cover makes the Arctic Ocean distinct from subarctic oceans – the presence of ice, as well as ice formation and melt significantly shape the circulation and water masses of both the Arctic Ocean and the Nordic [...] Circulation in the Arctic Ocean and the Nordic Seas The Arctic Ocean and the Nordic Seas are integral parts of the Atlantic meridional overturning circulation, and hence key regions for the global climate [...] ice retreat, the Arctic Ocean might change from a permanent to a seasonally ice-covered ocean, more typical for subarctic seas. Our research focuses on understanding the physical ocean processes that shape