Autonomous Marine Observatories in Kongsfjorden, Svalbard

Abstract

Several moored autonomous marine observatories, with a variety of sensors and scientific instruments have been installed in Kongsfjorden, Svalbard, since 2002. These provide seasonal and inter-annual data on a number of physical, chemical and biological variables, as well as biological variables that serve as important baselines for the measurement of seasonal variability and the interpretation of climate-induced changes in this fjord system. Oceanographic and ecological changes observed in Kongsfjorden are, to some extent, related to larger-scale changes in Fram Strait because of the advection of Atlantic Water into the open fjord. We here provide an account of the location of moored observatories in Kongsfjorden, with a list of parameters measured at the different moorings, and review the scientific advances that have been made through data collection from these marine observatories. Several nations collaborate on moorings in Kongsfjorden (Norway, Sweden, UK, Germany, and France), whereas others have separate moorings in the fjord (India and Italy). Some of the moorings in Kongsfjorden have become part of The Svalbard Integrated Arctic Earth Observing System (SIOS). To maximise the scientific benefits of moorings, two priorities need to involve: (i) coordination of the infrastructure and (ii) securing their long-term viability in support of Arctic marine science.