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Significant increase in freshwater entering Arctic Ocean through Bering Strait

Researchers confirm significant increase in freshwater entering the Arctic Ocean via the Bering Strait, leading to a decrease in saltiness and potential impacts on sea ice formation and regional ecosystems. This change could also affect climate-sensitive processes, such as deep water mixing in the North Atlantic.

SourceUniversity of Maryland Center for Environmental Science·JournalPLOS ONE·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateAug 25, 2022

Arctic mercury levels drop during the depths of the winter

Researchers found a 33% drop in total mercury concentrations in the Barents Sea during the polar night, attributed to a scavenging process involving manganese particles. This decrease in surface levels may lead to increased toxic mercury formation in sediments and potentially more methylmercury in Arctic food webs.

SourceNorwegian University of Science and Technology·JournalNature Geoscience·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 18, 2022
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope combines portable Schmidt-Cassegrain optics with GoTo pointing for outreach nights and field campaigns.

Snow research fills gap in understanding Arctic climate

A new study models the spatial distribution of snow in the Arctic region, revealing its dependence on terrain, elevation, and vegetation. The findings will improve Earth-system models and provide a better understanding of changing hydrology and topography in the Arctic.

SourceDOE/Los Alamos National Laboratory·JournalThe Cryosphere·TypeObservational study·DateAug 17, 2022

Action needed to avoid mass extinction, say global team of experts

A global survey of biodiversity experts finds that more species are threatened with extinction than previously thought, with estimates suggesting 30% of species have been lost since 1500. The study identifies climate change, pollution, and land-use changes as key drivers of biodiversity loss.

SourceXi'an Jiaotong-Liverpool University·JournalFrontiers in Ecology and the Environment·TypeSurvey·DateJul 18, 2022

Thawing permafrost is shaping the global climate

The thawing of permafrost soils could release massive amounts of greenhouse gases, exacerbating global warming. The Arctic regions are experiencing rapid changes in land and sea temperatures, threatening habitats and human populations.

SourceAlfred Wegener Institute, Helmholtz Centre for Polar and Marine Research·JournalFrontiers in Environmental Science·DateJun 29, 2022
Anker Laptop Power Bank 25,000mAh (Triple 100W USB-C)

Anker Laptop Power Bank 25,000mAh (Triple 100W USB-C) keeps Macs, tablets, and meters powered during extended observing runs and remote surveys.

Melting Arctic ice could transform international shipping routes, study finds

Climate change is causing rapid warming in the Arctic Ocean, which may lead to shorter, more eco-friendly maritime trade routes. This could reduce the shipping industry's carbon footprint and weaken Russia's control over trade routes through the Arctic. New trade routes could also increase global shipping infrastructure resilience.

SourceBrown University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJun 20, 2022

Newly documented population of polar bears in Southeast Greenland sheds light on the species’ future in a warming Arctic

A previously unknown subpopulation of polar bears living in Southeast Greenland has been genetically distinct and uniquely adapted to its environment. The study provides insight into how the species might persist into the future, but highlights the need for careful extrapolation due to limited access to sea ice.

SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalScience·TypeObservational study·DateJun 16, 2022

Siberian tundra could virtually disappear by mid-millennium

The Siberian tundra is projected to disappear entirely unless ambitious greenhouse-gas reduction measures are taken. A simulation shows that only 30% of the tundra can survive with aggressive climate protection, while the rest will be lost.

SourceAlfred Wegener Institute, Helmholtz Centre for Polar and Marine Research·JournaleLife·DateMay 27, 2022

Energy, maritime leaders to convene for DOE InnovationXLab Summit

The summit focuses on emerging innovations and scientific capabilities from DOE national laboratories, including self-reinforced cement, temperature-based hibernating batteries, and acoustic tags. These place-based research solutions aim to address challenges in energy resiliency and the maritime industry.

SourceDOE/Pacific Northwest National Laboratory·DateMay 18, 2022
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

Apple iPhone 17 Pro delivers top performance and advanced cameras for field documentation, data collection, and secure research communications.

Major study to examine beavers’ Arctic impact

A major new study is investigating the effects of beavers on the Arctic landscape, other animals, and local Indigenous communities. The project aims to understand the complex interlinkages between ecological and sociological changes as beaver numbers increase.

