Major research stations in the Arctic
The Arctic is interesting for many types of researchers. For example, glaciologists study the ice and snow, while oceanographers look at the oceans. The ice, snow and oceans in the Arctic and Antarctic affect the global climate and are presently changing as a result of global warming. Biologists research the plants and animals, which are specially adapted to the polar regions and will be some of the first in the world to be affected by climate change. Social science researchers study the people of the Arctic, who are very affected by environmental changes. The many other types of researchers who work in these regions include geologists (who study rocks), astronomers (who study outer space), and meteorologists (who study the weather). How do researchers study the polar regions? They visit the regions and take measurements from towns, permanent research stations, temporary field stations, or ships. Researchers can also collect data from satellites and from automated ground instruments that monitor conditions in remote locations.
Year: 2008
From collection: International Polar Year (IPY) educational posters
Cartographer: Hugo Ahlenius, UNEP/GRID-Arendal