Storfjorden Polynya Air Sea Ice Exchange Experiment

The Storfjorden Polynya Air Sea Ice Exchange Experiment (SPASIE²) will expand research capabilities in Norway in air-sea-ice interaction through a dedicated field campaign. Through this coordinated study researchers and graduate students will be exchange d between Norway and the US. The project builds on a good working relationship between Bergen and Seattle, and will strengthen the cooperation between the Bjerknes Centre for Climate Research and the Polar Science Centre. The proposed field work will be c arried out by an internationally recognized leader in the field of ice-ocean interaction, and a group of young Norwegian researchers. We address the fundamental Arctic air-sea-ice exchange processes; the key issue in future Arctic sea ice, and climate cha nge. SPASIE² is linked to ongoing research in the International Polar Year, and is thus part of the International Polar Year legacy. SPASIE² is based within the Bergen Polar Ice Group, a group of 22 polar researchers (PhD students, Post Docs, and Professo rs), at the Bjerknes Centre and the Geophysical Institute at the University of Bergen.