SourceAnglia Ruskin University·DateMay 12, 2022

Uncounted planetary scale sourse of atmospheric methane

Researchers discovered zones of bubbling methane flux in Laptev and East Siberian Seas, contributing to climate warming in the Arctic. The study suggests that thawing permafrost and warming waters are releasing methane from hydrates into the atmosphere.

SourceNational Research University Higher School of Economics·JournalMarine and Petroleum Geology·DateMay 3, 2022

The global “plastic flood” reaches the Arctic

A recent study reveals alarming levels of plastic pollution in the Arctic Ocean, affecting ecosystems and potentially exacerbating climate change. Plastic debris from rivers, air, and shipping has reached all spheres of the Arctic, including the seafloor, remote beaches, and even ice and snow.

SourceAlfred Wegener Institute, Helmholtz Centre for Polar and Marine Research·JournalNature Reviews Earth & Environment·DateApr 5, 2022

Melting Arctic glaciers see drop in fungi biodiversity

Scientists found a unique set of ice-dependent fungi on Walker Glacier, but only five species were also isolated from the glacier foreland environment. The researchers believe that a loss of these fungi would be a great loss to society due to their potential applications in biotechnology.

SourceResearch Organization of Information and Systems·JournalSustainability·DateMar 23, 2022
Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation, USB-C)

Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation, USB-C) provide clear calls and strong noise reduction for interviews, conferences, and noisy field environments.

First-of-its-kind research reveals rapid changes to the Arctic seafloor as submerged permafrost thaws

A new study documents how thawing permafrost is affecting the seafloor in the Arctic Ocean, revealing dramatic changes including deep sinkholes and ice-filled hills. Researchers used advanced underwater mapping technology to track these changes, establishing a baseline for future monitoring.

SourceMonterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 14, 2022

Unexpected fish and squid found in the Central Arctic Ocean

Scientists have discovered Atlantic cod, armhook squid, and lanternfish in the deep waters of the Central Arctic Ocean, rewriting the understanding of this ecosystem. The findings suggest that these species can survive in Arctic temperatures and contribute to the food web.

SourceStockholm University·JournalScience Advances·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 18, 2022
SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB

SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB transfers large imagery and model outputs quickly between field laptops, lab workstations, and secure archives.

How climate change is destroying Arctic coasts

Scientists at the University of Hamburg have calculated for the first time the future balance of Arctic coastal erosion, which increases by up to three meters per year with each degree of temperature increase. A shift towards greater sustainability could slow this process, but it's unlikely to stop land loss entirely.

SourceUniversity of Hamburg·JournalNature Climate Change·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateFeb 14, 2022

Giant sponge gardens discovered on seamounts in the Arctic deep sea

Scientists discovered massive sponge gardens thriving on top of seamounts in the Central Arctic Ocean, dominated by sponges that feed on remnants of an extinct fauna. Microorganisms support the sponges in exploiting this fluffy material as a source of food and energy.

SourceAlfred Wegener Institute, Helmholtz Centre for Polar and Marine Research·JournalNature Communications·DateFeb 8, 2022

Giant sponge gardens discovered on seamounts in the Arctic deep sea

Researchers found massive sponge gardens on extinct underwater volcanoes, dominated by sponges that feed on microbial symbionts and organic matter. The unique ecosystem supports thousands of years of life, with sponges acting as ecosystem engineers to create their own food trap.

SourceMax Planck Institute for Marine Microbiology·JournalNature Communications·DateFeb 8, 2022

Arctic winter warming causes cold damage in the subtropics of East Asia

A study by University of Zurich researchers reveals Arctic warming causes temperature anomalies and cold damage thousands of kilometers away in East Asia, leading to reduced vegetation growth and smaller harvests. The warmer Arctic winters also trigger extreme winter weather events in the region.

SourceUniversity of Zurich·JournalCommunications Earth & Environment·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateFeb 8, 2022

Caribou and muskoxen buffer climate impacts for rare plants

A 15-year study in arctic Greenland found that caribou and muskoxen helped mitigate the effects of climate change on rare plants, lichens, and mushrooms. The presence or absence of these large herbivores made a clear difference in species commonness and rarity.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·JournalScientific Reports·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 27, 2022
Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm)

Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm) tracks health metrics and safety alerts during long observing sessions, fieldwork, and remote expeditions.

