Not only is it a great sailing competition, but it’s also an impressive science run. The Ocean Race, which begins next weekend, will collect a massive amount of data on climate, pollution, and the state of the oceans.
The competition is a grueling six-month, 60,000-kilometre sailing race around the world. The teams will depart from the Spanish city of Alicante on January 15th. The fleet arrives in June along ScheveningenIn July, the finale is in Genoa, Italy.
oxygen levels in the water
The fact that boats are equipped with all kinds of measuring devices is nothing new: since 2018, measurements have been made in the interest of science. However, this edition is more comprehensive. For the first time, oxygen levels in the water will be recorded, as well as things like carbon dioxide, salt and temperature. The equipment will also measure trace elements such as copper, manganese, iron and zinc for the first time. These substances are essential for plankton growth, which in turn are vital to ocean health and biodiversity.
The data will go to eight scientific institutions, including the Max Planck Institute and several ocean institutes. What’s new is that data will reach scientists faster via satellite.
Some teams will deploy buoys in the Southern Ocean during a sail race to measure wind direction, air speed and temperature. This data contributes to a better understanding of how currents and climate change.
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