Knipovich Ridge Research Articles

Extreme Mantle Heterogeneity Revealed by Geochemical Investigation of In Situ Lavas at the Central Mohns Ridge, Arctic Mid‐Ocean Ridges

AbstractMid‐ocean ridge basalts reflect the mantle’s composition and reveal processes from melting to eruption. The Mohns and Knipovich Ridges have ultraslow spreading rates, low magma budgets and erupted lavas indicating various mantle domains. Here, we use geochemistry and isotope systematics of in situ samples from two axial volcanic ridges (AVRs) to study mantle heterogeneity and melt production. By linking chemical variations to high‐resolution bathymetry and age data, we document systematic changes over time in the mantle source of the volcanic sequence. At Mohns Ridge AVR‐M10 (72.3°N), we observed significant variations in chemistry (e.g., (La/Sm)N from 0.7 to 2.9) and isotope systematics in basaltic samples from a small area (∼1 km2), suggesting the emplacement of multiple small‐volume lava flows. Pb isotope variations, for example, 206Pb/204Pb (17.91–18.76), are comparable with the observed range along the entire Mohns and Knipovich Ridges. Temporal constraints document that erupted basalts have changed from highly radiogenic Pb compositions to a more depleted signature within 30 ka. To explain the extreme variations in the erupted lavas at the Mohns Ridge, the mantle would need to be highly heterogeneous in composition with effective melt extraction and limited mixing prior to eruption. We use the highly heterogenous mantle underneath the Mohns Ridge to understand the melt extraction processes and mixing of melts and propose a two‐stage melting model: continuous generation of enriched melts from a deep and fertile source in the first stage, while depleted melts from a shallower and more refractory mantle occur sporadically and simultaneously with the intermittent ascent of diapirs.

Discovery of the first hydrothermal field along the 500-km-long Knipovich Ridge offshore Svalbard (the Jøtul field)

Oceanic spreading centers north of Iceland are characterized by ultraslow spreading rates, and related hydrothermal activity has been detected in the water column and at the seafloor along nearly all ridge segments. An exception is the 500-km-long Knipovich Ridge, from where, until now, no hydrothermal vents were known. Here we report the investigation of the first hydrothermal vent field of the Knipovich Ridge, which was discovered in July 2022 during expedition MSM109. The newly discovered hydrothermal field, named Jøtul hydrothermal field, is associated with the eastern bounding fault of the rift valley rather than with an axial volcanic ridge. Guided by physico-chemical anomalies in the water column, ROV investigations on the seafloor showed a wide variety of fluid escape sites, inactive and active mounds with abundant hydrothermal precipitates, and chemosynthetic organisms. Fluids with temperatures between 8 and 316 °C as well as precipitates were sampled at four vent sites. High methane, carbon dioxide, and ammonium concentrations, as well as high 87Sr/86Sr isotope ratios of the vent fluids indicate strong interaction between magma and sediments from the Svalbard continental margin. Such interactions are important for carbon mobilization at the seafloor and the carbon cycle in the ocean.

Constraints on the Timing and Lower Crustal Accretion at the Schulz Massif, Mohns Ridge, Arctic Mid Ocean Ridges

AbstractThe ultraslow‐spreading Mohns Ridge is a key supersegment of the Arctic Mid‐Ocean system, where it represents a boundary between the Jan Mayen hotspot in the south and the highly anomalous Knipovich Ridge to the north. Understanding the timing and mode of Plio‐Pleistocene seafloor spreading along this ridge segment is critical for establishing the recent geodynamic evolution of the Norwegian‐Greenland Sea. To investigate magmatic accretion at this ultraslow spreading ridge, we collected samples from the Schulz Massif, which is located off‐axis at 73.4°N and exposes gabbroic intrusives and mantle peridotite. The petrology and petrography of these samples indicate that the exposed crustal section underwent multiple episodes of magmatism, which are characterized by distinct crystal sizes and geochemistry. To calibrate the age of the seafloor, we combined high‐resolution and high‐precision single zircon U‐Pb geochronology. Our data suggest that seafloor spreading has been nearly symmetrical for the last ∼4.6 Myr with a time‐averaged half‐spreading rate of ∼7.4 mm yr−1. Crystal size analysis of olivine in porphyric intrusions suggests that the crustal section was fed crystal‐laden melts with recurrence rates predicted to stabilize fault‐dominated seafloor spreading. Our combined geochronological and crystal size approach gives a critical perspective on the mode of seafloor spreading in the Mohns Ridge and allows insights into accretionary mechanisms and crustal structures during symmetric seafloor spreading.

