Arctic

A polynya that has formed in an embayment where the Venable Ice Shelf meets Farwell Island in Antartica. Photo: John Sonntag/NASA, public domain.

Polynyas: Natural Openings in Polar Ice

Caitlin Dempsey

Explore the geography of polynyas, unique open water areas in polar ice, and learn about their formation, ecological impact, and role in climate dynamics.

A visualized view of the Earth looking at the Arctic in 2023.

Using Satellites to Map Arctic Amplification

Caitlin Dempsey

Scientists are using remotely sensed data from Earth observation satellites to map and study Arctic amplification.

Shaded relief map showing the location of the Lena Delta above the Arctic Circle.

The Largest Delta in the Arctic

Caitlin Dempsey

The Lena Delta is a significant wildlife refuge and the largest delta in the Arctic.

Atmospheric Ozone Hole Over Arctic Region

Elizabeth Borneman

A combination of atmospheric factors have led to the creation of the lowest levels of ozone in a decade over the Arctic.

Dumbo octopus. Source: NOAA.

Life at the Entrance to the Arctic Ocean

Caitlin Dempsey

Researchers traveled to the Chukchi Borderlands to learn more about deep ocean life at the entrance to the Arctic Ocean.

Arctic Permafrost is Now Releasing More Carbon Than it Stores

Caitlin Dempsey

The researchers found that the Arctic region has transitioned from a carbon sink to a source of carbon emissions.  

Greenland’s Ice Arch Crumbles Earlier Than Normal

Katarina Samurović

Across the Nares Strait, between Greenland and Ellesmere Island, lies a horizontal ice arch.

The Arctic Permafrost is Thawing and It’s Causing Thousands of Landslides

Caitlin Dempsey

Using Banks Island, Canada as a study area, researchers analyzed trends in permafrost thaw and associated landslides.

View Arctic Elevation Data with ArcDem Explorer

Elizabeth Borneman

ArcticDEM is a project that is working to produce digital elevation models of the Arctic in order to see how topographical changes are occurring over time, such as the rate at which glaciers are receding.

Comparison of land cover between 1968 Corona and 2006 Quickbird images is shown. The upper pair indicates increased tree extent and density (e.g. outlined in green) in undisturbed areas, reflecting positive response of vegetation to climate warming. The lower pair highlights the changes in thermokarst lakes between 1968 (a) and 2006 (b) without much human activity associated disturbance, indicating thawing permafrost that leads to underground drainage.

Changes in Arctic Environments

A.J. Rohn

Using remote sensing, a team of researchers is studying the fragile arctic environments of Northwest Siberia and how resource extraction and a warming climate affect vegetation, permafrost, and energy budgets.

Five Books About the Arctic for Early Readers

Caitlin Dempsey

Discover the Arctic with these 5 captivating books! Perfect for emerging readers (5-8 yrs) seeking adventure in the frozen wilderness.