Ocean and sea ice

The Nansen Center is a central supplier of ocean model-based simulations of dynamic conditions in the ocean. The models are used by national and international players who produce forecasting services and other quality-assured information about the state of the sea.

The sea-ice forecasts provide information on the presence and extent of floes, sea-ice cover, ice thickness, and movements. The forecasts are constantly being improved to provide more reliable data on navigable routes in northern seas. Our model systems and forecasts are also used as a basis for reports on the state of the sea. The forecasts are useful for the development of various marine industries, for impact analyses, and when assessing future environmental adaptations.

Most of our research is publicly available. Do you want access to products, data or more information about our research? Contact the relevant research group for more information.

Forecasting ocean conditionsOcean conditions are measured through the acquisition of physical data on ocean currents, temperature, salinity, sea surface height, and sea-ice conditions. Such data is important for both research and other sectors, such as knowledge-based and sustainable ocean management. The data must be processed before it can be converted into correct information.
Ocean conditions in past timesA reanalysis is a reconstruction of the past. Reanalyses can be made for different purposes, for example to estimate future ocean conditions by looking at what changes have taken place.
Sea-ice forecastsThe sea ice in the Arctic Ocean affects both wildlife and human activities in the region. We have developed two model tools that produce forecasts for the Arctic and North Atlantic, TOPAZ and neXtSIM-F.
Software packages for data assimilationWe have data assimilation software packages available for free use.
Forecasts for biogeochemical conditionsWe contribute to developing models that can simulate and provide forecasts for biogeochemical variables that are important for marine ecosystems in the North Atlantic and Arctic, such as nutrients and plankton.
Software packages for underwater conditionsProduction of organic material through photosynthesis takes place both on land and in the sea. In the ocean, there are very small phytoplankton species that account for the majority of marine primary production, - that is, the formation of organic material from the photosynthesis of carbon dioxide (CO2) and water with the help of sunlight.