Brage NP

Falk-Petersen, Stig

AEM-MOSJ and COPOL II, 2011: cruise report, 13-23 July 2011, R/V Lance: Kongsfjorden, Rijpfjorden and ice-edge

Øseth, Ellen

Fra forskning til forvaltning og polititkk: en presentasjon av Norsk Polarinstitutts ansvar som rådgiver for miljømyndighetene

Sagerup, Kjetil

Leonards, Pim

Routti, Heli

Fuglei, Eva

Aars, Jon

Strøm, Hallvard

Kovacs, Kit M.

Lydersen, Christian

Gabrielsen, Geir Wing

English

Organophosphorous flame retardants in Arctic biota

Elvevold, Synnøve

Roald, Jan

Bedrock maps of Svalbard
Approximately 80 % of Spitsbergen has been 
mapped to the scale of 1:100,000. Locally 
regional maps are published at the scale of 
1:200,000 - eastern areas, 1:50,000 – Bjørnøya. 
Other map products include overview maps 
(1:750,000) and various topical maps at smaller 
scales. Quaternary and geomorphological maps 
and excursion maps are produced for selected 
areas. The maps are published to-gether with 
extensive area descriptions, and all geological 
data are stored in GIS digital database for Sval-
bard which is under continual development. 
NPI’s geological map and GIS production is a 
service function for research, education, ad-
ministration and the public. 
Geological research
During the last decade NPI has carried out geo-
logical research within the Devonian, Carbon-
iferous and Permian sedimentary superstruc-
ture of Svalbard. In order to facilitate research, 
various national and international research 
projects are organized within the framework of 
a comprehensive research program. The indi-
vidual projects focus upon various lithostrati-
graphic units within the sedimentary record, 
comprising the Devonian Old Red Sandstone, 
Carboniferous warm-water carbonate platforms 
as well as Permian temperate, mixed quartzitic-
carbonate shelf strata. Investigations comprise 
various multi-proxy analyses in order to recon-
struct sea-level fluctuations. Pre-Caledonian 
(basement) rocks occupy one-third of Svalbard 
and are exposed in the west and north of the 
archipelago. Petrological, structural and geo-
chronological investigations have been taking 
place for many years in logistic combination 
with the geological mapping program. 
New products
NPI is currently preparing a Geoscience atlas 
of Svalbard. The atlas will present a compre-
hensive compilation of the current knowledge 
and data of the geosciences of Svalbard, cover-
ing topics like physiography, ocean currents, 
sea ice, land surface, glaciology, bedrock geol-
ogy, geophysics, geochemistry, geo-resources 
Devonian sedimentary rocks, Verdalen Andree Land.
Design: J. Roald. Photo: D. Blomeier, S. Elvevold, W. Dallmann and M. Wissack. 
Norwegian Polar Institute 2011
and physical environment. The atlas will be  
illustrated by maps, field photos, diagrams, 
cross sections, tables.
Geological mapping and 
research in the Arctic
Svalbard, which is one of the easiest accessed areas in the Arctic, presents an 
exceptional geological diversity within a relatively small area. Although most of the land 
is covered by glaciers, Svalbard is one of the few places in the world where nearly the en-
tire Earth’s history is exposed and relatively easy assessable. Another aspect of the geol-
ogy of Svalbard is the presence of sedimentary successions that are rare or do not exist in 
other places in the northern Europe.
Geology field camp at Dicksonfjorden, Central Spitsbergen
The naked landscape of the archipelago is cut through by fjords and 
valleys which result in a three-dimensional exposure of the geological 
record. This makes Svalbard well suited to illustrate geological processes 
and structures, and thus a great place for geological excursions and field 
courses.
The geological framework of Svalbard has much in common with that of 
the Barents Sea. Although Svalbard probably has no significant hydro-
carbon resources, it is used as a geological reference area by oil compa-
nies which are prospecting for oil and gas below the Barents Sea.
Geological map data are collected during field expedtions and through 
co-operation with internatio-nal research groups. Field work is often 
based on helicopters due to the lack of infrastructure.


