Investigation of deep water currents in the North Atlantic, to see how they affect the climate
Léon Chafik, Stockholm University, and Fabien Roquet, Gothenburg University, will investigate deep water currents in the North Atlantic on 2–16 July 2025. During the expedition they will make measurements in two important sea passages: the Faroe-Shetland Channel and the ridge between the Faroe Islands and Iceland.
On 2 July 2025, the physical oceanographers Léon Chafik and Fabien Roquet, Stockholms University and Gothenburg University respectively, will leave Gothenburg with R/V Skagerak for a two week expedition where they will investigate deep water currents in the North Atlantic. During the expedition they will make measurements in two important sea passages: the Faroe-Shetland Channel and the ridge between the Faroe Islands and Iceland.
– We do not stop on land, says Léon Chafik, but carry out so-called hydrographic sections, that is, measurements of temperature, salinity but also currents all the way down to the bottom.
The aim of the trip is to understand how cold and heavy deep water from the Nordic Seas moves out into the Atlantic, and in particular which paths it takes.
This in turn affects the climate, both in Scandinavia and globally
– These deep currents can vary greatly over time and are an important piece of the puzzle in understanding how the ocean's large circulation system works – and how it might change in a warmer climate, Léon Chafik explains. This in turn affects the climate, both in Scandinavia and globally.
When Léon Chafik and Fabien Roquet arrive in Iceland, the fieldwork is done – they will pack up and travel back home to Sweden, where the analysis continues.
Léon Chafik was awarded ship-time through SWERVE for this expedition. The Swedish Research Vessel Infrastructure for Marine Research (SWERVE) is a national infrastructure funded by the Swedish Research Council to deliver enhanced access to vessel and data infrastructure for Swedish marine researchers, and support training of a national network of marine technicians.