Invasive species ‘hitchhiking’ on tourist and research ships threaten Antarctica’s unique ecosystems

New research reveals that invasive species can arrive in Antarctic waters from almost anywhere across the globe via biofouling on ships' hulls. Fishing, tourism, research, and supply ships expose Antarctica to non-native species threatening its pristine environment.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJan 10, 2022

Plants as cold specialists from the Ice Age

A team of evolutionary biologists and botanists found that the spoonweed genus, which emerged as a cold specialist during the Ice Age, repeatedly adapted to rapidly alternating cold and warm periods. The researchers identified physiological adaptations to drought and salt stress that helped the plants develop high tolerance to cold.

SourceHeidelberg University·JournaleLife·DateDec 21, 2021

Rewilding the Arctic with mammals likely to be ineffective in slowing climate change impact

A new study published in PNAS found that large mammals died out at the end of the last ice age due to a warming climate and vegetation expansion. Rewilding efforts with animals like bison and horses are unlikely to reverse this trend, as climate change remains the primary driver of ecosystem changes.

SourceUniversity of Southampton·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateDec 20, 2021
Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach

Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach provides rugged GNSS navigation, satellite messaging, and SOS for backcountry geology and climate field teams.

After thousands of years, an iconic whale confronts a new enemy

A recent study reveals that narwhals are highly affected by noise pollution from ships and seismic airgun pulses, triggering stress and altering their behavior. Researchers hope that better management of noise pollution will protect these unique Arctic animals.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen - Faculty of Science·JournalBiology Letters·DateDec 17, 2021

Melting sea ice forces polar bears to travel farther for food

A recent study found that polar bears in the Beaufort Sea are traveling up to 30% farther from their traditional hunting grounds, resulting in a 20% decrease in population. As sea ice recedes earlier and further, bears are being displaced from primary foraging habitats and forced to compete for food resources.

SourceWashington State University·JournalEcosphere·TypeObservational study·DateDec 14, 2021
DJI Air 3 (RC-N2)

DJI Air 3 (RC-N2) captures 4K mapping passes and environmental surveys with dual cameras, long flight time, and omnidirectional obstacle sensing.

Killer whales lingering in newly melted arctic ocean #ASA181

A study by Brynn Kimber and team reveals killer whales spending more time in the Arctic due to reduced sea ice, posing new threats to prey species. The warmer climate is altering the predators' hunting patterns, leading to increased risks for endangered bowhead whales.

SourceAcoustical Society of America·DateDec 2, 2021

Satellites reveal Arctic rivers are changing faster than we thought

Research reveals Arctic rivers are discharging much more water than previously thought, with acceleration up to three times higher than estimated. The RADR project assimilates satellite information into hydrologic models for the entire pan-Arctic region.

SourceUniversity of Massachusetts Amherst·JournalNature Communications·DateNov 29, 2021

Polar bear diet may indicate prey distribution changes due to climate shifts

Researchers found polar bears can be used as indicators of environmental shifts, highlighting how changes affect marine mammal prey populations. They also discovered that polar bears are flexible eaters and will consume available prey, making them an ideal monitoring tool for tracking environmental changes.

SourceYork University·JournalEcological Indicators·DateOct 27, 2021
Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter

Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter measures wind, temperature, and humidity in real time for site assessments, aviation checks, and safety briefings.

Microplastics in belugas worked their way up food chain, SFU researchers find

A new study published in Science of the Total Environment has found that 21% of Arctic fish eaten by beluga whales contain microplastic particles. Researchers estimate that belugas ingest up to 145,000 particles of microplastics per year, highlighting the pervasive nature of plastic pollution in the Arctic.

SourceSimon Fraser University·JournalThe Science of The Total Environment·TypeObservational study·DateOct 19, 2021

Ancient driftwood tracks 500 years of Arctic warming and sea ice

A new study reconstructs Arctic sea ice levels and currents over 500 years using ancient driftwood, showing a distinct drop in tree arrivals since the 1990s. The research provides a unique look into past Arctic Ocean conditions, shedding light on the impact of climate change on this fragile ecosystem.

SourceAmerican Geophysical Union·JournalJournal of Geophysical Research Oceans·DateOct 19, 2021

Climate change and human pressure mean migration may be “no longer worth it”, say researchers

Researchers warn that climate change and human pressure have eroded benefits of long-distance migration for animals, leading to lower reproductive success and higher mortality. This has serious consequences for ecosystem structure and function, with many species unable to adapt to changing environmental conditions.