Geological mapping and research in the Arctic

Balto, Ann Kristin

Bjørklund, Dan

Polaråret 1957-58 het offisielt Det internasjonale 
geofysiske år (IGY). Her deltok Norge med en 
treårig vitenskapelig ekspedisjon til Antarktis. 
Ekspedisjon var organisert av Norsk Polarinstitutt. 
Basen til overvintringsekspedisjonen ble plassert på 
Kronprinsesse Märtha Kyst i Dronning Maud Land 
og fikk navnet Norway Station.
FORSKNING
Det var omfattende innsamling av 
forskningsdata som skulle foretas 
på ekspedisjonen:
- meteorologiske målinger og 
  observasjoner
- kartlegging
- glasiologiske undersøkelser
- geologiske undersøkelser
- ozon-målinger
- aurora australis – sørlysforskning
- jordmagnetiske målinger
- tidevannsmålinger (fra bistasjonen)
På grunn av alle data som skulle samles inn, var det mye 
arbeid som skulle gjøres, og mannskapet jobbet på skift. 
Det var ikke mange fridager de unnet seg i løpet av de 
tre årene de var der, og tida gikk fort.
Antarktis 1956–1960
Norway Station
Kilder: Antarktisekspedisjonen 1956/60, Norway Station av Hans-Martin Henriksen, 2007
Intervju med ekspedisjonsleder Sigurd Helle, Torgny Vinje og John Snuggerud. Tekst: Ann Kristin Balto. Foto: Norsk Polarinstitutt. Grafisk formgiver: Dan Bjørklund, Norsk Polarinstitutt.
RESULTATER
Det ble samlet inn mye forskningsdata i løpet av 
ekspedisjonen. I tillegg fikk ekspedisjonen stor politisk 
betydning; den var med på å sikre Norge en sterk 
posisjon i fremforhandlingen av Antarktistraktaten 
som ble signert i 1959. Norsk Polarinstitutt har gjennom 
polarår-prosjektet From IGY to IPY samlet inn ca. 700 
bilder fra ekspedisjonen. Se bilder fra ekspedisjonen i 
Norsk Polarinstitutts bildebase: 
http://fotoweb.npolar.no
FELTPARTI TIL FIMBULHEIMEN
En lengre tur til fjellheimen i sørøst var en av 
hovedoppgavene på ekspedisjonen. I november 1957 
la feltpartiet av gårde. De var tungt lastet med 2-3 
sleder etter hver traktor og skulle over til dels farlige 
områder med mye bresprekker – Jutulstraumen. Målet 
var fast land – fjellpartiet Fimbulheimen – hvor de 
skulle studere is og isbevegelse, og foreta triangulering. 
Dette for å få nødvendige data til å utarbeide kart over 
området. Etter å ha tilbakelagt ca. 20 mil havarerte den 
ene traktoren i en bresprekk. Sjåføren fikk kastet seg ut 
av traktoren før den forsvant i bresprekken. Resten av 
turen måtte de klare seg med kun én traktor. De gjorde 
sine undersøkelser og vendte tilbake til Fimbulheimen/
Norway station etter fem måneder, alle i god behold.
OPERASJON PINGVIN
Hver sommer fikk ekspedisjonen nye forsyninger. 
Sommersesongen 1958/59 ble det sendt ned 
et flyteam på 12 personer fra Luftforsvaret 
(inkludert tre fra polarinstituttet) som skulle foreta 
flyfotografering i Dronning Maud Land. Skråbildene 
skulle brukes i kartlegging av området 70°S til 74°S 
og fra 0-meridianen og så langt som mulig mot 15°Ø. 
Det ble opprettet en base – Penguin Station –
ikke langt fra Norway Stations bistasjon. I løpet 
av en måned ble store områder kartlagt med de to 
Otter-flyene, og de tok bilder så langt øst som forbi 
30-graden.
OPPBYGGING AV NORWAY STATION
Selfangstskutene Polarbjørn og Polarsirkel fraktet 
ekspedisjonsdeltakere og utstyr ned til Antarktis. 14 
deltakere og 42 grønlandshunder gikk i land. Dette 
var i en tid hvor hunder fortsatt var en viktig del av 
ekspedisjonsutrustningen. Ekspedisjonsleder i Antarktis 
var Sigurd Helle. En egnet plass for hovedstasjonen 
(også kalt Fimbul) fant de 35 km inne på isen. I slutten 
av januar returnerte selfangstskutene til Norge. De 14 
overvintrerne var overlatt til seg sjøl.


