# Narwhal-based oceanographic research in Greenland

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/narwhal-based-oceanographic-research-in-greenland
> Updated: 2026-09-05T02:07:00.000Z. Sources: 8. Developments: 2.

Researchers have used six narwhals equipped with satellite transmitters to collect oceanographic data in Greenland, specifically within the Scoresby Sund fjord system. Data collected from over 2,000 dives between 2017 and 2020 provided measurements of water temperature, salinity, and depth in areas difficult for traditional research vessels to access.

The findings highlight a process called ‘atlantification,’ characterized by warm, salty water from the Atlantic Ocean pushing into the Arctic. This warm water has been detected moving beneath colder surface layers and penetrating up to 186 miles into fjords, reaching toward glacier fronts. This influx of heat is noted to accelerate glacial melting from underneath, which may impact major ocean circulation systems.

## Timeline

### 2026-09-05: Narwhals reveal warm Atlantic water deep in Greenland fjords

Sensors on six narwhals revealed that warm Atlantic water is pushing 186 miles into Greenland's fjords, potentially melting glaciers from below as part of the Arctic 'Atlantification' trend.

4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/narwhals-reveal-warm-atlantic-water-deep-in-greenland-fjords

### 2026-08-26: Narwhals used to track warming waters in Greenland

Scientists used six narwhals equipped with sensors to track warming Arctic waters, revealing that warm Atlantic water is penetrating deep under Greenland's glaciers, accelerating ice melt.

4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/narwhals-used-to-track-warming-waters-in-greenland

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Cite as: Narwhal-based oceanographic research in Greenland. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/narwhal-based-oceanographic-research-in-greenland