Over the past two decades, environmental history as an approach to the understanding and explanation of historical processes has become gradually fashionable amongst academics; empirical data collected over the North Atlantic proposed new trends with regards to economic patterns during the Viking Age. The increasing number of Viking Age sites exposed in Iceland, the amount of zooarchaeological collections highlighting an abundant presence of fish bones in the overall archaeofauna, together with one’s expertise in environmental history as well as a strong interest in socio-economic development during the Viking Age and medieval periods were many factors which help identify strengths and weaknesses with regards to the understanding of the emergence of commercial fish trade in Iceland, and to a lesser extent, the Faeroe Islands. The thesis proposes a new theory with regards to human adaptation to new environments, and subsequent economic developments based on the commercial exploitation of fish. The interdisciplinary aspect of this project using cultural sediment analysis and zooarchaeology, as well as concepts from anthropology and economic anthropology, allows for the theory to be tested by empirical data.

Cette thèse analyse l’impact de l’héritage sur le Cycle de Wilson de l'Atlantique Nord via (1) la cartographie des structures orogéniques, et de l’architecture et l'évolution temporelle des rifts ; (2) une synthèse de l'architecture des systèmes de rift hyper-étendus ; (3) la modélisation numérique de l'effet d'un sous-plaquage magmatique sur un épisode de rift subséquent. Conclusions : (1) Les caractéristiques du rift Nord Atlantique diffèrent significativement entre les lithosphères Calédonienne et Varisque; (2) Deux types extrêmes de systèmes de rift : (a) étroits et immatures, dont la fermeture mène à une orogenèse contrôlée par des processus mécaniques ; et (b) larges et matures, dont les orogenèses sont affectées par des processus magmatiques; (3) Le sous-plaquage mafique de la croûte continentale et/ou l'existence de manteau appauvri à l'aplomb d'une ancienne zone orogénique peut empêcher la réactivation des faiblesses héritées et entraîner le boudinage de la croûte continentale. / In this thesis, I analyse the impact of inheritance on the Wilson Cycle in the North Atlantic: (1) I map the main orogenic structures, the first-order architecture of rift systems and the timing of major rifting events; (2) I synthesise the first-order architecture of rift systems; (3) I study, via numerical modelling, the impact of underplating on subsequent rifting. Conclusions: (1) The characteristics of the North Atlantic rift system vary significantly depending on whether it affects the Caledonian or Variscan orogenic lithosphere; (2) Two end-members for rift systems can be defined : (a) narrow and immature, whose closure results in orogenesis essentially controlled by mechanical processes; (b) wide and mature, whose closure and subsequent orogenesis is largely affected by magmatic processes; (3) Mafic underplating and/or mantle depletion beneath a former orogenic area may prevent the reactivation of the inherited weaknesses and may trigger the boudinage of the continental crust.

A variety of anthropomorphic and environmental stresses are threatening the existence of all seven species of sea turtles. There is growing evidence that alterations in surface waters and sediment temperatures are negatively impacting reproductive success of loggerhead sea turtles (Caretta caretta). Fluctuations in water temperature associated with localized climate oscillations heavily alter the food web dynamics of the ocean. Feeding conditions are expected to be a critical factor in determining body mass and productivity for breeding seasons. An increase in regional temperatures could lead to prolonged reduction in food sources, as well as reduced nesting and recruitment. Loggerhead sea turtle nesting data from 1995-2011 werre compared with the average yearly North Atlantic Oscillation (NAO) and Atlantic Multidecadal Oscillation (AMO) which are important climatic events impacting the SST in the Atlantic Ocean. Because El Niño Southern Oscillation (ENSO) is a global event, it was proposed that turtles in the Atlantic may follow a similar trend. ENSO was quantified using Oceanic Nino Index (ONI). Analysis of loggerhead sea turtle nest frequencies from the years 1995-2011 in comparison to seasonal climate changes showed a significant inverse relationship between the detrended loggerhead nests and average yearly NAO when lagged two years, suggesting loggerheads may spend years prior breeding obtaining optimum body mass to increase successful reproduction. The detrended nesting data showed a tendency toward higher occurrence of nests during La Niña years while nest frequencies decreased during El Niño year; when the yearly detrended loggerhead nesting data was compared with the average yearly ONI; showing a significant inverse relationship without a lag. This may also suggest a relationship between changes of productivity of the ocean influenced by smaller scale climate changes and loggerhead nest frequencies.