Norwegian Bokmål

Antarktis 1956-1960: Norway Station

Engvik, Ane K.

Hendriks, B.W.H.

S. Elvevold1, A. K. Engvik2 & B. W.H. Hendriks2
1Norsk Polarinstitutt, Framsenteret, Tromsø (elvevold@npolar.no), 2Norges Geologiske Undersøkelse, Trondheim (ane.engvik@ngu.no)
Formation, extension and exhumation of high-grade 
crust in central Dronning Maud Land 
The mountains and nunataks of Mühlig-Hofmannfjella in central 
Dronning Maud Land (6-8 ºE) comprise a deep-seated 
metamorphic-plutonic complex.  The metamorphic rocks have a 
polyphase tectonothermal history with two orogenic episodes, 
the first in late Mesoproterozoic and the second in late Neo-
proterozoic/ Cambrian times.  The main fabric (foliation) and the 
high-grade metamorphic mineral assemblages are the result of 
intense reworking during the Pan-African orogeny.  Granulites, 
pelitic gneisses and migmatites experienced peak metamorphic 
temperatures of 800-900ºC at mid-crustal levels.  Peak conditions 
were followed by near-isothermal decompression recorded by a 
variety of reaction textures.  The decompression was accompa-
nied by partial melting and intrusion of voluminous bodies of 
quartz syenite (521±  4 Ma; Paulsson 2003).  Extensional structures 
and the P-T path, indicate tectonic exhumation of the complex.
Field relations
36
A
r/4
0A
r
0.001
0.002
0.003
0.004
0.005 0.010 0.015
A
pp
ar
en
t a
ge
 (M
a)
%Ar cumulative
300
450
600
750
900
0 20 40 60 80 100
Weighted mean age =
480.8  4.2 Ma (92.2%)±
AN29 hornblende
Age = 482.2 ± 0.9 (4.3) Ma
40Ar/36Ar : 233.2 ± 32.9
Sums/(n-2) = 0.7
(a)
39Ar/40Ar
0.001
0.002
0.003
0.004
0.005 0.010 0.015
A
pp
ar
en
t a
ge
 (M
a)
%Ar cumulative
450
475
500
525
550
0 20 40 60 80 100
Weighted mean age =
477.8  4.2 Ma (95.6%)±
AHA182 hornblende 
Age = 477.4 ± 1.4 (4.4) Ma
40Ar/36Ar: 279.2 ± 43.3
Sums/(n-2) = 9.7
(b)
36
A
r/4
0A
r
36
A
r/4
0A
r
0.001
0.002
0.003
0.004
0.005 0.010 0.015 0.020
A
pp
ar
en
t a
ge
 (M
a)
%Ar cumulative
420
440
460
480
500
0 20 40 60 80 100
Weighted mean age =
463.0  4.0 Ma (89.3%) ±
AN29 biotite
Age = 462.4 ± 1.5 (4.3) Ma
40Ar/36Ar: 285.8 ± 11.9
Sums/(n-2) = 5.6
(a)
0.001
0.002
0.003
0.004
0.005 0.010 0.015 0.020
A
pp
ar
en
t a
ge
 (M
a)
%Ar cumulative
400
440
480
520
560
0 20 40 60 80 100
Weighted mean age =
458.8  4.0 Ma (82.8%)±
AHA182 biotite
Age = 458.0 ± 1.9 (4.5) Ma
40Ar/36Ar: 354.0 ± 31.6
Sums/(n-2) = 19.6
(b)
36
A
r/4
0A
r
39Ar/40Ar
0.001
0.002
0.003
0.004
0.005 0.010 0.015 0.020
A
pp
ar
en
t a
ge
 (M
a)
%Ar cumulative
Weighted mean age =
468.4 ± 4.1 (86.4%)
350
400
450
500
550
0 20 40 60 80 100
AHA197 biotite
Age = 462.5 ± 1.3 (4.3) Ma
40Ar/36Ar: 387.7 ± 20.5
Sums/(n-2) = 1.1
(c)
0.001
0.002
0.003
0.004
0.005 0.010 0.015 0.020 0.025
A
pp
ar
en
t a
ge
 (M
a)
%Ar cumulative
350
400
450
500
550
0 20 40 60 80 100
Weighted mean age =
451.1  4.0 Ma (62.9%) ±
AHA197 K-feldspar
Age = 452.3 ± 1.5 (4.3) Ma
40Ar/36Ar: 276.7 ± 40.8
Sums/(n-2) = 8.3
36
A
r/4
0A
r
39Ar/40Ar
AHA182 K-feldspar
Age = 428.4± 0.4 (3.8) Ma
40Ar/36Ar: 285.1 ± 11.0
Sums/(n-2) = 4.1
0.001
0.002
0.003
0.004
0.005 0.010 0.015 0.020
Weighted mean age =
428.1  3.8 Ma (63.6%) ±
A
pp
ar
en
t a
ge
 (M
a)
%Ar cumulative
375
400
425
450
475
500
0 20 40 60 80 100
AN29 K-feldspar
Age = 424.0 ± 4.0 (5.5) Ma
40Ar/36Ar: 330.2 ± 96.7
Sums/(n-2) = 19.6
36
A
r/4
0A
r
0.001
0.002
0.003
0.004
0.005 0.010 0.015 0.020
Weighted mean age =
424.8  3.8 Ma (59.7%)±
A
pp
ar
en
t a
ge
 (M
a)
%Ar cumulative
250
300
350
400
450
0 20 40 60 80 100
(a)
(b)
(c)
39Ar/40Ar
0.001
