{"id":13866,"date":"2025-11-24T11:22:33","date_gmt":"2025-11-24T10:22:33","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/npolar.no\/?page_id=13866"},"modified":"2026-05-11T09:43:59","modified_gmt":"2026-05-11T07:43:59","slug":"the-marginal-ice-zone","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/npolar.no\/en\/themes\/the-marginal-ice-zone\/","title":{"rendered":"The marginal ice zone"},"content":{"rendered":"<div id='av-layout-grid-1'  class='av-layout-grid-container av-3mtc4z-929ab81895e167b61a89594bcd881624 entry-content-wrapper main_color av-flex-cells  avia-builder-el-0  el_before_av_layout_row  avia-builder-el-first  NPtab-container  container_wrap fullsize'  >\n<div class='flex_cell av-2hdcpv-40cc61b994e0bd224fdbe26e40bea5ab av-gridrow-cell av_one_full no_margin  avia-builder-el-1  avia-builder-el-no-sibling '  ><div class='flex_cell_inner'>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id='tab1'  class='av-layout-grid-container av-jkuuthdo-d483ea148617e6267076cf588f0f94f5 entry-content-wrapper main_color av-flex-cells  avia-builder-el-3  el_after_av_layout_row  el_before_av_masonry_gallery  tabcontent g1 grid-row-not-first  container_wrap fullsize'  >\n<div class='flex_cell av-6ja1xv-d9346d6ccdc609fc6f76d6f197b2ac81 av-gridrow-cell av_one_full no_margin  avia-builder-el-4  avia-builder-el-no-sibling '  ><div class='flex_cell_inner'><p>\n<style type=\"text\/css\" data-created_by=\"avia_inline_auto\" id=\"style-css-av-1rkmv3g-61ca487b830f1c83c51e28c721fd68d6\">\n.flex_column.av-1rkmv3g-61ca487b830f1c83c51e28c721fd68d6{\nborder-radius:0px 0px 0px 0px;\npadding:0px 0px 0px 0px;\n}\n<\/style>\n<div  class='flex_column av-1rkmv3g-61ca487b830f1c83c51e28c721fd68d6 av_two_third  avia-builder-el-5  el_before_av_one_third  avia-builder-el-first  first flex_column_div av-zero-column-padding  '     ><section  class='av_textblock_section av-k9ad7ltq-fd82c7d5e39e7f39aa1e8455db11b351 '   itemscope=\"itemscope\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/CreativeWork\" ><div class='avia_textblock'  itemprop=\"text\" ><h2>Ice edge or marginal ice zone \u2013 what\u2019s the difference?<\/h2>\n<p>The MIZ is defined as the transitional zone between open sea and dense drift ice. It spans from where 15% of the sea surface is covered by ice to 80% ice concentration. The southern border of this zone is known as the ice edge. It is usually not a sharply demarcated edge but a belt comprising ice floes with patches of open water in between them. Wind blowing from the south or east pushes the ice together to form a fairly defined edge, but areas of open water form when the wind turns.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/section><br \/>\n<section  class='av_textblock_section av-81uaiw-fec3bad92a2201193c0e0300c4248dc3 '   itemscope=\"itemscope\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/CreativeWork\" ><div class='avia_textblock'  itemprop=\"text\" ><h2>The borders of the MIZ are expressed as ice frequency<\/h2>\n<p>Daily measurements of ice concentration and calculations of ice extent are the basis for mapping the boundaries of the MIZ, which is expressed in terms of how often ice coverage of the sea surface exceeds 15% in a given period in the area in question. The average extent of 15% (or greater) ice frequency in April has been used as the maximum because, historically, sea ice reaches its greatest breadth in this month. The minimum is usually in September. Interannual variation and climate change mean that the months of minimum\/maximum ice extent may not be the same in the future. The minimum and maximum extent of 15%+ ice frequency are presented as monthly maps for a 30-year period and is updated annually. Information from a 30-year time series has the statistical power to predict ice extent in the short term.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/section><br \/>\n<section  class='av_textblock_section av-mid69qvs-b3ca7443785fed97a21a657c46bdf3ac '   itemscope=\"itemscope\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/CreativeWork\" ><div class='avia_textblock'  itemprop=\"text\" ><h2>The Norwegian Polar Institute\u2019s advice<\/h2>\n<p>Along with other government institutions, the Norwegian Polar Institute participates in an advisory group \u2013 the \u201c<a href=\"https:\/\/tema.miljodirektoratet.no\/no\/Havforum\/Forside\/Om-faglig-forum-for-norske-havomrader\/\">Faglig forum<\/a> \u201d \u2013 that informs the Norwegian government\u2019s management plan for the Barents Sea and the waters off the Lofoten islands.<\/p>\n<p>The forum has characterized the MIZ as <a href=\"https:\/\/www.miljodirektoratet.no\/globalassets\/publikasjoner\/m1303\/m1303.pdf\">an area of special value and vulnerability<\/a>. In connection with the revision of the management plan, politicians must agree on where to draw the boundaries of the MIZ.<\/p>\n<p>Scientific knowledge about the physical, chemical and biological processes in the MIZ underpin the Norwegian Polar Institute\u2019s recommendation that the southern border of the MIZ should be set at the southernmost edge of the maximum extent, that is, where ice frequency is 0.5%.