Meteorological Observations

As we sail southward through the Drake Passage, we see the weather changing dramatically.
In the Drake Passage, temperate subantarctic water meets the cold polar waters, resulting in rapid temperature changes. The region where this happens is an oceanic boundary 20–30 km wide, called the Antarctic Convergence Zone. The colder water is very nutrient-rich and of vital importance for the wildlife around. The convergence marks the biological limit of the Antarctic ecosystem.
As Captain Moritz says, “When you see me wearing a lot of extra layers, you know we have passed the Antarctic Convergence Zone!” The extra layers are indeed a good indication that we are nearing Antarctica; however, it is important to measure these changes accurately with factual data.

Meteorological Observations
To do so, we take all sorts of meteorological observations four times a day. Among others, we measure sea water temperature, air temperature, air pressure, wind speed and direction, waves, swell, cloud cover, and cloud types.
For measuring the water temperature, we literally throw a bucket overboard and pull it back, attempting not to bang the hull too many times to avoid waking up those resting from their shifts.
We send the observation data to the KNMI, the Royal Dutch Meteorological Institute, via mail.

Calibration with Satellite Data
With the data collected, institutes like the KNMI and NASA can calibrate their climate and weather models. It is hard to get good data for these regions, especially at sea, as there are no weather stations around.
The weather in Antarctica influences global weather patterns, so it is very important to gather accurate data in these remote regions.

Icebergs
Besides the rapid changes in temperature, another observation will show us that we are nearing the Antarctic continent. Soon, we expect the first icebergs popping up! We have reserved a prize for the voyage crew member who correctly estimates the time and date of when we will see the first iceberg.
An iceberg is only classified as such when it is at least 5 meters high and 15 meters wide.