Science cases

To advance scientific understanding of extremes within the integrated Arctic System we undertake three high-priority science case studies.

In each case, we will perform an integrated process study to advance our current knowledge of how extreme events in the Arctic impact the interactions between the atmosphere, ocean, sea ice and land ice. The three science cases focus on three of the most important marine-affected glaciers and ice caps in the Atlantic sector of the Arctic Ocean:

  1. Nioghalvfjerdsfjorden ("79N Glacier")/Zachariae Isstrøm, 
  2. Austfonna ice cap, 
  3. Flade Isblink ice cap.

Each of the three science cases will focus on area-specific processes and extreme events, but by choosing three areas that are all situated in the same region of the Arctic Ocean, we may investigate possible links and common themes between the processes and responses between them. This will indicate possible Arctic-wide patterns to be investigated further and identify key feedback processes connecting ocean, sea ice, and land ice that may become increasingly important in other regions of the Arctic and Antarctic.


Ice sheet velocity map visualized by NASA for the 79N glacier.

SCIENCE CASE 1

Nioghalvfjerdsfjorden ("79N Glacier") and Zachariae Isstrøm

We aim to answer the extent to which recent glacier instability, including the observed disintegration of the northern arm of the ice tongue in 2020, has been driven by interannual variations in the ice mélange and landfast ice that buttress the ice tongue.

Optical imagery of Austfonna (Nordaustlandet) showcasing the ice cap

Science case 2

Austfonna

The focus will be on the extent to which dynamic activation and instability of the ice cap have been driven by the long-term decline in sea ice in the Barents Sea or extremes in atmospheric temperature and surface melting.
Surface elevation changes over Flade Isblink ice cap from swath-processed CryoSat-2 data.

Science case 3

Flade Isblink

The aim is to answer the extent to which extreme sea ice events, such as the opening of winter polynyas, can explain the complex meteorological and dynamical patterns observed on the ice cap.

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