Celebrating 150 years of modern marine research in the Nordic Seas

The Nordic Seas (the ocean region between Norway, Greenland, and Iceland) play a key role in the large-scale ocean circulation connecting the Atlantic Ocean and the Arctic Ocean, and strongly influence the climate in Norway and the global ocean circulation. Key physical processes in this region evolve around the northward transport of warm water from the Atlantic, local dense water formation, and the southward transport of this dense water, as well as freshwater and sea ice. This year (2026) marks the 150th anniversary of the Norwegian Vøring Expedition, which is considered the beginning of modern systematic oceanographic data collection and exploration. Especially during the last decades, the Nordic Seas have undergone several large changes, such as  ocean warming and sea-ice retreat. 

This event will host 8 science talks, starting with an overview of historic research (8:30-9:00), moving on to presenting new discoveries in current oceanographic and sea ice research from the Nordic Seas (9:00-12:00, with coffee break) and finish with a moderated plenary panel discussion on the future of the Nordic Seas, addressing knowledge gaps and methodological challenges (12:00-12:30). A catered lunch will be provided for all registered participants (12:30-13:30). The event is part of the annual meeting for the Arctic-Subarctic Ocean Fluxes community, an international group of researchers collaborating on measuring and understanding oceanic exchanges between the Arctic and the rest of the world.