0.002
0.003
0.004
0.005 0.010 0.015 0.020
A
pp
ar
en
t a
ge
 (M
a)
%Ar cumulative
350
400
450
500
550
0 20 40 60 80 100
AHA200 K-feldspar
Age = 449.7 ± 1.3 (4.3) Ma
40Ar/36Ar: 373.9 ± 74.7
Sums/(n-2) = 23.3
(d) Weighted mean age =
451.7  4.0 Ma (80.4%) ±
White datapoints were excluded from the regression White datapoints were excluded from the regression
White datapoints were excluded from the regression
40Ar/39Ar release spectra and inverse iso-
chron plots are obtained for horn-
blende, biotite and K-feldspar.  The ages 
range from 485 to 420 Ma and reflect 
Pan-African cooling during extension 
and exhumation. The 40Ar/39Ar  ages in-
dicate an initial rapid cooling rate of c. 
10 °C/Ma between 480-460 Ma, follo-
wed by a slower cooling of c. 3 °C/Ma. 
The cooling history, which is reported 
throughout East Antarctica, is consis-
tent and indicates that the East Antarc-
tica occured as a large homogenous 
craton in Early Paleozoic. 
40Ar/39Ar  geochronology
References
Paulsson 2003, PhD thesis, Litholund theses, No 2, Lund University
Engvik et al. 2005, Journal of Structural Geology, 27, 839-854
Engvik & Elvevold 2004, Geological Magazine, 141, 1-12
 The gneissic banding and foliation of the metamorphic complex is cut by extensional shear bands and 
shear zones (yellow arrow).  Tight foldhinges and intrafolial folds indicate that the layers and gneissosity 
are transposed structures (red arrow).  The extensional structures show a progressive evolution from 
ductile through semiductile towards brittle conditions. The quartz syenites post-date formation of the 
main gneiss fabric, but contain narrow semiductile to brittle shear zones illustrating that the extension 
continued also after their emplacement at c. 520 Ma.  
Crd Grt
Sil Ilm
Spl Grt
Crd+Qtz
Textures
Garnet in pelitic rocks is partially replaced by a 
fine-grained symplectite of cordierite and quartz. 
The breakdown texture formed during decompres-
sion and cooling.
Peak metamorphic, granulite facies assemblages in 
pelitic rocks include Grt+Sil+Spl+Qtz. During re-
equilibration to lower P, peak assemblages break 
down to Crd-bearing assemblages.
Migmatization has affected large parts of the metamorphic sequence.  Metasedimentary rocks occur 
as Grt-Bt-migmatites and Sil-bearing gniesses.  Late leucosomes i metapelitic rocks contain large ag-
gregates of cordierite and are interpreted to have formed by decompressional melting.
Crd
The clockwise P-T evolution of the pelitic 
gneisses are divided into four stages (Engvik & 
Elvevold, 2004); (1) early, high-P stage character-
ized by Grt+Ky+Rt assemblages, (2) a peak meta-
morphic phase which typically is characterized 
by Grt+Sil+Spl+Qtz, (3) post-peak decompression 
which caused formation of Crd and melt, (4) late 
alteration related to late-magmatic fluid infiltra-
tion (Engvik et al. 2003). Extensional structures 
developed under ductile towards more brittle 
conditions, combined with the decompressional 
P-T path indicate tectonic unroofing of the high-
grade complex. We relate the exhumation of the 
area to a late-orogenic collapse of the Pan-
African orogen.
P-T path
PT-evolution of gneisses
and migmatites in
central DML 
2
3
4
1
Early high-pressure phase
Grt+Amp+Ky
Grt+Ky+Rt
Late-magmatic fluid infiltration
Alteration halos around
granitoid veins
T, CO
400 500 600 700 800 900
P 
kb
ar
2
4
6
8
10
12
     HT granulite facies
          Grt+Sil+Spl+Qtz
Decompression
Crd + melt
Intrusion of 
quartz-syenite at 
521±4 Ma 


