• For the first time ever AWI researchers take samples of rising methane in the Arctic ocean, using their AUV PAUL

    Press release

  • Forecast of sea ice properties

    well as ocean observations (sea-surface temperature) to optimize the initial state of the sea ice-ocean system for short-term (up to 6 days) forecasts. ICEDAS was build around the sea ice-ocean model NAOSIM [...] predict the Arctic summer minimum sea-ice extent in September from the beginning of the melting season in May/June on. AWI is participating in the SIO since 2008 by using a coupled sea-ice ocean model (NAOSIM) [...] However, this approach neglects all feedback of the sea ice-ocean system onto the atmosphere. This year (2015) the initial state of the sea ice-ocean model has been constrained by sea-ice observations in a

  • Formation of the Arctic Basin

    role in Arctic Ocean geophysical research for many years and in various projects. Projects Formation of new seafloor at the Arctic Mid-Ocean Ridge International Bathymetric Chart of the Arctic Ocean (Photo: [...] Formation of the Arctic Basin The Arctic Ocean is of particular geological interest. It hosts a wealth of different geological provinces ranging from deep ocean basins over prominent ridges to vast shallow [...] perennial sea ice-cover, information on the geological history of the Arctic Ocean is still sparse. As the sea-ice recedes, the Arctic Ocean will see an explosion of research activities. With RV Polarstern

  • Foto/Video Systems

    biomass of three epibenthic invertebrates from the deep-sea observatory HAUSGARTEN (Fram Strait, Arctic Ocean). Marine Ecology Progress Series 602: 15-29. Taylor, J., Krumpen, T., Soltwedel, T., Gutt, J. [...] The vertically facing towed camera system OFOS (Ocean Floor Observation System) is used to assess large-scale distribution patterns of larger epi-benthic organisms and other objects (e.g. dropstones, garbage) [...] assessing temporal variations in benthic community structure, megafaunal composition and diversity at the Arctic deep-sea observatory HAUSGARTEN between 2004 and 2015. Deep-Sea Research I 122: 81-94. Taylor, J

  • Fram Strait

    current long-term observations Atlantic Water is the main oceanic source of heat, salt, and nutrients of the Arctic Ocean. It enters the Arctic Ocean through the Barents Sea or Fram Strait. In the eastern [...] recirculates to the western Fram Strait on timescales of several months while the rest enters the Arctic Ocean and follows a cyclonic circulation for years to decades. The AWI long-term observations in Fram [...] around 4°C since. Two anomalous warm events occurred in fall 2006 and in late winter 2012. In the deep ocean, it was also observed that the two water masses present there (the warmer Eurasian Basin Deep Water

  • Freshwater fluxes

    the Eurasian shelf seas. Ocean waters with salinities below the average salinity of the Arctic Ocean also contribute positively to the fresh water balance of the Arctic Ocean. Such waters flow in from [...] shows the total Arctic (liquid + sea ice) freshwater content (integrated in the area in blue on the map) freFresh water content cha (Graphic: T. Kovacs, Alfred-Wegener-Institut) The Arctic Ocean receives freshwater [...] interchange of waters between the Arctic and the Nordic seas results in in seasaw fluctuations in fresh water content between the basins. To reach an equilibrium, the Arctic Ocean must on averageexport freshwater

  • Further Projects

    Observing System ( ArcticROOS ) working with ocean observation and modelling systems for the Arctic Ocean and adjacent seas has been established within the EuroGOOS initiative. ArcticROOS will promote, develop [...] only open-ocean LTER site. LTER-D is a member in the international LTER umbrella organisation ILTER and in the European regional network LTER-Europe. Contact: T. Soltwedel ArcticROOS (Arctic Regional Ocean [...] Ocean Observing System) Project within the GOOS/EuroGOOS initiative Since 2006 Coordinator: Stein Sandven, Nansen Environmental and Remote Sensing Center (NERSC), Norway An Arctic Regional Ocean Observing

  • Further Publications

    642-32235-8 Xu, X., M. Werner, M. Butzin, and G. Lohmann, 2013: Oceanic d18O Variation and its Relation to Salinity in the MPI-OM Ocean Model . In: "Earth System Science: Bridging the Gaps between Disciplines [...] Werner, K., Lohmann, G., Prange, M. and Stein, R., 2015: Holocene environmental variability in the Arctic Gateway . In: "Integrated Analysis of Interglacial Climate Dynamics (INTERDYNAMIC)". M. Schulz and [...] 2-32235-8 Pfeiffer, M, and G. Lohmann, 2013: The Last Interglacial as Simulated by an Atmosphere-Ocean General Circulation Model: Sensitivity Studies on the Influence of the Greenland Ice Sheet . In: "Earth

  • GROCE

    Greenland Ice Sheet Ocean Interaction Investigation of the Interactions Between the Greenland Ice Sheet and the Surrounding Ocean The joint research project GROCE ( Greenland Ice Sheet Ocean Interaction ) is [...] Atlantic, the Arctic Ocean, and Greenland's glaciers need to be studied in greater detail. More information can be found on the project's website. Schematic illustration of the key oceanic and glaciological [...] rapid inflow of warm Atlantic water beneath the glacier tongue. To record the heat transport into the ocean-filled glacier cavity throughout an entire year and observe potential seasonal variations, we deployed

  • Geophysics

    Research focuses on areas in the Arctic and sub-Arctic, the Arctic Ocean, the Southern Ocean and Antarctica. The studies include reconstructions of ice sheet dynamics, oceanic circulation and tectonic processes