Narwhals used to track warming waters in Greenland

Researchers have utilized six narwhals equipped with satellite transmitters to collect unprecedented oceanographic data in the eastern waters of Greenland. Between 2017 and 2020, these whales recorded over 2,000 dives, providing measurements of water temperature, salinity, and depth in logistically challenging environments.

The data reveals a process known as ‘atlantification,’ where warm, salty water from the Atlantic Ocean is pushing into the Arctic. In the Scoresby Sund fjord system, this warm water has been detected beneath glaciers more than 350 kilometers inland. This influx of warmer water accelerates glacial melting, which could potentially impact major ocean circulation systems.

Using narwhals allowed scientists to access deep-sea areas and winter conditions that are often too expensive or difficult to reach using traditional research vessels and instruments.