Over 200,000 tons of explosives were dumped in Norwegian waters after World War II. Additionally, unknown amounts of weapons, ammunition, and other materials were discarded in lakes, rivers, and streams by retreating German forces in Northern Norway. These leftover explosives, known as explosive remnants of war (ERW), are a largely overlooked but serious issue with wide-ranging consequences.

New research shows that the risks from ERW do not necessarily decrease over time. In fact, evidence suggests that the dangers to human life, public health, and the environment may be growing. This underlines the urgent need to better understand the scale, risks, and long-term impacts of wartime dumping in Norway.

Our research group is tackling this challenge by developing innovative methods to find and map these remnants of war. By combining archival research with advanced geophysical field methods, we locate and study dangerous objects hidden in lakes and buried in wetlands. This work helps us identify the types, amounts, and locations of these materials.

Beyond identifying historical dumping sites, we examine how wartime practices contribute to modern environmental challenges. Our research highlights the ongoing threats ERW pose to ecosystems and the environment. By studying these connections, we aim to create strategies to reduce the risks.

Ultimately, our goal is to raise awareness about these hidden hazards and support efforts to protect Norway’s environment and public safety for the future.