The strategic institute programme, TRANSFJO, relies heavily on a fjord model developed at NIVA. To validate and further develop the physical part of the model, extensive measurements of the basic hydrophysical and meteorological parameters in the Frierfjord, the Drammensfjord and the Iddefjord were carried out in July-December 1997. This opportunity was also used to check out instruments and methods to be used in later stages of the program. In technical terms the field studies were a success. With few exceptions the instruments functioned properly, and the malfunctions should be eliminated through better pre-use checking and better deployment procedures. The general impression is that the field studies have produced the kind of data sets which are needed for further development of the model. Furthermore, the data seem to contain new knowledge of hydrophysical processes in fjords in southern Norway. This element will be looked into in 1999
