Mapping ice in the Norwegian Arctic – on the edge between science and policy

Ingrid Bay-Larsen, T. G. Bjørndal and E. A. T. Hermansen

Landscape Research, 2021, vol. 46, issue 2, 167-181

Abstract: In the Norwegian Arctic, petroleum exploration is prohibited north of the ice edge (the zone between solid sea ice and open ocean); the mapping and definition of the ice edge becomes the boundary for petroleum exploration. However, no evidence-based scientifically ‘correct’ position of the ice edge exists. Defining the ice edge—and its geographic positioning—is the result of co-production processes involving multiple actors and practices. We explore how the use of a new dataset for determining the geographical position of the ice edge became the centre of a proxy debate over how far north petroleum exploration should be allowed. The analysis reveals how maps serve as visual discourses in debate, and a strong correlation between different definitions of the ice edge and political commitment to petroleum activities. We challenge and discuss the performativity of maps and how mismatches between expectations to knowledge-based management, including maps, may have democratic implications.

Date: 2021
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DOI: 10.1080/01426397.2020.1740664

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