Hydrothermal activity fuels microbial sulfate reduction in deep and distal marine settings along the Arctic Mid Ocean Ridges

Microbial sulfate reduction is generally limited in the deep sea compared to shallower marine environments, but cold seeps and hydrothermal systems are considered an exception. Here, we report sulfate reduction rates and geochemical data from marine sediments and hydrothermal vent fields along the Arctic Mid Ocean Ridges (AMOR), to assess the significance of basalt-hosted hydrothermal activity on sulfate reduction in a distal deep marine setting. We find that cored marine sediments do not display evidence for sulfate reduction, apart from low rates in sediments from the Knipovich Ridge. This likely reflects the overall limited availability of reactive organic matter and low sedimentation rates along the AMOR, except for areas in the vicinity of Svalbard and Bear Island. In contrast, hydrothermal samples from the Seven Sisters, Jan Mayen and Loki’s Castle vent fields all demonstrate active microbial sulfate reduction. Rates increase from a few 10s to 100s of pmol SO42- cm-3 d-1 in active high-temperature hydrothermal chimneys, to 10s of nmol SO42- cm-3 d-1 in low-temperature barite chimneys and up to 110 nmol cm-3 d-1 in diffuse venting hydrothermal sediments in the Barite field at Loki’s Castle. Pore fluid and sediment geochemical data suggest that these high rates are sustained by organic compounds from microbial mats and vent fauna as well as methane supplied by high-temperature hydrothermal fluids. However, significant variation was observed between replicate hydrothermal samples and observation of high rates in seemingly inactive barite chimneys suggests that other electron donors may be important as well. Sediment sulfur isotope signatures concur with measured rates in the Barite field and indicate that microbial sulfate reduction has occurred in the hydrothermal sediments since the recent geological past. Our findings indicate that basalt-hosted vent fields provide sufficient electron donors to support microbial sulfate reduction in high- and low-temperature hydrothermal areas in settings that otherwise show very low sulfate reduction rates.

Local Seismicity and Sediment Deformation in the West Svalbard Margin: Implications of Neotectonics for Seafloor Seepage

AbstractIn the Fram Strait, mid‐ocean ridge spreading is represented by the ultra‐slow system of the Molloy Ridge, the Molloy Transform Fault and the Knipovich Ridge. Sediments on oceanic and continental crust are gas charged and there are several locations with documented seafloor seepage. Sedimentary faulting shows recent stress release in the sub‐surface, but the drivers of stress change and its influence on fluid flow are not entirely understood. We present here the results of an 11‐month‐long ocean bottom seismometer survey conducted over the highly faulted sediment drift northwards from the Knipovich Ridge to monitor seismicity and infer the regional state of stress. We obtain a detailed earthquake catalog that improves the spatial resolution of mid‐ocean ridge seismicity compared with published data. Seismicity at the Molloy Transform Fault is occurring southwards from the bathymetric imprint of the fault, as supported by a seismic profile. Earthquakes in the northern termination of the Knipovich Ridge extend eastwards from the ridge valley, which together with syn‐rift faulting identified in seismic reflection data, suggests that a portion of the currently active spreading center is buried under sediments away from the bathymetric expression of the rift valley. This hints at the direct link between crustal rifting processes and faulting in shallow sediments. Two earthquakes occur close to the seepage system of the Vestnesa Ridge further north from the network. We suggest that deeper rift structures, reactivated by gravity and/or post‐glacial subsidence, may lead to accommodation of stress through shallow extensional faults, therefore impacting seepage dynamics.

Integrated Earthquake Catalog III: Gakkel Ridge, Knipovich Ridge, and Svalbard Archipelago