<\/p>\n<div class=\"avia-button-wrap av-mfiih5-2cc5b65bd85add27389e108cef809014-wrap avia-button-left \"><a class=\"avia-button av-mfiih5-2cc5b65bd85add27389e108cef809014 av-link-btn avia-icon_select-yes-left-icon avia-size-small avia-position-left avia-color-theme-color\" href=\"https:\/\/api.npolar.no\/dataset\/a89b2682-e1f8-44b5-ab73-e6ba65f3a7a7\/_file\/ead8fc8bc6aef32d5ef7db4f9cf3071d\" aria-label=\"Data for NPIs recommendation of the border of the MIZ\"><span class=\"avia_iconbox_title\">Data for NPIs recommendation of the border of the MIZ<\/span><\/a><\/div>\n<div class=\"avia-button-wrap av-mfiih5-241c9faf6495312e048c16bd67c7eb1a-wrap avia-button-left \"><a class=\"avia-button av-mfiih5-241c9faf6495312e048c16bd67c7eb1a av-link-btn avia-icon_select-yes-left-icon avia-size-small avia-position-left avia-color-theme-color-subtle\" href=\"https:\/\/data.npolar.no\/dataset\/a89b2682-e1f8-44b5-ab73-e6ba65f3a7a7\" aria-label=\"Documentation and&nbsp; metadata\"><span class=\"avia_iconbox_title\">Documentation and&nbsp; metadata<\/span><\/a><\/div>\n<div class=\"avia-button-wrap av-mfiih5-7857037ea696268516824f20868a3611-wrap avia-button-left \"><a class=\"avia-button av-mfiih5-7857037ea696268516824f20868a3611 av-link-btn avia-icon_select-yes-left-icon avia-size-small avia-position-left avia-color-theme-color-subtle\" href=\"https:\/\/www.miljodirektoratet.no\/publikasjoner\/2019\/april-2019\/sarlig-verdifulle-og-sarbare-omrader-faggrunnlag-for-revisjon-og-oppdatering-av-forvaltningsplanene-for-norske-havomrader\/\" aria-label=\"Report: Grunnlag for revisjon av forvaltingsplanen for Barentshavet\"><span class=\"avia_iconbox_title\">Report: Grunnlag for revisjon av forvaltingsplanen for Barentshavet<\/span><\/a><\/div>\n<\/div><\/section><br \/>\n<section  class='av_textblock_section av-81uaiw-1-a3fba5d713bc1cd505c15cee8cc4f901 '   itemscope=\"itemscope\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/CreativeWork\" ><div class='avia_textblock'  itemprop=\"text\" ><h3>The sea ice frequency in the Norwegian Arctic, monthly for 1996-2025<\/h3>\n<\/div><\/section><br \/>\n<section  class='av_textblock_section av-jmlrl6z5-cc4aa453cc6f09969e468b1286cbd02d '   itemscope=\"itemscope\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/CreativeWork\" ><div class='avia_textblock'  itemprop=\"text\" ><p><strong>Download separate maps<\/strong> by selecting a map in the gallery below, or:<\/p>\n<p><a class=\"cta alt download\" href=\"https:\/\/tryggve.npolar.no\/WEB\/iskantsone\/assets\/kart_isfrekvens1996-2025.zip\">Download all the maps (zip 2,5 MB<\/a><a class=\"cta alt download\" href=\"https:\/\/tryggve.npolar.no\/WEB\/iskantsone\/assets\/map_icefrequency1991-2020.zip\">)<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div><\/section><\/p><\/div>\n<style type=\"text\/css\" data-created_by=\"avia_inline_auto\" id=\"style-css-av-w27815-18a65e987f8f83374e76e82298b67020\">\n.flex_column.av-w27815-18a65e987f8f83374e76e82298b67020{\nborder-radius:0px 0px 0px 0px;\npadding:0px 0px 0px 0px;\n}\n<\/style>\n<div  class='flex_column av-w27815-18a65e987f8f83374e76e82298b67020 av_one_third  avia-builder-el-11  el_after_av_two_third  avia-builder-el-last  flex_column_div av-zero-column-padding  '     ><section  class='av_textblock_section av-mid67q4g-63857a63e9525ba101578e767ecfa75b '   itemscope=\"itemscope\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/CreativeWork\" ><div class='avia_textblock'  itemprop=\"text\" ><h2>Ice frequency<\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li><a class=\"cta alt download\" href=\"https:\/\/next.api.npolar.no\/dataset\/a89b2682-e1f8-44b5-ab73-e6ba65f3a7a7\/attachment\/1f4ecbb8-2f67-4192-85ea-34897bb70166\/_blob\">Data 1996\u20132025 (ZIP)<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/tryggve.npolar.no\/WEB\/iskantsone\/assets\/kart_isfrekvens1996-2025.zip\">Maps 1996\u20132025 (ZIP)<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/api.npolar.no\/dataset\/a89b2682-e1f8-44b5-ab73-e6ba65f3a7a7\/_file\/1cf391df7e1a67b00f7319357fafd9f6\"><span class=\"cta alt download\">Inngangsdata og metodikk<\/span><span class=\"cta alt download\"> (PDF)<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2>Essential data sets in marine management<\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/geodata.npolar.no\/arcgis\/rest\/services\/Temadata\/I_Isfrekvens_04_15_percent_EPSG25833\/MapServer\">Ice frequency in Meld. St. 20 (2019\u20132020)<\/a> *<br \/>\n&nbsp;<em>(15% ice frequency for 1988\u20132017)<\/em><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/kartkatalog.miljodirektoratet.no\/MapService\/Details\/petroleumsaktiviet_rammer\">Ice frequency in Meld. St. 20 (2014\u20132015)<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/kartkatalog.miljodirektoratet.no\/MapService\/Details\/svo\">Ice frequency in Meld. St. 10 (2010\u20132011)<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/api.npolar.no\/dataset\/a89b2682-e1f8-44b5-ab73-e6ba65f3a7a7\/_file\/Isfrekvens_1988-2017_04_0%252C5_prosent.zip?key=c85850dff2e1080df54bf998307a21f5+7RiZ793bfVHxVJUsBYPzZ2nHs8UY5ABf\">Data for The Norwegian Polar Institute\u2019s advice<\/a> *<br \/>\n<em>(0.5 % ice frequency for 1988-2017)<\/em><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>* <a href=\"https:\/\/data.npolar.no\/dataset\/a89b2682-e1f8-44b5-ab73-e6ba65f3a7a7\">Documentation and meta data<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div><\/section><\/div><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id='masonry-maps' class='av-masonry av-mou3spic-e3048ad9d8491c12dad2faecc753ac14 noHover av-fixed-size av-large-gap av-hover-overlay- av-masonry-animation-active av-masonry-col-flexible av-caption-always av-caption-style- av-masonry-gallery ' data-post_id=\"13866\"><div class=\"av-masonry-container isotope av-js-disabled\"><div class='av-masonry-entry isotope-item av-masonry-item-no-image '><\/div><a href=\"https:\/\/npolar.no\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/01_january-1-1030x640.png\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/npolar.no\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/01_january-1-1030x640.png 