"Clouds in the High Arctic are important because they regulate how energy is transported from and to the ice," explains Paul Zieger. This delicate balance is crucial for the formation or melting of sea ice, with aerosol particles playing a pivotal role as the nuclei for cloud droplets and ice crystals.

The team faced formidable challenges in gathering data in the pristine yet harsh Arctic conditions. The Oden had to navigate carefully to avoid contaminating samples with its own emissions, making the task even more demanding amidst the tough ice conditions. Despite these obstacles, the researchers successfully collected more than 750 GB of data, revealing that tiny Aitken-mode particles, around 30 nanometres in diameter, are predominant in the atmosphere and difficult to break down.

These findings have implications far beyond the Arctic. "We need accurate models to predict how the climate will change in the Arctic, which also affects our climate here in Europe," Zieger stresses. The project sheds light on the uncertainties surrounding aerosols and their impact on Arctic clouds, contributing vital knowledge for better predicting future climates.

The expedition, marked by both the challenges of extreme conditions and the camaraderie of the team, was not just a scientific success but also an unforgettable adventure. "There are many unforgettable memories from this expedition," Zieger reflects, highlighting both the struggles and the triumphs of this remarkable journey into understanding our planet's climate.

Text reproduced by article published by the Swedish Polar Research Secretariat.

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