Context: Researchers from various countries are collaborating on projects analyzing the current condition of the Antarctic Sea and monitoring the species inhabiting the region, during the X Antarctic Expedition aboard the Colombian research vessel.
Gerlache strait
Location: Gerlache Strait or de Gerlache Strait is a channel/strait separating the Palmer Archipelago from the Antarctic Peninsula.
Antarctic Expedition
- The primary focus of the X Antarctic Expedition lies in the analysis of the Antarctic sea’s current conditions, atmospheric pressure studies, and the monitoring of species that inhabit the Antarctic Peninsula and surrounding areas.
- The researchers are taking underwater samples, analyzing greenhouse gas flows, and utilizing machine learning techniques to model Antarctic ecosystems.
- Each project serves to advance the understanding of global warming and its effects on the continent.
Humpback whale
- Humpback whale, a baleen whale known for its elaborate courtship songs and displays.
- Humpbacks usually range from 12 to 16 meters in length and weigh approximately 36 metric tons.
- Humpback whales live along the coasts of all oceans, occasionally swimming close to shore, even into harbours and rivers.
- They undertake long migrations between polar feeding grounds in summer and tropical or subtropical breeding grounds in winter. (Feeding in polar areas and breeding in Subtropical areas).
- The humpback whale produces a series of repetitious sounds at varying frequencies known as whale song.Male humpback whales perform these vocalizations often during the mating season, and so it is believed the purpose of songs is to aid mate selection.
- IUCN status: Least Concern
- CITES: Appendix I