Martin Jakobsson, Professor of Marine Geology and Geophysics at Stockholm University and Co-Chief Scientist for GEOEO, together with Nina Kirchner, Professor of Glaciology at Stockholm University, describes the expedition as both challenging and scientifically highly rewarding.

Reached the main goal despite icebergs

– We estimated the probability of reaching Victoria Fjord at only 20 percent, yet we succeeded. Furthermore, we completed an extensive data collection program, including depth measurements at strategically selected locations and temperature profiles,” says Martin Jakobsson.

Reaching Victoria Fjord was far from certain. About two-thirds of the fjord was inaccessible due to massive concentrations of icebergs. Consequently, the research team could not enter large parts of the area with the icebreaker Oden. Nevertheless, thanks to a flexible approach and helicopter operations, essential data could still be collected. This required close cooperation among research groups, logistics teams, and both the ship's crew and the helicopter team. Martin Jakobsson describes the experience of seeing the fjord in situ as striking:

– It was incredible to see with our own eyes how the fjord's ice tongue had truly collapsed. The environment in the fjord has transformed from being a relatively calm fjord with an ice tongue to one completely dominated by enormous icebergs and a steep, calving ice front.

A puzzle of three glaciers

The expedition is part of the broader GEOEO theme (North Greenland Earth-Ocean-Ecosystem Observatory), where researchers investigate how the Petermann, Ryder, and C.H. Ostenfeld glaciers respond to climate change. Despite similar climatic conditions, these glaciers have evolved quite differently over recent decades, raising considerable interest among researchers. GEOEO aims to gather the data necessary to understand these differences and enhance models for the future development of ice sheets.

– We have now obtained answers to many of our questions, providing a foundation for numerical modelling of future ice-sheet dynamics under various climate scenarios. Our goal is to improve projections of future contributions to sea-level rise from the northern sector of the Greenland Ice Sheet,” says Martin Jakobsson.

Collaboration made the difference

One of the expedition’s strengths was its thematic approach, where multiple research groups collaborated within a shared framework. According to Martin Jakobsson, this resulted in improved dynamics and greater scientific impact. He contrasts this with so-called "à la carte" expeditions, where various projects are brought together without a common focus, arguing that the most significant successes often occur when multiple disciplines collaborate towards a unified goal.

– I see only advantages with a thematic expedition. We have very broad and deep collaboration between most research teams. Discussions always arise regarding the allocation of time, but productivity increases significantly when there is a clear collaborative theme, and when the collected data can be utilized by multiple researchers.”

Throughout the expedition, extensive data were gathered using a variety of techniques, such as multibeam echo sounding to map the seabed, penetrating echo sounding (sub-bottom profiling), sampling of bottom sediments, water and plankton with various sampling devices, chemical analysis of pore water, radio-echo sounding over glaciers via helicopter, and DNA analyses from lake sediments. In addition, advanced acoustic methods were used to map water masses and their biological contents, along with measurements of greenhouse gases in air and water, geological mapping on land, and driftwood collection for reconstructing past climate and sea-ice conditions. This multidisciplinary data collection creates new opportunities to understand how the marine cryosphere interacts with climate and ecosystems—knowledge directly relevant to society.

The Arctic is changing—and the consequences are felt globally

Martin Jakobsson emphasizes that climate change is already a reality and that understanding developments in the Arctic is crucial:

– Climate change is happening now, and what happens to the cryosphere affects us all. These impacts come partly through climate feedback mechanisms and changes to ecosystems, and partly directly via contributions to global sea-level rise, where Greenland is currently the single largest contributor.”

He also stresses the importance of maintaining a long-term perspective on research infrastructure. By systematically collecting data over time—including with the icebreaker Oden—Sweden has established a unique research foundation.

– A good example is the Polar Connect initiative, which would have been in a far weaker position had Oden and other icebreakers not systematically collected multibeam and penetrating echo sounder data during all expeditions.”

The work continues

With the expedition completed, the work continues back home. Large datasets are currently being analyzed, with several scientific publications expected later this year. Meanwhile, international collaboration within GEOEO continues, aiming to anticipate the future of the Arctic in a rapidly warming climate. Recently, a two-day GEOEO workshop was held in Stockholm, attended by 77 researchers.