This situation has been revealed by the scientists of IU Marine Sciences and Management Institute with current microplastic and pharmaceutical active ingredient generic pollution researches. In order to provide such studies, scientific bases are being established in Antarctica. Ultimately, establishing a permanent base to coordinate the country's studies and to contribute more to international partnerships in order to serve science is the primary national goal. However, high motivation and determination alone are not enough to establish these bases. At the same time, conducting scientific research in polar regions, especially in Antarctica, is the primary expectation of the institutions and organizations organized to protect the relevant geography.