A total of 23 participants – 13 researchers and 10 logistics staff – will take part between 26 November 2025 and 4 February 2026. Fieldwork will be conducted from Wasa Station and on the Riiser-Larsen Ice Shelf and its drainage area, with logistical support from Germany’s Neumayer III Station.

About the iQ2300 theme

The theme East Antarctic Sea level rise contribution in 2300, iQ2300, focuses on how the East Antarctic Ice Sheet responds to climate change and how these changes may influence global sea-level rise up to the year 2300. The researchers combine field data, remote sensing, marine observations, and advanced ice and climate modelling. The goal is to reduce uncertainties in future sea-level projections and to identify thresholds in the ice system that could trigger rapid melting.

Logistics and fieldwork

Ten members of the Swedish Polar Research Secretariat’s logistics team are responsible for transport, field camps, energy systems, communications, and safety. Research teams will move in small groups using snowmobiles and sleds, and live in mobile accommodation units – arks – which provide shelter and warmth even under harsh weather conditions.

Two research teams operating on the Riiser-Larsen Ice Shelf (WP5 and WP6) will be based at Germany’s Neumayer III Station, while the others will work from Sweden’s Wasa Station. The expedition will follow established travel routes to avoid crevassed terrain and environmentally sensitive areas. Supplies of fuel, water, and food are coordinated through carefully planned deliveries and collaboration with the Norwegian, German, and Finnish Antarctic programs.

The Swedish Polar Research Secretariat has a long-standing logistics collaboration with Finland’s Antarctic Program (FINNARP). We cooperate on air transport, and the Finnish station Aboa (located next to Wasa) will be used for accommodation for one research group, laboratory work, and medical support.

Work packages during the 2025/26 field season

WP5 – Monitoring of sub-ice shelf systems on the Riiser-Larsen Ice Shelf

Researchers will measure ice thickness, structure, and sub-ice topography using ground-penetrating radar (GPR) and seismic methods. These measurements will provide the first regional map of the seabed and ice thickness beneath the Riiser-Larsen Ice Shelf. Two automatic radar systems (ApRES) will be installed to monitor ice motion and basal melt and will remain in operation until 2030.

WP6 – Precursor studies of ice shelf break-up

This work package investigates perennial firn aquifers – water-filled layers within the ice – that can affect ice-shelf stability. Radar surveys and an automatic weather station will collect data on snow accumulation, melting, and temperature to improve understanding of how these water reservoirs contribute to crevassing and potential ice-shelf collapse.

WP8 – Surface Mass Balance

The team will map annual snow accumulation along a 400 km transect from the coast to the plateau south of Svea. Snow cores between 5 and 30 metres deep will be analysed for density and chemistry to establish long-term (50–100 year) accumulation records. These data will support both climate modelling and satellite calibration.

WP9 – Ice sheet and ice shelf dynamic responses from Earth Observation (Remote Sensing)

Using satellite radar and laser altimetry, researchers will study how the ice surface changes over time – seasonally and annually. Field measurements of snow density and structure will be used to calibrate satellite data and improve understanding of ice dynamics, thickness, and mass balance in western Dronning Maud Land.

WP14 – Leveraging research for societal relevance and impact

A team including a journalist, photographer, and illustrator will accompany the scientists during the expedition. They will document the research and develop new forms of science communication – such as a children’s book on sea-level rise, a documentary film, photographic materials, and interactive installations for museums and schools. The goal is to enhance the visibility of the research and engage both policymakers and the public.