This paper represents the final part of a series of studies aimed at creating the most reliable and representative earthquake catalog covering the Russian and European Arctic. The earthquake catalog of the Gakkel and Knipovich ridges, as well as the Svalbard Archipelago with a unified magnitude scale, was formed based on the combination of four regional Russian catalogs and the ISC catalog. The merging of catalogs was carried out using the modification of the author’s methodology, which allowed for the identification of records in different datasets related to the same seismic event. The modification was introduced due to significant changes over time in the source catalogs. The unified proxy moment magnitude scale was formed based on regression analysis of the different magnitude estimates provided by various agencies. The integrated catalog included 17,922 earthquakes that occurred during the period 1962–2022. Analysis of the integrated catalog showed that the level of registration in the studied area significantly varies over space and time. Before 1995, the catalog contained only strong and moderate earthquakes, and the magnitude of complete registration Mc was 5.0 in the Gakkel Ridge, 4.7 in the Knipovich Ridge, and 4.5 in the Svalbard Archipelago. The number of recorded events increased in the period 1995–2011, and Mc decreased to 4.0 in the Gakkel and Knipovich ridges and to 2.8 in the Svalbard Archipelago. The best level of registration in the Svalbard Archipelago and the Knipovich Ridge was achieved after 2012, when Mc reached 1.7 and 2.8, respectively. In the Gakkel Ridge, despite a noticeable increase in the number of reported events from 2012, the magnitude of complete registration did not improve and was 4.0. The presented integrated earthquake catalog is intended for a wide range of studies of the seismic regime of the Arctic.

FIRST DATA ON VERTICAL PARTICLE FLUXES AND ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS IN THE NORTHERN PART OF THE MOHNS RIDGE, NORWEGIAN SEA

For the first time, a continuous two-year study of the particle fluxes and associated environmental parameters in the axial zone of the Arctic segment of the Mid-Atlantic Ridge at the junction of the Mohns and Knipovich Ridges (Norwegian Sea) was carried out. Sediment traps were deployed from the R/V Akademik Mstislav Keldysh in June 2019 in the northeastern part of the Mohns Ridge and realized in July 2020. It was shown that the sedimentation of sinking particles in the study area was influenced by the global transport of water masses in the northeastern direction, with Atlantic waters in the subsurface, and water masses of Arctic origin recirculating deeper in the subsurface. A weak positive temperature trend at a depth of more than 2500 m (0.02°C) is detected. The bimodal vertical distribution of fluxes and changes in the composition of sinking particles corresponded to the pattern of sediment recycling in the ocean. The annual course of fluxes in the subsurface layer was determined by the activity of silicon-concentrating and calcifying plankton, with the maximum bloom period also manifested in the deep layer. At the same time, the main significant moderator of flux deeper than 2000 m is the inflow of lithogenic matter from the benthic nepheloid layer.

Influence of Mid-Oceanic Ridges on Seismicity of Novaya Zemlya Archipelago

The influence of the mid-oceanic ridges (MOR), including the Gakkel Ridge and the geological system Knipovich Ridge–Trough Lena, on the seismicity of the Novaya Zemlya archipelago area for 1980‒2022 is considered. For each geological element under consideration, we compiled seismic catalogs with a single unified magnitude mbISC for an equivalent comparison of information, and the annual seismic energy was calculated, and graphs of its distribution by year were constructed. We performed analytical modeling based on the Elsasser model describing the process of local stress transfer in a rigid elastic lithosphere underlain by a viscous asthenosphere, and made quantitative calculations of the disturbance propagations from MOR. The time intervals through which disturbances from MOR reach the Novaya Zemlya archipelago are 1‒2 years for the geological system Knipovich Ridge–Trough Lena and 3‒5 years for the Gakkel Ridge. The maximum joint contribution to the level of seismic activity of various geological and tectonic structures of the MOR can reach 40‒60% of the applied disturbances values, which is a sufficient condition for the influence on seismicity of the Novaya Zemlya orogen. The most geodynamical active structures and zones of concentration of tectonic stresses are identified.

First Data on Vertical Particle Fluxes and Environmental Conditions in the Northern Segment of the Mohns Ridge, Norwegian Sea

Continuous two-year studies of particle fluxes and associated environmental parameters in the axial zone of the Arctic segment of the Mid-Atlantic Ridge at the junction of the Mohns and Knipovich ridges (Norwegian Sea) have been carried out for the first time. Sediment traps were deployed from the R/V Akademik Mstislav Keldysh in June 2019 in the northeastern part of the Mohns Ridge with revision in August 2020 and lifting in July 2021. It is shown that the sedimentation of particles in the study area was affected by the global transport of water masses in the northeasterly direction, with Atlantic waters in the subsurface layer and water masses of Arctic origin recirculating deeper in the subsurface. A weak positive temperature trend at a depth of more than 2500 m (0.02°C over two years) is detected. The bimodal vertical distribution of fluxes and changes in the composition of sinking particles corresponded to the pattern of sediment recycling in the ocean. The annual course of fluxes in the subsurface layer is determined by the activity of Si-concentrating and calcifying plankton, while the maximum bloom period is also manifested in the deep layer. At the same time, the main significant source of the flux deeper than 2000 m is the supply of lithogenic matter from the near-bottom nepheloid layer.