1030w, https:\/\/npolar.no\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/01_january-1-300x186.png 300w, https:\/\/npolar.no\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/01_january-1-768x477.png 768w, https:\/\/npolar.no\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/01_january-1-1536x955.png 1536w, https:\/\/npolar.no\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/01_january-1-1500x932.png 1500w, https:\/\/npolar.no\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/01_january-1-705x438.png 705w, https:\/\/npolar.no\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/01_january-1.png 1667w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 1030px) 100vw, 1030px\"  aria-label=\"image 01 January\"  id='av-masonry-1-item-55269' data-av-masonry-item='55269' class='av-masonry-entry isotope-item post-55269 attachment type-attachment status-inherit hentry  av-masonry-item-with-image av-grid-img' title=\"01 January\" alt=\"\"    itemprop=\"thumbnailUrl\" ><div class='av-inner-masonry-sizer'><\/div><figure class='av-inner-masonry main_color'><div class=\"av-masonry-outerimage-container\"><div class='av-masonry-image-container' style=\"background-image: url(https:\/\/npolar.no\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/01_january-1-705x438.png);\"  title=\"01 January\" ><\/div><\/div><figcaption class='av-inner-masonry-content site-background'><div class='av-inner-masonry-content-pos'><div class='av-inner-masonry-content-pos-content'><div class='avia-arrow'><\/div><h3 class='av-masonry-entry-title entry-title '  itemprop=\"headline\" >01 January<\/h3><\/div><\/div><\/figcaption><\/figure><\/a><!--end av-masonry entry--><a href=\"https:\/\/npolar.no\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/02_february-1-1030x640.png\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/npolar.no\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/02_february-1-1030x640.png 1030w, https:\/\/npolar.no\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/02_february-1-300x186.png 300w, https:\/\/npolar.no\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/02_february-1-768x477.png 768w, https:\/\/npolar.no\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/02_february-1-1536x955.png 1536w, https:\/\/npolar.no\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/02_february-1-1500x932.png 1500w, https:\/\/npolar.no\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/02_february-1-705x438.png 705w, https:\/\/npolar.no\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/02_february-1.png 1667w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 1030px) 100vw, 1030px\"  aria-label=\"image 02 February\"  id='av-masonry-1-item-55270' data-av-masonry-item='55270' class='av-masonry-entry isotope-item post-55270 attachment type-attachment status-inherit hentry  av-masonry-item-with-image av-grid-img' title=\"02 February\" alt=\"\"    itemprop=\"thumbnailUrl\" ><div class='av-inner-masonry-sizer'><\/div><figure class='av-inner-masonry main_color'><div class=\"av-masonry-outerimage-container\"><div class='av-masonry-image-container' style=\"background-image: url(https:\/\/npolar.no\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/02_february-1-705x438.png);\"  title=\"02 February\" ><\/div><\/div><figcaption class='av-inner-masonry-content site-background'><div class='av-inner-masonry-content-pos'><div class='av-inner-masonry-content-pos-content'><div class='avia-arrow'><\/div><h3 class='av-masonry-entry-title entry-title '  itemprop=\"headline\" >02 February<\/h3><\/div><\/div><\/figcaption><\/figure><\/a><!--end av-masonry entry--><a href=\"https:\/\/npolar.no\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/03_march-1-1030x640.png\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/npolar.no\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/03_march-1-1030x640.png 1030w, https:\/\/npolar.no\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/03_march-1-300x186.png 300w, https:\/\/npolar.no\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/03_march-1-768x477.png 768w, https:\/\/npolar.no\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/03_march-1-1536x955.png 1536w, https:\/\/npolar.no\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/03_march-1-1500x932.png 1500w, https:\/\/npolar.no\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/03_march-1-705x438.png 705w, https:\/\/npolar.no\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/03_march-1.png 1667w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 1030px) 100vw, 1030px\"  aria-label=\"image 03 March\"  id='av-masonry-1-item-55271' data-av-masonry-item='55271' class='av-masonry-entry isotope-item post-55271 attachment type-attachment status-inherit hentry  av-masonry-item-with-image av-grid-img' title=\"03 March\" alt=\"\"    itemprop=\"thumbnailUrl\" ><div class='av-inner-masonry-sizer'><\/div><figure class='av-inner-masonry main_color'><div class=\"av-masonry-outerimage-container\"><div class='av-masonry-image-container' style=\"background-image: url(https:\/\/npolar.no\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/03_march-1-705x438.png);\"  title=\"03 March\" ><\/div><\/div><figcaption class='av-inner-masonry-content site-background'><div class='av-inner-masonry-content-pos'><div class='av-inner-masonry-content-pos-content'><div class='avia-arrow'><\/div><h3 class='av-masonry-entry-title entry-title '  itemprop=\"headline\" >03 March<\/h3><\/div><\/div><\/figcaption><\/figure><\/a><!