A central goal of the expedition is to support Canada’s work within the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) through geophysical and geological surveys of the Alpha Ridge, the Mendeleev Ridge, and the Lomonosov Ridge. Researchers will collect bathymetric and geological data to improve understanding of the structure of the seabed and the extent of the continental shelf in the Arctic.

The Early Career Researcher (ECR) program – the graduate school – brings together participants from Swedish and Canadian universities and focuses on the central Arctic climate system. The program includes both theoretical and practical activities, including observations and measurements, across six work packages (WPs) led by senior researchers. Hanna Farnelid at Linnaeus University is the coordinator of the graduate school.

During the expedition, continuous measurements of the seabed, sea ice, ocean currents, weather, and aerosols will be conducted. Researchers will work both on board the ship and out on the ice, using helicopters, drones, buoys, and advanced sensor systems. The goal is to increase understanding of the interactions among the sea, ice, and atmosphere in an Arctic that is rapidly changing due to climate change.

The expedition also includes elements of education, art, and communication. An artist and a teacher will participate on board to document the expedition and create material for schools and the public. Research data from the expedition will be made openly available through Swedish and international databases.

The Swedish Polar Research Secretariat is carrying out the expedition together with the Geological Survey of Canada within Canada’s UNCLOS program. In addition to Swedish and Canadian researchers, researchers from Denmark and Greenland are participating, and Inuit observers with knowledge of marine mammals will be on board the Canadian ship.

Work packages

Here is an overview of the expedition’s eight work packages (WPs), which together contribute new knowledge about climate, oceans, ice, and ecosystems in one of the most vulnerable regions on Earth.

WP1 – Marine geology

This work package focuses on marine sediments and the history of the seabed. Researchers collect sediment cores from the seafloor to investigate past climate conditions, sea-ice development, and geological processes in the Arctic. The work includes piston and gravity coring, multicorer sampling, plankton net sampling, and extensive analyses of the physical and chemical properties of the sediments. The data are used for paleoclimate studies and reconstructions of the Arctic Ocean’s development.

WP2 – Geophysical mapping

This work package is responsible for continuous mapping of the seabed and the upper sediment structure. Using Oden’s multibeam echosounder, sub-bottom profilers, ADCP, and EK80 systems, researchers produce detailed bathymetric maps and acoustic profiles. The mapping supports both the UNCLOS work and the Polar Connect project and also provides a basis for other research activities on board, such as sediment sampling.

WP3 – Meteorology and aerosols

The meteorology group studies the Arctic atmosphere and the interactions among the atmosphere, clouds, aerosols, and sea ice. Instruments on board measure radiation, turbulence, clouds, precipitation, greenhouse gases, and aerosol particles. Weather balloons are launched four times a day to map the vertical structure of the atmosphere. This work contributes to a better understanding of the Arctic energy balance and to improved climate and weather models.

WP4 – Sea ice properties

This work package investigates the properties and dynamics of sea ice. Researchers place drifting buoys on ice floes to track movements, deformation, and temperature changes in the ice over time. At ice stations, measurements are made of ice thickness, snow depth, salinity, and melting processes. Drones and helicopters are used to map cracks, meltwater, and ice formations. The aim is to improve understanding of sea-ice changes and validate satellite observations.

WP5 – Oceanography and marine chemistry

This work package focuses on ocean circulation, water masses, and chemical properties. Temperature, salinity, currents, turbulence, and mixing processes in the Arctic Ocean are studied using CTD profiles, ADCP measurements, and microstructure soundings. The group also investigates sound propagation in the ocean, double-diffusive processes, and organic matter in the water. The results help explain how heat and substances are transported within the Arctic Ocean system.

WP6 – Primary productivity and biogeochemistry

This work package studies biological production and biogeochemical processes in the ocean and sea ice. Researchers analyse phytoplankton, bacteria, nutrients, chlorophyll, and carbon cycles in both open water and ice environments. Experiments are carried out on board to investigate primary production and biological processes under different conditions. The work also includes DNA- and RNA-based analyses of microorganisms and contributes to knowledge about the Arctic marine ecosystem and the climate-related carbon balance.

WP7 – Artist program

The artist program documents the expedition from an artistic perspective. Through visual and creative expression, this work package helps communicate research, the Arctic environment, and daily life during the expedition to a broader audience.

WP8 – Teacher program

The teacher program aims to create educational material and strengthen the connection between polar research and schools. Through documentation and educational activities, the expedition’s research will be made accessible to students and teachers.