Tectono-magmatic evolution of the Greenland−Iceland−Norway ridge complex and the Jan Mayen hotspot in the Arctic Atlantic Ocean: Constraints from in situ trace elements and Sr isotopes of minerals

The subarctic North Atlantic Ocean has experienced a complex and gradual magmatic evolution, including continental breakup, mature seafloor spreading, and episodic ridge jumps. Here, we present new in situ major-element, trace-element, and Sr isotopic compositions for minerals (olivine, clinopyroxene, and plagioclase) from the Jan Mayen microcontinent (Integrated Ocean Drilling Program [IODP] Sites 907 and 985), Reykjanes Ridge (Site 983), Greenland Basin (Site 913), and Knipovich Ridge (Site 911) volcanic samples in the Arctic Atlantic Ocean. The Jan Mayen hotspot−type and Iceland plume−type volcanic rocks have a common magma source. The former were likely derived from the latter by further fractional crystallization, resulting in their distinct geochemical features. The in situ incompatible element and isotopic compositions show that the normal mid-ocean-ridge basalt spreading ridge feature for the older (>14 Ma) system and the enriched plume feature for the younger (1.521 Ma and 1.049 Ma) system likely indicate plume-ridge interaction and the evolution from mid-ocean-ridge−type to plume-type magmatism beneath the Norwegian−Greenland Sea. The disequilibrium of Sr isotopes in plagioclase among the groundmass, phenocryst cores, and rims is likely due to heterogeneous compositions beneath the North Atlantic Ocean basin, with the contamination of thick continental crust and the influence of H2O-enriched melts originating from the deep Iceland plume.

The Southeastern Flank of the Knipovich Ridge (Northern Atlantic): The Basement Structure and Neotectonics from Geophysical Data and Experimental Modeling

The Southeastern Flank of the Knipovich Ridge (Northern Atlantic): The Basement Structure and Neotectonics from Geophysical Data and Experimental Modeling

Oceanic Core Complex or not? When bathymetric structures challenge seafloor spreading models

We use regional magnetic and local multibeam bathymetric data to investigate the geological nature of a prominent high located off-axis near the junction between the Mohns and the Knipovich ridges, in the Norwegian-Greenland Sea. Given the location of this hill, near the bend marking the junction between these two ultraslow spreading centers and the bathymetric asymmetry on both sides of the ridge, an Oceanic Core Complex, corresponding to the outcropping part of an underlying detachment, was proposed as a possible interpretation. Nevertheless, the magnetization distribution over this hill is compatible with a basaltic environment and magnetic gradients are also identical to those existing in basaltic contexts, pointing towards a similar geology. Finally, a combined plate and magnetic reconstruction reveals that this hill has a conjugate structure and that regional magnetic anomalies are symmetric. These observations rule out the Oceanic Core Complex hypothesis, as detachment surfaces are often associated with a marked spreading asymmetry. We therefore propose that this protruding bathymetric feature should rather be seen as a basaltic hill and the depth asymmetry likely results from seafloor subsidence triggered by the massive accumulation of sediments from the Bear Island Fan, on the eastern flank of the ridge axis.

CAGE20-5 Cruise Report: Tectonic stress studies and seismic surveys on the West-Svalbard margin

Tha main goal of CAGE20-5 cruise was to continue with an Ocean Bottom Seismometer (OBS) experiment to address objectives of the SEAMSTRESS project (Tectonic stress effects on Arctic methane seepage[SB1] ). Along the eastern segment of Vestnesa Ridge, the cruise recovered 7 OBS after a one-year deployment and subsequentially redeployed 10 OBS in the larger array on the southern flank of Vestnesa Ridge. The overall aim is to detect local and regional earthquakes that relate to and/or impact local faulting within Vestnesa Ridge and may control fluid flow. Another objective of CAGE20-5 was to collect seismic lines to complete the data base and refine site selections for the IODP985 proposal. We also collected a 3D seismic volume on the elongated depression north of Knipovich Ridge where massive gas hydrates and pore fluid pressure pulses from piezometer data have been observed
 The cruise may be known as: CAGE20_5

Southeastern Flank of Knipovich Ridge (Northern Atlantic): Basement Structure and Neotectonics from Geophysical Data and Experimental Modeling