--end av-masonry entry--><a href=\"https:\/\/npolar.no\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/04_april-3-1030x640.png\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/npolar.no\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/04_april-3-1030x640.png 1030w, https:\/\/npolar.no\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/04_april-3-300x186.png 300w, https:\/\/npolar.no\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/04_april-3-768x477.png 768w, https:\/\/npolar.no\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/04_april-3-1536x955.png 1536w, https:\/\/npolar.no\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/04_april-3-1500x932.png 1500w, https:\/\/npolar.no\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/04_april-3-705x438.png 705w, https:\/\/npolar.no\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/04_april-3.png 1667w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 1030px) 100vw, 1030px\"  aria-label=\"image 04 April\"  id='av-masonry-1-item-55272' data-av-masonry-item='55272' class='av-masonry-entry isotope-item post-55272 attachment type-attachment status-inherit hentry  av-masonry-item-with-image av-grid-img' title=\"04 April\" alt=\"\"    itemprop=\"thumbnailUrl\" ><div class='av-inner-masonry-sizer'><\/div><figure class='av-inner-masonry main_color'><div class=\"av-masonry-outerimage-container\"><div class='av-masonry-image-container' style=\"background-image: url(https:\/\/npolar.no\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/04_april-3-705x438.png);\"  title=\"04 April\" ><\/div><\/div><figcaption class='av-inner-masonry-content site-background'><div class='av-inner-masonry-content-pos'><div class='av-inner-masonry-content-pos-content'><div class='avia-arrow'><\/div><h3 class='av-masonry-entry-title entry-title '  itemprop=\"headline\" >04 April<\/h3><\/div><\/div><\/figcaption><\/figure><\/a><!--end av-masonry entry--><a href=\"https:\/\/npolar.no\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/05_may-1-1030x640.png\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/npolar.no\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/05_may-1-1030x640.png 1030w, https:\/\/npolar.no\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/05_may-1-300x186.png 300w, https:\/\/npolar.no\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/05_may-1-768x477.png 768w, https:\/\/npolar.no\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/05_may-1-1536x955.png 1536w, https:\/\/npolar.no\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/05_may-1-1500x932.png 1500w, https:\/\/npolar.no\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/05_may-1-705x438.png 705w, https:\/\/npolar.no\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/05_may-1.png 1667w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 1030px) 100vw, 1030px\"  aria-label=\"image 05 May\"  id='av-masonry-1-item-55273' data-av-masonry-item='55273' class='av-masonry-entry isotope-item post-55273 attachment type-attachment status-inherit hentry  av-masonry-item-with-image av-grid-img' title=\"05 May\" alt=\"\"    itemprop=\"thumbnailUrl\" ><div class='av-inner-masonry-sizer'><\/div><figure class='av-inner-masonry main_color'><div class=\"av-masonry-outerimage-container\"><div class='av-masonry-image-container' style=\"background-image: url(https:\/\/npolar.no\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/05_may-1-705x438.png);\"  title=\"05 May\" ><\/div><\/div><figcaption class='av-inner-masonry-content site-background'><div class='av-inner-masonry-content-pos'><div class='av-inner-masonry-content-pos-content'><div class='avia-arrow'><\/div><h3 class='av-masonry-entry-title entry-title '  itemprop=\"headline\" >05 May<\/h3><\/div><\/div><\/figcaption><\/figure><\/a><!--end av-masonry entry--><a href=\"https:\/\/npolar.no\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/06_june-1-1030x640.png\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/npolar.no\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/06_june-1-1030x640.png 1030w, https:\/\/npolar.no\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/06_june-1-300x186.png 300w, https:\/\/npolar.no\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/06_june-1-768x477.png 768w, https:\/\/npolar.no\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/06_june-1-1536x955.png 1536w, https:\/\/npolar.no\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/06_june-1-1500x932.png 1500w, https:\/\/npolar.no\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/06_june-1-705x438.png 705w, https:\/\/npolar.no\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/06_june-1.png 1667w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 1030px) 100vw, 1030px\"  aria-label=\"image 06 June\"  id='av-masonry-1-item-55274' data-av-masonry-item='55274' class='av-masonry-entry isotope-item post-55274 attachment type-attachment status-inherit hentry  av-masonry-item-with-image av-grid-img' title=\"06 June\" alt=\"\"    itemprop=\"thumbnailUrl\" ><div class='av-inner-masonry-sizer'><\/div><figure class='av-inner-masonry main_color'><div class=\"av-masonry-outerimage-container\"><div class='av-masonry-image-container' style=\"background-image: url(https:\/\/npolar.no\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/06_june-1-705x438.png);\"  title=\"06 June\" ><\/div><\/div><figcaption class='av-inner-masonry-content site-background'><div class='av-inner-masonry-content-pos'><div class='av-inner-masonry-content-pos-content'><div class='avia-arrow'><\/div><h3 class='av-masonry-entry-title entry-title '  itemprop=\"headline\" >06 June<\/h3><\/div><\/div><\/figcaption><\/figure><\/a><!