This thesis offers the first detailed palaeoenvironmental analysis of wetland areas within sub-Arctic enclosed homefield’s. Significance of meadows were previously mentioned only briefly in the literature, suggesting influences in settlement site selection as well as importance in quality fodder production, producing up to two thirds of total hay resources in a somewhat marginal agricultural landscape. Given the importance of hay resources in Iceland it seems unusual these areas have received so little attention to date, despite extensive research on all other aspects of the Norse farm system. The organic sediments within the meadows, given their development in-situ over extended time periods, have the ability to record aspects of the intimate relationship between societal and environmental change, and so in a robust and holistic way our methods set integrates radiocarbon measurement, tephrochronology, palynology and thin section micromorphology from the same core; reflecting these findings against existing paleoclimate and archaeological site data. This combined application of the core techniques – palynology and soil micromorphology, has proven successful in creating effective human ecodynamic records from each of the study farms. Records obtained from the three farm sites in northwest and northern Iceland exposed the varying importance and differing utilisation of these wetland areas. Meadows would appear to have played an import role in choice of settlement site across northern Iceland, through the provision of open areas, and additional and immediately available fodder resources at settlement, in a landscape dominated by dense scrub. Meadows were found to have been in continuous use, albeit at varying levels of intensity, from settlement to the present day. In this respect the semi-natural resources are found to be remarkably resilient, demonstrating little alterations to their composition following severe climatic downturns, including that of the Little Ice Age, and volcanic eruption. Acting as a robust resource and safety buffer for settlements, contributing to fodder resources where reliability of other resources is jeopardised by environmental conditions. Research in the more marginal northwest peninsula provides the first evidence of artificially created wet meadows in Iceland, developed to give sustained fodder production for over-wintering livestock in an environment that inherently had a short growing season and lacked soil fertility. A further example of the nuanced land management practices adopted in the agriculturally fragile farmscapes of the Norse North Atlantic. The findings of the thesis have wider implications for understanding the emergence of resilient and sustainable communities in agriculturally marginal environments; to this end there remains many opportunities to use palaeoenvironmental research to study ecosystem responses to natural and anthropogenic stresses, giving us a better understanding of capacities to withstand future stresses.

This master’s thesis deals with jet streams. The exploration part describes conditions of jet stream formation, its characteristics, classification on the geographical basis and phenomena attendant on the jet streams. It also contains a description of jet stream measurement methods and methods of its interpretation in aeronautical meteorological charts. Organization of aeronautical traffic in the north Atlantic region within reach of the jet streams is further described. Practical part of this thesis contains author’s own research which compares time and economical profitability of transatlantic flights planned according to the jet streams. The principle of this evaluation was based on assessment of real flights and flights via shortest possible routes. It was proven, that profits mentioned above are gained only in the oceanic parts of flights.

