Through fieldwork in the Arctic environment, the expedition aims to increase understanding of how plant life and ecosystems responded to major climatic changes and ecological crises in Earth’s history. The results may contribute new knowledge about how natural environments are affected by environmental change today.

A unique site for research

Bear Island is located in the Barents Sea between mainland Norway and Svalbard. The island is remote and difficult to access, with challenging logistics and rapidly changing weather, but it is also one of the few places in the world where Devonian–Carboniferous sedimentary rocks are exposed at the surface.

During this period, Earth underwent major environmental changes. Early forests spread across continents, and new plant groups began to dominate the landscape, while extensive climatic changes and ecological crises affected life in both marine and terrestrial environments. The researchers aim to investigate how plant life evolved during this period and how ecosystems adapted to changing environmental conditions. By studying fossils and sediments from Bear Island, the expedition aims to advance understanding of how plants and ecosystems respond to long-term climatic change.

Fossils that reveal Earth’s history

During the expedition, researchers will document fossil-rich sedimentary rocks along parts of Bear Island’s coastline through photography, geological mapping and the registration of fossil occurrences in databases. A limited number of fossils will also be collected for further analysis and comparison with historical collections held at the Swedish Museum of Natural History in Stockholm, where unique fossil material from earlier expeditions to Bear Island in the early and mid-20th century is preserved. By combining new discoveries with historical collections, the researchers hope to create a clearer picture of how early forest ecosystems developed over time.

Fieldwork in an Arctic environment

The expedition will take place during the summer of 2026, and the researchers will operate from temporary tent camps on the island. Transportation will be carried out using the research vessel R/V Skagerak, while smaller boats will be used to land personnel and equipment along the coast.

The fieldwork requires extensive planning and dedicated safety procedures. Among other measures, the expedition team will include trained polar bear guards and specialised safety equipment for work in the Arctic environment.

All activities will be conducted with great consideration for the natural environment. Bear Island is a protected nature reserve, and the expedition will be carried out under permits issued by Norwegian authorities. Sampling will be kept to a minimum, and the researchers will work to minimise disturbance to wildlife and sensitive environments.

Researching the past – to better understand the future

Fossils and sediments function as archives of Earth’s history. By investigating how past ecosystems responded to major climatic changes, researchers can gain new perspectives on today’s global environmental changes.

Bear Island 2026 is therefore not only an expedition about the past, but also a project that may contribute to a greater understanding of how life on Earth is affected by long-term changes in climate and environment.