--end av-masonry entry--><a href=\"https:\/\/npolar.no\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/07_july-1-1030x640.png\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/npolar.no\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/07_july-1-1030x640.png 1030w, https:\/\/npolar.no\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/07_july-1-300x186.png 300w, https:\/\/npolar.no\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/07_july-1-768x477.png 768w, https:\/\/npolar.no\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/07_july-1-1536x955.png 1536w, https:\/\/npolar.no\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/07_july-1-1500x932.png 1500w, https:\/\/npolar.no\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/07_july-1-705x438.png 705w, https:\/\/npolar.no\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/07_july-1.png 1667w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 1030px) 100vw, 1030px\"  aria-label=\"image 07 July\"  id='av-masonry-1-item-55275' data-av-masonry-item='55275' class='av-masonry-entry isotope-item post-55275 attachment type-attachment status-inherit hentry  av-masonry-item-with-image av-grid-img' title=\"07 July\" alt=\"\"    itemprop=\"thumbnailUrl\" ><div class='av-inner-masonry-sizer'><\/div><figure class='av-inner-masonry main_color'><div class=\"av-masonry-outerimage-container\"><div class='av-masonry-image-container' style=\"background-image: url(https:\/\/npolar.no\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/07_july-1-705x438.png);\"  title=\"07 July\" ><\/div><\/div><figcaption class='av-inner-masonry-content site-background'><div class='av-inner-masonry-content-pos'><div class='av-inner-masonry-content-pos-content'><div class='avia-arrow'><\/div><h3 class='av-masonry-entry-title entry-title '  itemprop=\"headline\" >07 July<\/h3><\/div><\/div><\/figcaption><\/figure><\/a><!--end av-masonry entry--><a href=\"https:\/\/npolar.no\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/08_august-3-1030x640.png\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/npolar.no\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/08_august-3-1030x640.png 1030w, https:\/\/npolar.no\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/08_august-3-300x186.png 300w, https:\/\/npolar.no\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/08_august-3-768x477.png 768w, https:\/\/npolar.no\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/08_august-3-1536x955.png 1536w, https:\/\/npolar.no\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/08_august-3-1500x932.png 1500w, https:\/\/npolar.no\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/08_august-3-705x438.png 705w, https:\/\/npolar.no\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/08_august-3.png 1667w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 1030px) 100vw, 1030px\"  aria-label=\"image 08 August\"  id='av-masonry-1-item-55276' data-av-masonry-item='55276' class='av-masonry-entry isotope-item post-55276 attachment type-attachment status-inherit hentry  av-masonry-item-with-image av-grid-img' title=\"08 August\" alt=\"\"    itemprop=\"thumbnailUrl\" ><div class='av-inner-masonry-sizer'><\/div><figure class='av-inner-masonry main_color'><div class=\"av-masonry-outerimage-container\"><div class='av-masonry-image-container' style=\"background-image: url(https:\/\/npolar.no\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/08_august-3-705x438.png);\"  title=\"08 August\" ><\/div><\/div><figcaption class='av-inner-masonry-content site-background'><div class='av-inner-masonry-content-pos'><div class='av-inner-masonry-content-pos-content'><div class='avia-arrow'><\/div><h3 class='av-masonry-entry-title entry-title '  itemprop=\"headline\" >08 August<\/h3><\/div><\/div><\/figcaption><\/figure><\/a><!--end av-masonry entry--><a href=\"https:\/\/npolar.no\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/09_september-3-1030x640.png\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/npolar.no\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/09_september-3-1030x640.png 1030w, https:\/\/npolar.no\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/09_september-3-300x186.png 300w, https:\/\/npolar.no\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/09_september-3-768x477.png 768w, https:\/\/npolar.no\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/09_september-3-1536x955.png 1536w, https:\/\/npolar.no\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/09_september-3-1500x932.png 1500w, https:\/\/npolar.no\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/09_september-3-705x438.png 705w, https:\/\/npolar.no\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/09_september-3.png 1667w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 1030px) 100vw, 1030px\"  aria-label=\"image 09 September\"  id='av-masonry-1-item-55277' data-av-masonry-item='55277' class='av-masonry-entry isotope-item post-55277 attachment type-attachment status-inherit hentry  av-masonry-item-with-image av-grid-img' title=\"09 September\" alt=\"\"    itemprop=\"thumbnailUrl\" ><div class='av-inner-masonry-sizer'><\/div><figure class='av-inner-masonry main_color'><div class=\"av-masonry-outerimage-container\"><div class='av-masonry-image-container' style=\"background-image: url(https:\/\/npolar.no\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/09_september-3-705x438.png);\"  title=\"09 September\" ><\/div><\/div><figcaption class='av-inner-masonry-content site-background'><div class='av-inner-masonry-content-pos'><div class='av-inner-masonry-content-pos-content'><div class='avia-arrow'><\/div><h3 class='av-masonry-entry-title entry-title '  itemprop=\"headline\" >09 September<\/h3><\/div><\/div><\/figcaption><\/figure><\/a><!