Major Arctic Research Centers Canada Polar Continental Shelf Project (Resolute Bay) Denmark Danish Polar Center (Greenland) Finland Arctic Center (Rovaniemi) Iceland Marine Research Institute (Reykjavik) Norway Ny Alesund (Svalbard) Sweden Abisko Research Station (Lake Tornetrask) Russia William Barents Biological Station (Taymyr Peninsula) USA Institute of Arctic Biology, Naval Arctic Research Laboratory (Barrow, Alaska) Free E-Newsletter Receive Arctic News, Weather and Travel Information Click Here! Did you know? Research stations have been located in the Arctic since the late 19th century. The USSR 'drift stations' (1937-91) were seasonal stations located on sea ice. The Cold War greatly limited the exchange of scientific information among circumpolar nations. During the 1990's the Arctic changed from a region of direct confrontation between superpowers to one of active cooperation.

Arctic Science & Research

The Arctic is a key region for scientific research. Current studies are focused on quantifying the role of the Arctic in global climate; predicting and monitoring changes in Arctic ecosystems, and improving human and environmental health in the Arctic. By improving our understanding of physical, chemical, biological, geological and social processes in the far north, Arctic research also contributes to knowledge about the Earth as a whole.

Scientific study of the Arctic has historically been conducted by "expeditions," which also had as their goal reaching the North Pole, finding a "Northwest Passage" for shipping, or searching for whales or other species that could be commercially harvested.

Today, however, the expedition ships have been replaced by scientific research vessels, temporary field stations on sea ice or on land, or permanent manned research facilities. Most recently, unmanned observation of the Arctic has been developed. Satellites and automated instruments or sensors take readings on the ice, in the water, or on land and can send data directly to a laboratory via a satellite link. Another modern technique for studying the Arctic involves using computer-based models of important Arctic systems, such as the atmosphere or ocean, and then making changes to these models to predict how natural systems might respond.

In the 1990 the International Arctic Science Committee (IASC ) was created. The IASC facilitates cooperation in all aspects of Arctic research. By promoting interdisciplinary programs and providing support throughout the region, it is an important link within the Arctic scientific community. There are many nations active in the IASC including: Canada, China, Denmark (and Greenland), Finland, France, Germany, Iceland, Italy, Japan, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Russia, Sweden, Switzerland, the UK, and the USA.

In 1991, The Arctic Environmental Protection Strategy (AEPS) was officially launched as means of preserving sensitive Arctic ecosystems and the abundant natural resources they contain. It has also provided a renewed impetus for Arctic research to improve the understanding of critical environmental issues facing the region. Questions still to answered include: 1) What has caused the large-scale climatic changes seen in the Arctic over the past few years and how can we estimate future effects? 2) What are the real risks to Arctic species caused by human activities? 3) Why have there been dramatic recent declines in critical marine species in the Arctic region?