The case takes place during the Southern Hemisphere summer season, when mid-latitude weather systems are located further south of South Africa compared to the winter season.
The case follows the voyage of the Polarstern ship as it encounters a cold front. The Polarstern is a German research vessel and icebreaker that sails to and around the Antarctic area from November and March, and spends the rest of the year in the Arctic waters.
The ship is equipped for many types of research, and has nine laboratories. Its meteorological observatory is run by a meteorological technician/weather observer from the German Weather Service (DWD). The observer performs routine synoptic observations and daily upper air soundings, which are supplemented by automated weather observations. In summary, the Polarstern is like a moving weather station that offers more detailed observations than regular ships and drifting weather buoys.