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The simultaneous occurrences of several extreme events, known as compound extremes, are often associated with greater impact than univariate extremes. Flooding and windstorms are widespread hazards in Europe which can lead to severe property damage and fatalities. During winter, extreme wind and precipitation often co-occur, since they are associated with a common driver, namely extratropical cyclones. In this project, the occurrences of compound wind and precipitation events in Europe are investigated using the ERA5 reanalysis dataset. The analysis covers the years 1979-2019 with a focus on boreal winter. Areas that experience the highest occurrence of compound wet-windy extremes are the west coast of Norway, the Iberian peninsula, parts of central Europe, and southeast of the Black Sea. A few case studies are discussed with the purpose to give an idea of the magnitude of possible impacts. Further, the relationship between extreme wind and precipitation events and the North Atlantic Oscillation (NAO) is presented. During days with positive NAO, extreme precipitation and wind events occur in the central and northern parts of Europe while the negative phase brings extreme wind and precipitation to the southern parts of Europe. Lastly, a short analysis to discover changes in the occurrences of compound precipitation and wind events for the two periods 1979-1999 and 2000-2019 is performed. The result showed no clear changes. The number of compound extremes does not seem to vary for the two periods. / Olika extrema väderhändelser som sammanfaller orsakar ofta större skada än enskilda extrema händelser på många håll i samhället. Översvämningar och vindstormar är vanligt förekommande i Europa och kan leda till kostsamma skador och dödsfall. Extrema vind-och nederbördshändelser sammanfaller vanligen under vintern eftersom de båda ofta orsakas av Nordatlantiska cykloner, som är vanligast under den årstiden. I detta projekt kartläggs sammanfallande vind- och nederbördshändelser i Europa under vintermånaderna december-februari, med hjälp av ERA5 reanalysdata för åren 1979-2019. Områden med relativt hög förekomst av sammanfallande vind- och nederbördshändelser är Norges västkust, Iberiska halvön, delar av Centraleuropa och östra Turkiet. Några fallstudier kopplade till dessa områden är diskuterade för att ge en uppfattning om konsekvenserna av dessa sammanfallande händelser. Eventuella kopplingar mellan sammanfallande vind- och nederbördshändelser och den Nordatlantiska Oscillationen (NAO) är också undersökt. Under den positiva fasen av NAO sker extrema nederbörd- och vindhändelser i norra och centrala delar av Europa medan den negativa fasen ger extrem vind och nederbörd i de södra delarna av Europa.En kort analys för undersöka om förekomsten av extrema sammanfallande händelser har ändrats genomfördes genom att jämföra andelen sammanfallande händelser under de två perioderna 1979-1999 och 2000-2019. Ingen betydande förändring i andelen sammanfallande händelser mellan dessa perioder hittades.

Diploma thesis "NATO in the fight against terrorism and the formation of collective identity" deals with the impact of the threat of international terrorism on collective identity of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization. The September 11th terrorist attacks on the US soil constitute a milestone in the history of NATO. The article 5 of Washington treaty was invocated for the first time. The main argument of the thesis states that, despite disagreements among allies about the role of the Alliance in the fight against terrorism after the September 11th , NATO was capable of reinforcing its collective identity and reformulating its purpose. The main goal of the thesis is to define a relationship between the perception of the threat of terrorism within NATO and collective identity of NATO, on the basis of arguments of social constructivism and with constructivist methodology. Discourse analysis of key NATO documents confirms the impact of September 11th on the transformation of strategic consideration of the Alliance, which has led to initiation of several efforts to fight terrorism. Outcomes of discourse analysis of United States, United Kingdom, France, Czech Republic and Poland reveal that terrorism has reinforced collective identity among NATO member states and has become a new threat for Alliance...

Changing environment of international relations, changing conflicts character, and new threats and risks influence North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) and its role in international system. Clear structure of international system ended with end of bipolar division of Cold War. Unclear political equilibrium brought the question of future of NATO. Political concept that was used during Cold war was not sufficient and the Alliance stated again in front of transformation needs. Also during the Cold War the role of national security had been changing. Subject of this research is character of transformation of NATO and its adherence to theoretical premises of neoliberal institutionalism. International institutions are often subject of research in international relations. This thesis reacts on the deficiency of interest about changes and survival of institutions in literature. The thesis works with the theory of Robert O. Keohane that is rooted in the end of the Cold War but has been modified by further author's works. After basic analysis three variables were identified. These are three transformation areas - institutional development, and mission conduct. On the base of theoretical approach analysis three independent variables were added. These were - level of institutionalization, character of...

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