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Abstract

Atmopheric Rivers and The Onset oF Arctic MELT (ARTofMELT) is a scientific expedition on the Swedish icebreaker Oden to the Arctic Ocean in May and June, 2023. We focus on the start of the annual surface melt, while also pursuing linkage to intrusions of warm-and-moist mid-latitude air; so-called Atmospheric Rivers (ARs). We explores if changes in the surface energy balance imposed by ARs has the capacity to trigger the onset of the surface melt. ARs have become a scientific focus in recent years, but very few are well documented from detailed observations; most studies are based on modeling. To accomplish this, two novel methods are employed. First, the expedition is launched at an unusual but under-observed time of the year. A vast majority of all icebreaker-based campaigns are launched late in the melt season when the sea-ice is easier to navigate. Second, the spatially and temporally limited extent of ARs calls for a unique strategy. Instead of deploying at a fixed location and hoping for an event to pass by, we use ensemble weather forecasting to identify ARs at 5-7 days lead time and move Oden to suitable locations.We carry out detailed observations of the upper ocean, sea ice, and troposphere with a focus on vertical structure, clouds and aerosols, changes in the surface energy budget and surface and upper ocean effects, using both in-situ and remote sensing techniques. This presentation will report on first impressions, red-hot from an expedition ending only a month ago.