--end av-masonry entry--><a href=\"https:\/\/npolar.no\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/10_october-1-1030x640.png\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/npolar.no\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/10_october-1-1030x640.png 1030w, https:\/\/npolar.no\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/10_october-1-300x186.png 300w, https:\/\/npolar.no\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/10_october-1-768x477.png 768w, https:\/\/npolar.no\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/10_october-1-1536x955.png 1536w, https:\/\/npolar.no\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/10_october-1-1500x932.png 1500w, https:\/\/npolar.no\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/10_october-1-705x438.png 705w, https:\/\/npolar.no\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/10_october-1.png 1667w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 1030px) 100vw, 1030px\"  aria-label=\"image 10 October\"  id='av-masonry-1-item-55278' data-av-masonry-item='55278' class='av-masonry-entry isotope-item post-55278 attachment type-attachment status-inherit hentry  av-masonry-item-with-image av-grid-img' title=\"10 October\" alt=\"\"    itemprop=\"thumbnailUrl\" ><div class='av-inner-masonry-sizer'><\/div><figure class='av-inner-masonry main_color'><div class=\"av-masonry-outerimage-container\"><div class='av-masonry-image-container' style=\"background-image: url(https:\/\/npolar.no\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/10_october-1-705x438.png);\"  title=\"10 October\" ><\/div><\/div><figcaption class='av-inner-masonry-content site-background'><div class='av-inner-masonry-content-pos'><div class='av-inner-masonry-content-pos-content'><div class='avia-arrow'><\/div><h3 class='av-masonry-entry-title entry-title '  itemprop=\"headline\" >10 October<\/h3><\/div><\/div><\/figcaption><\/figure><\/a><!--end av-masonry entry--><a href=\"https:\/\/npolar.no\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/11_november-3-1030x640.png\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/npolar.no\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/11_november-3-1030x640.png 1030w, https:\/\/npolar.no\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/11_november-3-300x186.png 300w, https:\/\/npolar.no\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/11_november-3-768x477.png 768w, https:\/\/npolar.no\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/11_november-3-1536x955.png 1536w, https:\/\/npolar.no\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/11_november-3-1500x932.png 1500w, https:\/\/npolar.no\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/11_november-3-705x438.png 705w, https:\/\/npolar.no\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/11_november-3.png 1667w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 1030px) 100vw, 1030px\"  aria-label=\"image 11 November\"  id='av-masonry-1-item-55279' data-av-masonry-item='55279' class='av-masonry-entry isotope-item post-55279 attachment type-attachment status-inherit hentry  av-masonry-item-with-image av-grid-img' title=\"11 November\" alt=\"\"    itemprop=\"thumbnailUrl\" ><div class='av-inner-masonry-sizer'><\/div><figure class='av-inner-masonry main_color'><div class=\"av-masonry-outerimage-container\"><div class='av-masonry-image-container' style=\"background-image: url(https:\/\/npolar.no\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/11_november-3-705x438.png);\"  title=\"11 November\" ><\/div><\/div><figcaption class='av-inner-masonry-content site-background'><div class='av-inner-masonry-content-pos'><div class='av-inner-masonry-content-pos-content'><div class='avia-arrow'><\/div><h3 class='av-masonry-entry-title entry-title '  itemprop=\"headline\" >11 November<\/h3><\/div><\/div><\/figcaption><\/figure><\/a><!--end av-masonry entry--><a href=\"https:\/\/npolar.no\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/12_december-1-1030x640.png\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/npolar.no\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/12_december-1-1030x640.png 1030w, https:\/\/npolar.no\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/12_december-1-300x186.png 300w, https:\/\/npolar.no\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/12_december-1-768x477.png 768w, https:\/\/npolar.no\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/12_december-1-1536x955.png 1536w, https:\/\/npolar.no\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/12_december-1-1500x932.png 1500w, https:\/\/npolar.no\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/12_december-1-705x438.png 705w, https:\/\/npolar.no\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/12_december-1.png 1667w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 1030px) 100vw, 1030px\"  aria-label=\"image 12 December\"  id='av-masonry-1-item-55280' data-av-masonry-item='55280' class='av-masonry-entry isotope-item post-55280 attachment type-attachment status-inherit hentry  av-masonry-item-with-image av-grid-img' title=\"12 December\" alt=\"\"    itemprop=\"thumbnailUrl\" ><div class='av-inner-masonry-sizer'><\/div><figure class='av-inner-masonry main_color'><div class=\"av-masonry-outerimage-container\"><div class='av-masonry-image-container' style=\"background-image: url(https:\/\/npolar.no\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/12_december-1-705x438.png);\"  title=\"12 December\" ><\/div><\/div><figcaption class='av-inner-masonry-content site-background'><div class='av-inner-masonry-content-pos'><div class='av-inner-masonry-content-pos-content'><div class='avia-arrow'><\/div><h3 class='av-masonry-entry-title entry-title '  itemprop=\"headline\" >12 December<\/h3><\/div><\/div><\/figcaption><\/figure><\/a><!