MOSAiC 2019

The Multidisciplinary Drifting Observatory for the Study of Arctic Climate (MOSAiC) is an international research project aimed at collecting data from the Arctic Ocean for an entire year by letting the research vessel Polarstern drift with the pack ice.

The results will contribute to an increased understanding of the regional and global consequences of the ongoing climate changes in the Arctic. The project starts in September 2019. A total of 600 people from 17 countries, who will be supplied by other icebreakers and aircraft, will participate in the expedition.

The Swedish Polar Research Secretariat supports five research projects within MOSAiC. The institutions represented are Gothenburg University, Stockholm University, Sweden’s Agricultural University, and Uppsala University. The Secretariat will provide the Swedish icebreaker Oden for logistical support of MOSAiC. Oden is planned for two supply expeditions to Polarstern in June and July 2020 for rotations of crew and scientists as well as the delivery of provision, fuel, and equipment.

Participating projects supported by the Swedish Polar Research Secretariat

Seasonal sea ice – a new source of bromine during polar night
Research Lead: Katarina Abrahamsson, Professor, University of Gothenburg

Why is the deep Arctic Ocean Warming?
Research Lead: Céline Heuzé, Senior Lecturer, University of Gothenburg

Seasonality of metabolic functions in sympagic and pelagic microbiomes in the Central Arctic Ocean, with emphasis on carbon and nitrogen cycling
Research Lead: Pauline Snoeijs-Leijonmalm, Professor of Marine Ecology at Stockholm University

Uncovering the largest blind spot on the map of the world’s fish stocks: mesopelagic fish, their dependence on sea ice, and their role in the Central Arctic Ocean food web
Research Lead: Pauline Snoeijs-Leijonmalm, Professor of Marine Ecology at Stockholm University

Drivers of anthropogenic changes in carbon storage and ocean acidification in the new Arctic Ocean
Research Lead: Adam Ulfsbo, Researcher, University of Gothenburg