The Institute of Low Institute of Low Temperature Science Institute of Low Temperature Science, Hokkaido University, will hold its 2025 Joint Research Meeting, "Investigation of Next-Generation Sea Ice Observation Methods Using Icebreakers," on March 17th (Tue) and 18th (Wed).

 

[Purpose]
Since 1996, Institute of Low Temperature Science at Hokkaido University has been conducting joint research with the Japan Coast Guard's 1st Regional Coast Guard Headquarters, continuously observing the sea ice region of the southern Okhotsk Sea in winter using the icebreaker patrol vessel "Soya" for 30 years. To date, many researchers in Japan have utilized this observation network to produce numerous results in areas such as oceanographic and biogeochemical processes related to sea ice, and the impact of seasonal sea ice regions on climate.

Furthermore, research utilizing the "Soya" observation network has led to the development of numerous studies in both the Antarctic and Arctic polar regions. Last year, a new icebreaker patrol vessel, the "Soya," was completed, and the new icebreaker "Mirai II" was also completed. In Antarctica, observations of the Antarctic sea ice region will continue to be conducted by the icebreaker "Shirase."

At a research meeting held in October 2024, stakeholders who have utilized the "Soya" observations gathered to discuss "how to maintain and develop the 'Soya' observations and utilize them for next-generation research." As a result, it was concluded that "the most important research topic that should be continued with observations using icebreakers is sea ice research, and for that purpose, it is necessary to consider next-generation sea ice observation methods."

 

Therefore, this meeting will provide an opportunity for all those involved in, or who will be involved in, observations using the icebreaker patrol vessel "Soya," the icebreaker "Mirai II," and the icebreaker "Shirase" to gather and discuss next-generation sea ice observation methods.

 

[Event Overview]

  • Date and time: March 17, 2026 (Tuesday) 13:00-17:00, March 18, 2026 (Wednesday) 9:30-12:30
  • Location: Auditorium, 3rd Floor, New Building Institute of Low Temperature Science

For more information, please see here (overview). *PDF will open.