--end av-masonry entry--><\/div><\/div>\n<div id='tab2'  class='av-layout-grid-container av-jkuutqqr-b68d60b7b892e916968a04e1a1edb8d9 entry-content-wrapper main_color av-flex-cells  avia-builder-el-14  el_after_av_masonry_gallery  el_before_av_layout_row  tabcontent g1 grid-row-not-first  container_wrap fullsize'  >\n<div class='flex_cell av-46ccs3-17a0317e874a7ef6652f71539100865f av-gridrow-cell av_one_full no_margin  avia-builder-el-15  avia-builder-el-no-sibling '  ><div class='flex_cell_inner'>\n<style type=\"text\/css\" data-created_by=\"avia_inline_auto\" id=\"style-css-av-12sc7rd-4ea8b2a855b916c438b37b76e3c84549\">\n.flex_column.av-12sc7rd-4ea8b2a855b916c438b37b76e3c84549{\nborder-radius:0px 0px 0px 0px;\npadding:0px 0px 0px 0px;\n}\n<\/style>\n<div  class='flex_column av-12sc7rd-4ea8b2a855b916c438b37b76e3c84549 av_one_full  avia-builder-el-16  avia-builder-el-no-sibling  first flex_column_div av-zero-column-padding  '     ><section  class='av_textblock_section av-jmg8n20r-472c7862d87d0879b06a894670e3435f '   itemscope=\"itemscope\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/CreativeWork\" ><div class='avia_textblock'  itemprop=\"text\" ><h2 class=\"heading--section-title\"><span id=\"Vulnerable_environment_in_the_marginal_ice_zone\">Vulnerable environment in the marginal ice zone<\/span><\/h2>\n<h3>Life in the ice<\/h3>\n<p>The MIZ comprises first-year and multi-year ice. Various types of ice are habitats for an array of Arctic species. When seawater freezes, most of the salt is expelled from it and the ice floats on the sea surface. The channels and small spaces formed by salt rejection and ice melting are occupied by tiny animals and algae. Larger cavities host crustaceans and polar cod. Ice algae can also grow on the underside of the ice, where it is an important food for animals that live in the ice and for zooplankton that rise up from the ocean depths to reproduce in the spring. Some species of ice algae also occur in the meltwater ponds that form on the surface of the ice in the summer.<\/p>\n<p><div  class='avia-button-wrap av-tl6x3d-872b6853e9df4bb3cef1bf7d0b30a0ca-wrap avia-button-left  avia-builder-el-18  avia-builder-el-no-sibling '><a href='https:\/\/nva.sikt.no\/registration\/01993e3c0748-35a2b28f-3936-4d19-9b74-e132e39a8221'  class='avia-button av-tl6x3d-872b6853e9df4bb3cef1bf7d0b30a0ca av-link-btn avia-icon_select-yes-left-icon avia-size-x-large avia-position-left avia-color-theme-color-highlight'   aria-label=\"REPORT: Milj\u00f8verdier og s\u00e5rbarhet i iskantsonen\"><span class='avia_button_icon avia_button_icon_left avia-iconfont avia-font-entypo-fontello' data-av_icon='\ue835' data-av_iconfont='entypo-fontello' ><\/span><span class='avia_iconbox_title' >REPORT: Milj\u00f8verdier og s\u00e5rbarhet i iskantsonen<\/span><\/a><\/div><br \/>\n<div id=\"attachment_28413\" style=\"width: 1040px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-28413\" class=\"wp-image-28413 size-large\" src=\"https:\/\/npolar.no\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/foodchain-arctic-daase.jpeg-1030x768.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1030\" height=\"768\" srcset=\"https:\/\/npolar.no\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/foodchain-arctic-daase.jpeg-1030x768.jpg 1030w, https:\/\/npolar.no\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/foodchain-arctic-daase.jpeg-450x336.jpg 450w, https:\/\/npolar.no\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/foodchain-arctic-daase.jpeg-300x224.jpg 300w, https:\/\/npolar.no\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/foodchain-arctic-daase.jpeg-768x573.jpg 768w, https:\/\/npolar.no\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/foodchain-arctic-daase.jpeg-705x526.jpg 705w, https:\/\/npolar.no\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/foodchain-arctic-daase.jpeg.jpg 1280w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1030px) 100vw, 1030px\" \/><p id=\"caption-attachment-28413\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Simplified food chain in shallow and deep parts of the marginal ice zone. Illustration: M. Daase. Source: von Quillfeldt et al. (2018).<\/p><\/div><\/p>\n<h3>Production in the MIZ<\/h3>\n<p>Primary production \u2013 the solar-powered process by which inorganic matter, including carbon dioxide, is converted into biomass that is the basis of the food chain \u2013 in the MIZ starts in March\u2013April with the appearance of ice algae, and in April\u2013May the bloom of phytoplankton kicks off. The bloom depends on nutrients \u2013 nitrate, phosphate, silicate \u2013 and layered water masses. The layer of meltwater on top keeps phytoplankton in the upper part of the water column, where it gets the sunlight it needs. With enough light the bloom can stretch far under the ice and also far south of the MIZ. The algae in and on the underside of the ice and the phytoplankton in the water are food for small ice-associated animals and zooplankton.