Final answer:
The Göta Älv river flows southward of the Norway-Sweden border and empties into the Skagerrak. It is vital for trade, transport, and ecological connectivity in the region.
Step-by-step explanation:
The river that flows southward of the Norway-Sweden border and empties into the Skagerrak is the Göta Älv. This river originates from Lake Vänern in Sweden and after flowing through the city of Gothenburg, it reaches the Skagerrak which is an arm of the North Sea.
The Skagerrak connects to the Kattegat, and both play a significant role in oceanographic modelling and marine ecosystems due to their unique circulation patterns and influence on species distribution, like the dispersal of oyster larvae from the Limfjord in Denmark to the Swedish coast.
The Göta Älv is an important waterway for the region, providing a means for transport and trade, similar to the role of larger European rivers like the Danube and Rhine. The river system supports commerce and has ecological importance, linking various habitats and contributing to the biodiversity of the region.