Formation, extension and exhumation of high-grade crust in central Dronning Maud Land

Yamanouchi, Takashi

Pavlov, Vladimir K.

Arctic climate and environmental change in global warming – collaboration on observations and analyses : report from the Japan-Norway Joint Workshop, Tromsø, Norway, 11–12 March 2010

extensional structures indicate rapid tectonic 
exhumation, which is most likely related to a 
late-orogenic collapsing phase of the Pan-Af-
rican orogen.
Spectacular examples of fluid-rock interac-
tion phenomena are widespread in central 
Dronning Maud Land. The fluid-rock interac-
tions occur as well-developed alteration zones 
around granitic dikes, pegmatites and aplitic 
veins, which cross-cut anhydrous, dark col-
ored granulites and quartz syenites. The alter-
ation transforms the originally dark granulite 
facies rocks into light colored rocks, indepen-
dent of lithological variability. The excellent 
exposure of the phenomenon in Dronning 
Maud Land provides an idea of how short 
term fracture-controlled fluid infiltration 
and related retrogression can affect extensive 
crustal volumes. The high volume percentage 
of light alteration zones observed throughout 
the mountain range over hundreds of kilome-
ters, independent of lithological variations 
and with occasionally entire nunataks being 
altered, shows that such processes can be ef-
fective on a regional scale.
truded the high-grade and strongly deformed 
basement consisting of gneisses and migma-
tites. The igneous suite includes charnock-
ites, granites and quartz syenites and several 
generations of dykes. Charnockites and gran-
ites occur with local gneissic overprint, while 
quartz-syenites are mostly post-kinematic. 
Metamorphic studies of granulites and mig-
matites has revealed a tectonothermal evo-
lution characterised by near-isothermal de-
compression. The exhumation path and 
Geological mapping
Systematic geological mapping of the moun-
tain chain in Dronning Maud has been car-
ried out during several Norwegian Antarctic 
Research Expeditions (NARE) over the last 
30 years. This has led to a series of geologi-
cal maps in the scale 1:100,000 and 1:150,000. 
The geological maps and the supplementary 
text cover the area between 0º35’W and 6ºE, 
and include information on geomorphology, 
glaciology, flora and fauna. 
Research
Beyond mapping, geological studies of the 
mountain range in Dronning Maud Land has 
focused on geochronologic, petrologic and 
structural studies.
Geochronology has demonstrated that the 
oldest rocks in Dronning Maud Land have 
suffered two episodes of deformation, high-
temperature metamorphism and partial melt-
ing. The first event took place around 1150-
1000 million years ago, whereas the younger 
deformation event is related to the ca. 500 
Ma Pan-African orogeny. During the latter 
episode, large volumes of intrusive rocks in-
Design: J. Roald. Photo: S. Elvevold. 
Norwegian Polar Institute 2011
The research station Troll was upgraded to a year-round base in 2005 
and an airfield constructed on the blue ice nearby the station was 
opened the same year. The operation of a blue ice runway at Troll 
brings a number of advantages for terrestrial research, such as less 
travel time, longer and more flexible research season or the possibil-
ity of shorter field periods and exchange of personnel in the course of 
the season. One of the few stations in Antarctica close to an airfield, 
Troll now serves as a portal for several nations.
The ca. 500 Ma Pan-African intrusives form spectacular, spiky peaks 
and jagged mountain ridges, which are so characteristic of central 
part of Dronning Maud Land. The quartz-syenites belong to a large 
magmatic complex which extends from 6 to 13°E.
Norway and six other countries have territorial claims in Antarctica. The Norwegian Polar 
Institute is responsible for all topographic mapping of the Norwegian claims and depend-
encies, while geological mapping is carried out by various nations.
Geological mapping and 
research in Antarctica