<\/p>\n<h3>An important feeding ground and habitat<\/h3>\n<p>The MIZ serves as a feeding ground, nursery and overwintering area for fish, seabirds and marine mammals. Polar cod and capelin are the pelagic fish species most tightly linked to the zone. In addition, cod and a variety of Arctic fish species occur in the water column. The MIZ is important for many species of seabirds, several of which can be found there around the year. Br\u00fcnnich&#8217;s guillemot and little auk can occur in large concentrations, especially in the spring and summer. Black guillemot, black-legged kittiwake, northern fulmar and ivory gull are also common. Ringed, harp and hooded seals use the MIZ as a breeding, moulting and resting place. Walruses haul-out on the ice after diving for molluscs on the seafloor. Polar bears hunt seals in the MIZ. Bowhead whale, beluga whale and narwhal are adapted to living where ice is present year-round, but the MIZ is also an important feeding area for other whale species in the summer.<\/p>\n<h3>Connecting the MIZ and the seafloor<\/h3>\n<p>The biological production that is not consumed at or near the surface eventually sinks to the seafloor and becomes food for the fauna that live there. These benthic animals often receive just this one annual pulse of food. While the MIZ drifts around on the sea surface, benthic creatures mostly stay put and are important prey for bottom-dwelling fish such as Greenland halibut, haddock and cod, as well as for diving birds like the common eider and for walrus and other marine mammals. As organic material decomposes at the bottom of the sea, it breaks down into the building blocks of next year\u2019s primary production. So goes the annual carbon cycle. On a shallow continental shelf such as the Barents Sea, the links connecting life in the sea ice, in the water column and on the seafloor are particularly pronounced.<\/p>\n<h3>Impact and vulnerability<\/h3>\n<p>The timing of sea ice formation and melting, the amount and characteristics of the ice and the distance to land influence production and the faunal composition of the MIZ. By letting through more sunlight, the thinner, younger ice of recent years has boosted primary production. But diminished sea ice negatively impacts species that rely on ice as a habitat during all or parts of their life cycle. Changing ice and water temperature conditions will cause shifts in species ranges, altering competition between species and possibly ushering in diseases and parasites that Arctic-adapted organisms are ill-equipped to fight off. Ecotoxins and plastic can be incorporated in sea ice and then released when it melts, exposing ice-associated organisms to harmful substances. The top predators in the MIZ vary in their ability to break down ecotoxins. Fish move northward and eastward in tandem with extensions in the range of commercial fisheries. The influence of ship traffic and the petroleum industry is assumed to be small for the time being, but an oil spill near the MIZ could have grave consequences, depending on what is spilled, its quantity and the season.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/section><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id='av-layout-grid-4'  class='av-layout-grid-container av-1cdjnbg-cc08b05e0aa9664ad84bf9eabe8fd24a entry-content-wrapper main_color av-flex-cells  avia-builder-el-19  el_after_av_layout_row  avia-builder-el-last  grid-row-not-first  container_wrap fullsize'  >\n<div class='flex_cell av-w4l9gs-0d95d88e0894466b13d9dac4de70272d av-gridrow-cell av_one_full no_margin  avia-builder-el-20  avia-builder-el-no-sibling '  ><div class='flex_cell_inner'>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>It is not the sea ice that makes the marginal ice zone (MIZ) valuable and vulnerable but rather the ecosystems that are directly or indirectly connected to it. The MIZ is crucially important for a number of species and biological processes. Ecosystems in the ice, the ocean water and the seafloor are linked. Phytoplankton blooms in the MIZ extend a considerable distance south of the ice edge, making this an important feeding area as well. <\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":14687,"parent":3607,"menu_order":3,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"tags":[],"emne":[],"class_list":["post-13866","page","type-page","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","hentry"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/npolar.no\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/13866","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/npolar.no\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/npolar.no\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/npolar.no\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/npolar.no\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=13866"}],"version-history":[{"count":5,"href":"https:\/\/npolar.no\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/13866\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":55295,"href":"https:\/\/npolar.no\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/13866\/revisions\/55295"}],"up":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/npolar.no\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/3607"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/npolar.no\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/14687"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/npolar.no\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=13866"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/npolar.no\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=13866"},{"taxonomy":"emne","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/npolar.no\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/emne?post=13866"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}