• Bathymetric compilations

    Chart of the Oceans (GEBCO) , the International Bathymetric Chart of the Arctic Ocean (IBCAO) ,the International Bathymetric Chart of the Southern Ocean (IBCSO) , and the Southwest Indian Ocean Bathymetric [...] world’s oceans by 2030, and hosts the Seabed 2030 Southern Ocean Regional Center (SORC) . SORC’s and IBCSO’ s responsibility is to produce the best possible authoritative map of the Southern Ocean, the South [...] Global and regional bathymetric models IBSCO (International Bathymetric Chart of the Southern Ocean) (Graphic: Alfred-Wegener-Institut / IBSCO v2, Dorschel et al., 2022) IBSCO v2 Datenabdeckung (Graphic:

  • Aerosols & Clouds

    station. Antarctic To be filled! Text is missing Arctic Ocean (Central Arctic) FS Polarstern MOSAiC (Photo: M. Gutsche) The polar oceans in the Arctic and around Antarctica, characterized by their seasonal [...] expedition The Multidisciplinary drifting Observatory for the Study of Arctic Climate (MOSAiC) was a major year-long campaign in the Central Arctic Sea ice, using the research icebreaker Polarstern . MOSAiC was [...] 400 scientists and experts from 20 nations, who studied a full annual cycle of the Arctic Atmosphere, Sea ice, Ocean, Biogeochemistry and Ecosystem. Further information and scientific publications can

  • Stable Isotopes in Marine Geology

    O values in ice and water samples from the Arctic and Antarctic, as well as the δ 13 C values of dissolved inorganic carbon in the water of the polar oceans. In addition, our laboratories offer the possibility [...] input) and changes in the supply of nutrient silicon and its use in polar and subpolar ocean regions (e.g. Southern Ocean, North Pacific) can be reconstructed on geological time scales. For the measurements [...] Clumped isotopes δ 13 C + δ 18 O (biog. carbonate, foraminifers) Option: clumped isotopes Changes in ocean circulation, nutrient content and deep water ventilation (δ 13 C) Hydrographic changes (δ 18 O, Δ47)

  • Lowest levels on record for Arctic winter sea ice

    The winter growth period for sea ice in the Arctic Ocean is now over, with levels at a record low. The winter ice extent on 21 March 2025 was lower than at any time since continuous satellite recording [...] cover is over a million square kilometres below the long-term average. As in February 2025, average Arctic sea ice cover remained at an all-time low for the entire month of March, equalling the previous low

  • Physical Oceanography

    Observations in the Arctic Ocean The Arctic is an environment where global climate change is strongly manifested. The Arctic Amplification, represented by the atmospheric warming trend in the Arctic being about [...] deep oceans. We explore the importance of physical processes in the Arctic and Antarctic Oceans for a changing climate and the polar ecosystems. Polarstern in der Arktis / Polarstern in the Arctic Contact [...] Hoppmann @ awi.de Our Team Main research topics of our group Physical Oceanography of the Arctic Ocean The Arctic Ocean and the Nordic Seas are integral parts of the Atlantic meridional overturning circulation

  • MIDO

    parameters in the ice-covered, central Arctic Ocean. The concurrent recording of physical, biological and biogeochemical measurements in the atmosphere, sea-ice and ocean for time periods of several months [...] observatory (Graphic: Alfred-Wegener-Institut) The properties of the atmosphere, sea-ice and the polar oceans, and feedbacks between these domains play an important role in global climate. At the same time, [...] Nicolaus @ awi.de Prof. Dr. Benjamin Rabe +49(471)4831-2403 Benjamin.Rabe @ awi.de Deployment of an ocean profilers in the sea-ice (Photo: Alfred-Wegener-Institut)

  • Pioneering research reveals Arctic matter pathways poised for major shifts amidst climate change

    Siberian river systems into the central Arctic and the North Atlantic. This material affects Arctic biogeochemistry and ecosystems, while the fresh water itself alters ocean circulation. The Alfred Wegener Institute [...] suspended matter from the Siberian shelves across the central Arctic towards the Fram Strait channel, which connects to the Nordic Seas. This cross-Arctic flow influences the delivery of both natural substances [...] known as the Transpolar Draft, operates. It also uncovers the various factors controlling this major Arctic surface current, including warmer temperatures which could increase the spread of human-made pollutants

  • Ocean: FRAM

    look beyond the moorings and the Hausgarten into the Norwegian Sea and the Arctic Ocean. The Fram Strait connects the Arctic Ocean and the North Atlantic. Unlike the shallow water conjunction to the Pacific [...] Arctic long-term observatory FRAM 5,000 metres seawater plus ice separate the seafloor from boisterous life in the upper water layers of the Arctic Ocean. Additionally there is a strong change between [...] deep and thus the main region for exchange of water between the Arctic and the global oceans. Due to its importance for the global ocean circulation the Fram Strait has long since been a focus area of

  • Transfer storys

    has therefore been developed … Find out more The pulse of the Arctic The ‘Arctic PASSION’ project provides environmental data from the Arctic for the local population, for science and for local politics [...] Using Knowledge to Combat Plastic Litter Plastic has reached even the most remote corners of the ocean. The AWI is not only investigating the scale and impacts of the problem; it's also contributing the [...] politics Find out more Putting permafrost in the classroom The Arctic’s frozen soils are thawing – with consequences for climate and humans. Together with partner schools in Germany, schoolchildren from Aklavik

  • Tara Polar Station

    unique and fragile ecosystems Observe Arctic fish stocks and the impact of the arrival of more temperate species Life in a frozen ocean: analogues to other ocean planets and bioprospecting with new potential [...] drift expeditions between 2025 and 2045. During these 20 years, 10 year-long drift studies in the Arctic Ocean are planned. The work is based on the collaboration of an international and interdisciplinary [...] Station was baptized in Lorient, France, in April 2025 and will realize the first drift in the Arctic Ocean starting in summer 2026. Before this, different test campaigns are planned, including a shorter