Acoustic basement of the Knipovich Ridge southeastern flank was interpreted on the time-domain CDP seismic sections and calibration of Bouguer gravity anomalies to depth was done with construction of basement structural map for the area with an oceanic crust type. On this map, to the east from Knipovich Ridge, there is the longitudinal uplift, which is the northern continuation of the Senja fracture zone and interpreted as a transverse ridge on the transform fault board. This uplift is framed by linear clusters of the off-axis seismicity epicenters, indicating the activation of this area structures. The CDP seismic data above the identified uplift show deformations of the Pliocene‒Quaternary sedimentary cover with reverse fault and shear kinematics. Physical modeling of structure formation in the area of the Knipovich Ridge clearly demonstrated the fe-atures of the main tectonic elements during oblique spreading. The result, especially close to reality, was obtained by conducting combined experiments with bending the weakened zone to large angles between the direction of stretching and perpendicular to the axis of the weakened zone. At the same time, the a-ppearance of typical accretion swells and nontransform axis displacements simulating the structures of the southeastern flank of the Knipovich Ridge is close to reality. The series of experiments conducted to study the possible formation of the spreading axis jump in an easterly direction to the continuation of the Senja fracture zone showed the fundamental possibility of this structure activation, which we consider as one of the reasons for the formation of features observed in geophysical data. The current position of the active zones of the region, seismicity, the structure of the basement and the structure of the sedimentary cover indicate a shift in the activity of the main tectonic elements in the east direction relative to the current position of the extension axis. The likely scenario for further development of the region will be the transformation of the Knipovich Ridge into one or the series of transform faults parallel to the western edge of the Barents Sea shelf and the series of short spreading segments between them.

A Highly Depleted and Subduction‐Modified Mantle Beneath the Slow‐Spreading Mohns Ridge

AbstractThe Mohns Ridge is a very slow‐spreading ridge that, together with the Knipovich Ridge, marks the boundary between the North American and Eurasian plates in the Norwegian‐Greenland Sea. In this study, we report the major and trace element composition of spatially associated basalts and peridotites from a gabbro‐peridotite complex ∼20 km west of the Mohns Ridge rift flank. Formation of the ∼4–5 Myr crustal section involved accretion of normal mid‐ocean ridge basalts with Na‐content suggesting derivation from a depleted mantle source. This is consistent with the degree of partial melting estimated for clinopyroxene poor harzburgites using the Cr‐number of spinel (14%–18%) and rare earth element modeling of orthopyroxene (16%–24%) and reconstructed whole‐rock composition (14%–20%). If all the melting took place beneath the paleo‐Mohns Ridge, a crustal thickness of ∼7–8 km is expected, which is nearly double the observed thickness. Orthopyroxene trace elements are not consistent with typical fractional melting expected for mid‐ocean ridges but rather resemble that seen in supra‐subduction zone peridotites. The geochemistry of both the basalts and the peridotites suggests that a water‐rich slab flux in the past has influenced the mantle source. In turn, this caused hydrous melting which increased the depletion of the pyroxene components, leading to a highly depleted mantle that is now underlying much of the Arctic Mid‐Ocean Ridges and represents the source for the spreading related magmatism.

CAGE21-3 Cruise Report: Ocean bottom seismics and acoustic surveys on the West-Svalbard margin – a study of local seismicity and its effect on methane seepage

Cruise CAGE21-3 with UiT’s research vessel R/V Helmer Hanssen was carried out to address the following objectives within the SEAMSTRESS project (Tectonic stress effects on Arctic methane seepage):1- Recovery of 10 Ocean Bottom Seismometers (OBS) deployed last year north of the Knipovich Ridge-Molloy Transform Fault corner (see report CAGE20-5).2- Conduction of an active source OBS experiment for the study of shear waves propagation in relation to local stress field and focused fluid flow.3- Acquisition of seismic lines for completing a side survey for the FRAME-IODP proposal.In 2020, 10 ocean-bottom seismometers (OBS) were deployed at the northern termination of the Knipovich Ridge to monitor seismic activity. The aim is to detect regional and local earthquakes. If localearthquakes are captured we will investigate the stress field in the region and how faults and fluids react to such stress (Figure 1). From the 10 instruments 8 are from Awi and 2 from UiT. IODP proposal 985 Eastern Fram Strait Palaeo-archive (FRAME) proposed to drill five sites on the western Svalbard margin in order to study chronostratigraphy, palaeoceanography, the palaeoclimatic evolution, and the forcing mechanisms responsible for main climatic transitions and the dynamics of the Svalbard Barents Sea Ice Sheet complex. This cruise acquired additional site survey seismic data for proposed primary and alternate drill sites. The cruise may be known as: CAGE21_3

