The weather ship Polarfront which is located in the Norwegian Sea at 66°N, 2°E is being removed from its position 1 January 2010. The weather ship represents a variety of time series some of which started in 1948 covering ocean profiles from the deep ocea n (> 2000m) to the surface using CTD measurements, water samples, standard meteorological observations and air-sea interaction measurements at the surface and radiosondes for atmospheric profiles. It is of crucial importance to continue this unique time s eries, which are the longest observation series in the world from the deep ocean. The aim of this project is to continue some of the most important time series, using new technology.
The operational observations of that ship are being shifted towards oth er platforms and locations, but there is currently no replacement for the scientific and climatological observations that have been made. The location proved to be strategic both for studying the Atlantic inflow and the Norwegian Sea Deep Water.
The proj ect will combine existing technology in a way that secure the most important of the time series established so far. By combining atmospheric and oceanographic observations, we get the possibility to also include the atmospheric-ocean interaction and to be tter understand the processes that are so important in a climate context. St M has so far played a key role in Norwegian climate monitoring program, and by this project it will also do for the years ahead.