Norway’s Biggest Research Project Has Officially Commenced

In 2050, we may become witnesses to something that has never before happened: an ice-free Arctic Ocean.

The world's northernmost ocean changing from white to blue may have severe consequences for nature and ecosystems, but will also have geopolitical implications.

Over the next decade, the scope of these consequences will be under the magnifying glass in Norway's largest-ever research project, Arctic Ocean 2050.

A consortium of 18 Norwegian institutions, the project will be utilizing an interdisciplinary and collaborative approach in order to get a full picture of what an ice-free Arctic Ocean could entail.

The research project was awarded NOK 1 billion by the Norwegian government last fall and is thereby fully funded for the next ten years.

Kickoff

During the Arctic Frontiers conference in Tromsø, Northern Norway, this week, the project had its official kickoff.

Researcher Morven Muilwijk at the Norwegian Polar Institute said the project is more important than ever as truth and science are challenged.

"Sadly, we live in a time when truth and fact are continuously challenged," he said from the stage and continued:

"Science meets resistance from fake news, political agendas, and economic interests. We need trustworthy science now more than ever."

And this is where the Arctic Ocean 2050 project plays a vital role, the researcher stated.

"It will enable important work in a region that is changing faster than ever, with impacts affecting people and nature far beyond its borders."

The Transpolar Drift

Muilwijk and his colleague Zoe Koenig presented their research at the kickoff, which will inform further research within the framework of Arctic Ocean 2050.

The researchers have been part of a detailed mapping of the ocean current known as the 'Transpolar Drift.' The researchers behind the study are part of the cooperation programme SUDARCO, which will conclude in 2026. Many of the researchers will also be part of Arctic Ocean 2050. 

The ocean current is one of the most important components in the Arctic climate system, impacting both global ocean circulation and ocean climate.

The findings from the transpolar drift study include:

• The current is helping prevent sea ice from melting from below.
• A method to measure the ocean current in real time when researchers are on a voyage.
• The current consists of 20 percent river water from Siberia and transports particles/sediments to the Arctic Ocean, which in turn impacts the ecosystem in the Central Arctic Ocean.
• The transpolar drift stretches 100 nautical miles across the Amundsen Basin in the top 50 meters of the ocean.

The hope is that this knowledge can be used and built upon by researchers in many fields through the Arctic Ocean 2050 project.

NOK 750 000 000 in funds

 The Research Council of Norway recently published a call for proposals for the Arctic Ocean 2050 project, for which the consortium may apply. 

This call will allocate NOK 750 million among the 18 member institutions for the project's ten-year duration.

Next year, the council will put out a call that will be available for applicants that are not part of the consortium as well. NOK 120 million will be allocated during this call.