Geological mapping and research in Antarctica

Trollposten 1/2011

Jaklin, Gunn Sissel

Lundberg, Marte

Early days
Evolving from Norges Svalbard- og Ishavsundersøkelser 
(Norway’s Svalbard and Arctic Ocean Survey), which was 
established in 1928, the Norwegian Polar Institute received 
its modern name and mandate in 1948. The esteemed 
oceanographer Prof. Harald Ulrik Sverdrup, who had been in 
charge of the scientific work during Amundsen’s North-East 
Passage expedition, returned to his native land to serve as the 
new institute’s first director. 
Fram Centre
After having spent its first 70 years in Oslo, the NPI shifted 
headquarters to Tromsø in 1998. Nicknamed ”Gateway to the 
Arctic”, the coastal city has been a traditional starting-point 
for expeditions to the far north. Members of the city’s research 
community, including those at the world’s northernmost 
university, represent a broad range of disciplines in the natural 
and social sciences – with a focus on the Arctic.
The NPI is part of the new Fram Centre – High North Research 
Centre for Climate and the Environment – which is a network 
of institutions that deal with research and advisory services. 
The Centre regularly hosts national and international scientific 
conferences and workshops.
Organizational structure
The NPI, now with a staff of 150, is divided into five 
departments: Research, Environmental Management and 
Mapping, Administration, Operations and Logistics, and 
Communications. There is also a Svalbard branch, based in 
Longyearbyen.
Since the Institute moved to Tromsø, the recruitment of 
scientists from all over the world has enhanced the NPI’s 
international character. Two of the international secretariats 
administered by the NPI are the Arctic Council and The   
Climate and Cryosphere Project (CliC) – a project under the 
World Climate Research Programme.   
The Norwegian Polar Institute runs year-round research 
stations in Ny-Ålesund (Sverdrup Research Station), Svalbard, 
and in Dronning Maud Land (Troll), Antarctica. In addition, 
the Institute operates expeditions to Dronning Maud Land, 
and runs a summer station (Tor) there. The NPI’s research 
vessel Lance has been customized for navigation in severe 
ice conditions. Available for lease parts of the year, Lance can 
accommodate up to 24 scientists and has laboratories and a 
helicopter landing platform. 
Research groups
The NPI’s research activities are organized in four 
interdisciplinary research groups:
The Biodiversity section, led by Dr. Kit M Kovacs, conducts 
research on questions related to the population biology and 
ecology of Arctic and Antarctic wildlife. There is a strong 
emphasis on marine mammals because they are good system 
indicators and are the subject of exploitation and management 
(hunting, tourism, etc.).
The Ecotoxicology section, led by Dr. Geir Wing Gabrielsen, 
gathers knowledge that improves understanding of 
contaminants, their sources and their biological effects in the 
European Arctic. It focuses on persistent organic pollutants 
(POPs) and heavy metals. 
The Ocean and Cryosphere section, lead by Prof. Dr. Harald 
Steen, deals with research about the oceans and the marine 
cryosphere. The scientific work includes process studies and 
long term monitoring. Scientific topics include energy and 
mass fluxes and interactions at the interfaces atmosphere–ice–
