masseekspedisjon

Masseekspedisjon is a Norwegian term used to describe large-scale expeditions undertaken for exploration, research, or humanitarian purposes. It is a compound noun formed from masse meaning mass or large, and ekspedisjon meaning expedition. The term is primarily used in Norwegian-language contexts and is not a formal designation, but rather a descriptive label for coordinated, multi-institutional missions.

Historically, masseekspedisjoner referred to government- or state-sponsored journeys aimed at mapping territories, collecting ethnographic or natural history data, and assessing resources. In contemporary usage, the phrase can describe multidisciplinary field campaigns organized by universities, research institutes, government agencies, and non-governmental organizations. Such missions may combine geology, biology, climatology, archaeology, and social science, and they often involve logistics planning, field camps, and long-duration data collection.

The scale of a masseekspedisjon varies from smaller, regional surveys to large, international expeditions with dozens or hundreds of participants, multiple vessels or transport modes, and extended timelines. Planning considerations typically include permits, safety protocols, collaborations across institutions, data management, and funding. While not a fixed term with a specific taxonomy, masseekspedisjon serves as a practical descriptor for episodes of intensive, organized fieldwork conducted under a common scientific, exploration, or humanitarian objective.

See also: ekspedisjon, vitenskapelig feltarbeid, geografisk utforskning, humanitær ekspedisjon.