Ocean

The ocean climate indicators shed light on changes in sea ice, sea level, ocean temperature, salinity and freshwater currents. Changes in these factors may signal climate change and will have significance for the natural environment in Svalbard, on Jan Mayen and in surrounding waters.

Some indicators also measure processes that are closely linked with trends in the climate globally or in large parts of Europe. Since there are large natural variations in the Arctic, it is important to monitor the ocean climate indicators over a long period.

Climate Ocean

Temperature and salinity in the Fram Strait

The West Spitsbergen Current (WSC) is the only current transporting warm (>3°C) Atlantic water into the Arctic Ocean. Core temperatures are rising and monitoring is needed to predict changes in…

Climate Ocean

The transport of freshwater through the Fram Strait

The transport of freshwater in the East Greenland Current through the Fram Strait is monitored because it can affect the regional climate in northern Europe. This is one of the places…

Climate Ocean

Thickness of sea ice in the Arctic Ocean measured in the Fram Strait

The ice cover in the Arctic Ocean is a vital factor for the climate both globally and in the Arctic, and it also sets important limits for the ecosystems in the Arctic. Most of the ice leaving the Arctic Ocean…

Climate Ocean

Sea ice extent in the Barents Sea and Fram Strait

It is important to monitor the extent of sea ice because it is vital for the climate in the Arctic and globally, and because it sets important limits for the ecosystems in the Arctic. The sea ice extent in…

Climate Ocean

Sea level

The sea level reflects both short and long-term changes in the climate of the atmosphere, the cryosphere, the land areas, and the oceans. The global average sea level rises with about 3.5 mm per year due to…