ocean, as well as large scale dynamics of ocean water masses 
and sea ice. The work contributes to the understanding of 
climate processes in the polar regions, and helps to improve 
numerical climate models.
The Geology and Geophysics section, led by Dr. Elisabeth 
Isaksson, focuses on research involving modern processes and 
long term series. The studies include research topics within 
atmospheric science, paleoclimatic archives (marine sediments 
and ice cores), glaciology and geology of bedrocks. The 
programme contributes to the global understanding of climate 
change on various time scales.
Centre for Ice, Climate and 
Ecosystems – ICE
The Norwegian Polar Institute’s centre for Ice, Climate and 
Ecosystems (ICE) was opened in 2009. ICE will position itself 
as a national competence centre for ice and climate research 
and environmental monitoring of the polar regions. ICE will 
further develop the NPI’s position as a stakeholder in climate 
related research, such as ice, sea ice, alpine glaciers and effects 
of climate change on ecosystems, including ice-associated 
species.  ICE is highly interdisciplinary, and engages scientists 
from all of NPI’s research programmes.  
Publications and information  
NPI’s multidisciplinary journal, Polar Research, promotes 
the exchange of scientific knowledge about the Arctic 
and Antarctic across disciplinary boundaries, serving an 
international community of researchers and environmental 
managers. The journal was established in 1982 and became an 
open-access journal at the beginning of 2011. Polar Research’s 
international Editorial Board oversees the rigorous peer-review 
of submissions from around the world. For more information, 
please see www.polarresearch.net. 
NPI also publishes a report series (Norwegian Polar Institute 
Report Series), a Polar Handbook series, and a variety of 
other publications for scientists and the general public. The 
image library contains 90 000 historical and contemporary 
photographs from the polar regions. The NPI web-site, 
www.npolar.no, offers detailed information about selected 
aspects of the polar environment.  
For more information, please contact the Norwegian Polar 
Institute, post@npolar.no.
Polar bear scientist Jon Aars examining a polar bear, assisted by Silje-Kristin 
Jensen. Reductions in sea ice will drastically affect the living conditions of the 
polar bears. Photo: Magnus Andersen
Michael Tessmann samples ice-associated zooplankton with a plankton net. 
The research vessel Lance of the NPI can be seen in the background. 
Photo: Peter Leopold
Sea-ice scientist Sebastian Gerland is removing a sample of sea ice taken with a 
corer drill. Several metres of core can be obtained from the sea ice, revealing its 
physical properties and details about its chemistry and biology, including algae 
that grow in the ice. Photo: Tor Ivan Karlsen
Design: J. Roald. Text: G. S. Jaklin, M. Lundberg. Norwegian Polar Institute 2011
NORWEGIAN 
POLAR INSTITUTE
A directorate under the auspices of Norway’s Ministry of the Environment, the Norwegian Polar Institute (NPI) is headquartered in 
Tromsø, above the Arctic Circle. The NPI is Norway’s principal organization for research, environmental monitoring and mapping in 
the polar regions of both hemispheres. The Institute’s director is Dr. Jan-Gunnar Winther. 


Norwegian Polar Institute

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