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

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)

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

fluxes in ice covered oceans (Photo: Stefanie Arndt, AWI) The radiation budget of sea ice dominates the sea-ice energy balance and the exchange of energy between the atmosphere and the ocean in ice-covered regions [...] comprehensive data sets from remote regions of the Arctic and Antarctic. Contact: Dr. Marcel Nicolaus Dr. Ran Tao Surface albedo of ice-covered regions in the Arctic and Antarctic mostly depends on the thickness [...] to the atmosphere (albedo), that is absorbed by snow and sea ice, ant that is transmitted into the ocean (transmittance). We perform various radiation measurements during our field campaigns using Polarstern

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

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

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

melt events on stable oxygen isotope records from the Arctic. Due to rising temperatures over recent decades, the frequency of melt events in Arctic regions has increased. However, current models describing [...] Resolution in the harbour of Fremantle before International Ocean Discovery Program Exp. 356 (Photo: Jeroen Groeneveld) Reconstructing past ocean water conditions using geochemistry in foraminifera I am a [...] e structure of climate change) and the RECORDER research unit of the cluster of excellence: “The Ocean Floor – Earth’s Uncharted Interface”. It is joint effort of the Earth System Diagnostics group of

On 29 May 2025, the Polarstern research vessel set sail from Bremerhaven for the Arctic. The destination of the 95 expedition participants, led by the Alfred Wegener Institute, is the AWI Hausgarten, a [...] y situated between Svalbard and Greenland. There they will investigate how the ecosystems of the Arctic deep sea are reacting to changing environmental conditions as a result of rapid climate change. The [...] June, will focus on benthic and plankton communities in the open water and physical changes in the ocean.

Projects AFIN: Antarctic Fast Ice Network Changing Arctic Ocean SIN'XS-Sea Ice thickness INtercomparison eXerciSe Arctic Passion Tara Polar Station ESA: Climate Change Initiative MOSAiC S3MPC-Sentinel-3 [...] -3 Altimetry Mission Performance ArcSolution SNOWflAke IceBird Transdrift: Arctic Ice-Ocean-Interaction CONTRASTS