C4POCollaboratory for Physical Oceanography

Active project

NORSE: Northern Ocean Rapid Surface Evolution

The snow-covered volcanic peak of Jan Mayen rises above rough, dark Nordic seas.

The Northern Ocean Rapid Surface Evolution (NORSE) initiative, an Office of Naval Research departmental research initiative, investigates how the upper ocean in the Nordic Seas evolves on short time scales — where strong atmospheric forcing, sharp fronts, and energetic turbulence interact at high latitudes. C4PO contributes autonomous glider observations to the NORSE field campaigns near Jan Mayen, sailing aboard vessels including the Norwegian icebreaker R/V Kronprins Haakon, and studies mixing dynamics and water-mass transformation in the region — including Ricardo Bourdon’s doctoral research on turbulence in the Nordic Seas.

A glider at the surface of rough Nordic seas, with a research vessel standing by in the distance.Two lab members in front of the Norwegian icebreaker R/V Kronprins Haakon at a snowy dock in northern Norway.Preparing a SeaExplorer glider for deployment outside the staging warehouse in northern Norway.Night operations on deck during a NORSE cruise, with searchlights cutting through the polar darkness.

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