Magmatic Activity and Dynamics of Melt Supply of Volcanic Centers of Ultraslow Spreading Ridges: Hints From Local Earthquake Tomography at the Knipovich Ridge

AbstractAlong ultraslow spreading ridges melt is distributed unequally, but melt focusing guides melt away from amagmatic segments toward volcanic centers. An interplay of tectonism and magmatism is thought to control melt ascent, but the detailed process of melt extraction is not yet understood. We present a detailed image of the seismic velocity structure of the Logachev volcanic center and adjacent region along the Knipovich Ridge. With travel times of P‐ and S‐waves of 3,959 earthquakes we performed a local earthquake tomography. We simultaneously inverted for source locations, velocity structure and the Vp/Vs‐ratio. An extensive low velocity anomaly coincident with high Vp/Vs‐ratios >1.9 lies underneath the volcanic center at depths of 10 km below sea level in an aseismic area. More shallow, tightly clustered earthquake swarms connect the anomaly to a shallow anomaly with high Vp/Vs‐ratio beneath the basaltic seafloor. We consider the deep low‐velocity anomaly to represent an area of partial melt from which melts ascent vertically to the surface and northwards into the adjacent segment. By comparing tomographic studies of the Logachev and Southwest Indian Ridge Segment‐8 volcano we conclude that volcanic centers of ultraslow spreading ridges host spatially confined, circular partial melt areas below 10 km depth, in contrast to the shallow extended melt lenses along fast spreading ridges. Lateral feeding over distances of 35 km is possible at orthogonal spreading segments, but limited at the obliquely spreading Knipovich Ridge.

Crustal and Thermal Heterogeneities Across the Fram Strait and the Svalbard Margin

AbstractThe lithospheric structure of the Fram Strait and the extent from the Knipovich Ridge to the Barents Sea shelf and Svalbard are poorly understood. Several multi‐geophysical investigations from various campaigns since the 90s along the Western Barents Sea margin and the Northeast Greenland margin resulted in insufficient and contradicting interpretations of the crustal and upper mantle settings in the oceanic and continental domains. New airborne magnetic data across the Knipovich Ridge and west of Svalbard provide new insights, reveal the complexity of the seafloor spreading history of the Arctic Atlantic Ocean, and indicate a European‐Eurasian continent‐ocean boundary located ∼150 km farther west than previously suggested. This new location of the continent‐ocean boundary prompted to revise the existing 2‐D seismic interpretations in terms of crustal domains and tectono‐stratigraphic setting. This is tested using joint 2‐D gravity and magnetic field modeling to derive an improved crust‐mantle model of the study. One recently acquired combined 2‐D controlled source electromagnetic/magneto‐telluric (CSEM/MT) profile across the Mohns Ridge was also modeled with potential field data and provided new insights into the tectonic settings of the crust and the mantle thermal anomalies. This study proposes to unify the various seismic and CSEM/MT interpretations using the new aeromagnetic compilation.

Manifestations of Degassing in Sedimentary Cover of the Southeastern Flank of the Knipovich Ridge (North Atlantic)

Manifestations of Degassing in Sedimentary Cover of the Southeastern Flank of the Knipovich Ridge (North Atlantic)

Fin whale (Balaenoptera physalus) distribution modeling on their Nordic and Barents Seas feeding grounds

AbstractUnderstanding cetacean distribution is essential for conservation planning and decision‐making, particularly in regions subject to rapid environmental changes. Nevertheless, information on their spatiotemporal distribution is commonly limited, especially from remote areas. Species distribution models (SDMs) are powerful tools, relating species occurrences to environmental variables to predict the species' potential distribution. This study aims at using presence‐only SDMs (MaxEnt) to identify suitable habitats for fin whales (Balaenoptera physalus) on their Nordic and Barents Seas feeding grounds. We used spatial‐block cross‐validation to tune MaxEnt parameters and evaluate model performance using spatially independent testing data. We considered spatial sampling bias correction using four methods. Important environmental variables were distance to shore and sea ice edge, variability of sea surface temperature and sea surface salinity, and depth. Suitable fin whale habitats were predicted along the west coast of Svalbard, between Svalbard and the eastern Norwegian Sea, coastal areas off Iceland and southern East Greenland, and along the Knipovich Ridge to Jan Mayen. Results support that presence‐only SDMs are effective tools to predict cetacean habitat suitability, particularly in remote areas like the Arctic Ocean. SDMs constitute a cost‐effective method for targeting future surveys and identifying top priority sites for conservation measures.