In the Norwegian Research Council 2003 report in important climate data series, Weather Station Mike is listed among the five most important, and yet at the same time most at risk for discontinuation. The ship holds a fixed position at 66°N, 2°E, and makes daily meteorological observations and weekly oceanographic observations. The measurements have been made since October 1, 1948, and the time series represent a unique data set for studies of climate change in the atmosphere and ocean, and exchanges between the two.

In this task we seek to employ modern autonomous technology (“gliders”) to 1) build up a parallel time series for hydrography at Station M, and 2) to make autonomous transects of the Norwegian Atlantic Current, which by a lucky coincidence runs between Station Mike and shore. Data is transferred via satellite every time the glider surfaces, and will be fed directly into the operational observing system of WP2. We budget for the purchase of two gliders, so that we do not need breaks in operations during service. We will provide real-time information about the current, through web services set up at met.no.