The research vessel “Admiral Vladimirsky”, with the participants of the Round-the-world Oceanographic Expedition on board, completed work in the area of the Earth’s south magnetic pole. After processing the received data, scientists will be able to name its exact location.
The expedition of the Hydrographic Service of the Russian Navy and the Russian Geographical Society is dedicated to the 200th anniversary of the discovery of Antarctica by Russian sailors Thaddeus Bellingshausen and Mikhail Lazarev, as well as to the 250th birthday anniversary of Admiral Ivan Kruzenshtern. The expedition route largely follows the path of the ships of Bellingshausen and Lazarev. On the “Admiral Vladimirsky” oceanographic research vessel, the participants of the round-the-world expedition passed through the Baltic and North Seas, crossed the Atlantic Ocean and are now conducting research in the Antarctic waters. After working in the Antarctic, the ship will return home through the Indian Ocean, the Suez Canal and the Mediterranean Sea. The voyage will end on June 6th, 2020 in Kronstadt. The distance covered will be about 40 thousand miles.
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Despite severe storms in the Southern Ocean - winds exceeding 30 meters per second and 7-meter waves - the “Admiral Vladimirsky”`s crew completed one of the main tasks of the expedition. In the D’Urville Sea, scientists examined the magnetic pole at a point that is now calculated to be the "southern magnetic pole." On shore, the data will be processed, and specialists will be able to determine the exact location of the south magnetic pole.
"Previous studies at the point of the south magnetic pole were carried out in 1983 by the domestic Hydrographic Service on the “Admiral Vladimirsky” and “Faddey Bellingshausen” vessels", said the expedition leader, captain 1st rank, Oleg Osipov.
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Ahead of the expedition is a meeting with the hydrographic vessel “Marshal Gelovani”, which also carried out part of the work to determine the south magnetic pole, and a stop at the Seychelles.
"Next, our path will go to the Seychelles, where we must replenish supplies. I can’t say whether the personnel will disembark. Because of the coronavirus situation, in the countries where it is raging, it is recommended not to go ashore so as not to infect the crew", said Oleg Osipov.
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The head of the expedition noted that some personnel were already feeling a bit tired, but on the whole, the expedition members were vigorous, ready to work and keep watch duly. The ship even hosted a transantarctic inter-ocean darts tournament, in which a third of the crew participated. Those who did not participate in the competitions were actively rooting for their comrades.
“Many of the expedition participants go in for sports. The most popular form is darts. While the Olympics were canceled, we had a transantarctic championship. There was a huge stir from the press and fans. Nine teams took part: “Sea darts”, “Archer gang”, and “Senhouse slip “, “Gadwall in the Interval” and others. The “Strategic Four” team had won", said Oleg Osipov.