NCoE SVALI – Stability and Variations of Arctic Land Ice

The recent warming of the Earth has led to changes in the cryosphere - the part of the Earth System where water occurs in its frozen form - causing an increased flux of meltwater and icebergs from glaciers, and a rising sea level. Increased freshwater discharge to the oceans also impacts ocean circulation as well as the Arctic Hydrological Cycle.

These changes are happening more rapidly than predicted. In order to be able to foresee future sea level rise, it is necessary to strive for a better understanding of glaciological processes, and to include them in Earth System Models.

The NCoE SVALI takes on the task to answer these key questions:

How fast is the land ice volume in the Arctic and the North-Atlantic area changing, and why?
Will these processes continue to accelerate?
What are the consequences for sea-level and ocean circulation
What are the implications for society?

Nordic researchers are uniquely positioned to play a leading role in this research, and NCoE SVALI will constitute a platform for joint process studies, analyses, sharing of methods, researcher training and outreach activities to spread information about the scientific results.

The researchers will study basic processes using remote sensing, airborne and in-situ measurements, and carry out advanced Earth System Modelling with focus on glaciers in the Arctic/North-Atlantic area. Ultimately, the center will form a common foundation for international collaboration of Nordic scientists in cryospheric research.

Jon Ove Hagen, Norway
Project leader