A large-scale network of wave, sea-ice drift, and temperature observations across the central Arctic
ArctSum-26 is the 2026 edition of the Arctic Summer campaign, building on the experience of ArctSum-25. The campaign deploys a total of 33 OpenMetBuoys across the central Arctic Ocean during July, August, and September 2026, supported by three icebreakers: KV Svalbard, Kronprins Haakon, and the Swedish icebreaker Oden.
The campaign objective is to maintain and expand the distributed in situ observation network across the Nansen and Amundsen Basins, supporting coupled Arctic prediction systems by observing atmosphere-ocean-wave-sea-ice interactions at high latitudes. The multi-ship logistics allow deployment along multiple transects and into the central Arctic pack ice.
Each OpenMetBuoy measures surface wave spectra and significant wave height, GPS drift, a 1-meter air temperature, an infrared snow-surface skin temperature, and a temperature string across the snow-ice-ocean interface. The buoys transmit data via Iridium RockBLOCK every few hours and are designed to operate autonomously for several months.
Live buoy positions and drift tracks are shown on the map below. For a more detailed exploration of the data, visit the Arctic Data Collector. Campaign data will be prepared for open release following quality control, with updates listed on the Data and papers page.