On July 27, 2001, scientists from five nations converged in northern Norway, ready to depart for the Arctic. They are undertaking the first major sampling of the Gakkel Ridge, three miles below the Arctic icecap. A new U.S. icebreaker, the Healy, will be on its maiden voyage, accompanied by the flagship German icebreaker Polar Stern. \n\nExpedition Site\n