SourceUniversity of Bath·JournalTrends in Ecology & Evolution·TypeLiterature review·DateOct 18, 2021
Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount

Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount provides precise tracking capacity for deep-sky imaging rigs during long astrophotography sessions.

Scientists discover large rift in the Arctic’s last bastion of thick sea ice

A new study documents the formation of a 3,000-square-kilometer rift in the oldest and thickest Arctic ice, indicating the Last Ice Area may not be as resilient to climate change as previously thought. The polynya is unusual due to its location off the coast of Ellesmere Island, where ice is up to five meters thick.

SourceAmerican Geophysical Union·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateOct 14, 2021

Arctic Ocean's 'last ice area' may not survive the century

A new study warns that the Arctic Ocean's 'Last Ice Area,' a region where summer ice traditionally persists, may not survive the century. The study predicts that under high-emissions scenarios, summer ice will disappear by 2100, displacing creatures such as seals and polar bears.

SourceColumbia Climate School·JournalEarth s Future·TypeMeta-analysis·DateOct 12, 2021
Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro)

Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro) powers local ML workloads, large datasets, and multi-display analysis for field and lab teams.

Carbon dissolved in Arctic rivers affects our world—here’s how to study it

Scientists have made significant gains in understanding the Arctic's carbon cycle by studying the transfer of dissolved organic carbon from land to ocean via rivers. The research highlights the importance of this process in coastal foodwebs and the impacts of climate change on freshwater export and DOC loading.

SourceUniversity of Massachusetts Amherst·JournalEnvironmental Research Letters·DateOct 12, 2021

How climate change could impact algae in the global ocean

A new study predicts that climate change will cause a sudden shift in algae distribution pole-wards over the next 100 years, affecting marine ecosystems. The UK is among the areas most likely to be severely impacted due to its warm waters, with changes potentially occurring before previously thought.

SourceUniversity of East Anglia·JournalNature Communications·DateSep 16, 2021

When predators matter! Study of voles on Arctic island advances knowledge of small-mammal population dynamics

Researchers found that predators play a crucial role in regulating small mammal populations, contradicting previous assumptions about the importance of herbivore-plant interactions. The study's unique Arctic vole ecosystem provided a simple model to test predator-prey dynamics, shedding light on population cycles and climate variability.

SourceCanadian Museum of Nature·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeObservational study·DateSep 10, 2021

Global warming threatens the existence of an Arctic oasis

The North Water Polynya, an Arctic oasis, is susceptible to climate change, with its high rate of primary production maintaining a diverse ecosystem. The polynya's stability has varied over the last millennia, with periods of instability linked to warmer climate periods and low productivity rates.

SourceUniversity of Helsinki·JournalNature Communications·TypeMeta-analysis·DateSep 3, 2021
Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only)

Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only) delivers reliable low-light performance and rugged build for astrophotography, lab documentation, and field expeditions.

Study investigates how arctic-alpine plants respond to global warming

Researchers analyzed nearly 500 million measurements of arctic-alpine plant growth, finding that deciduous species such as dwarf birch thrive in warmer winters, while evergreen species like crowberry struggle. The study suggests climate change may lead to an increase in greening of arctic-alpine regions.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalEcosphere·DateAug 12, 2021
Aranet4 Home CO2 Monitor

Aranet4 Home CO2 Monitor tracks ventilation quality in labs, classrooms, and conference rooms with long battery life and clear e-ink readouts.

FAU team discovers microplastics in Arctic ecosystem

A recent study by a FAU team has discovered microplastics in every single mollusc examined from the Svalbard archipelago, including up to 184 particles of eight different types of plastic. The impact on the Arctic ecosystem is still unknown, but laboratory studies suggest that microplastics can cause inflammation in molluscs.

SourceFriedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg·JournalScientific Reports·DateAug 4, 2021

Story tips: Sensing oil leaks, 3D prints in space, more fuel from ethanol, Arctic modeling boost, making isotopes faster and nano-enabled microscopy

Researchers at Oak Ridge National Laboratory are advancing various technologies to minimize oil leaks, enable 3D printing in space, and increase fuel efficiency from ethanol. They have developed a quantum sensing system to detect pipeline leaks more quickly, built a thermal protection shield for a capsule launched into space, and creat...

SourceDOE/Oak Ridge National Laboratory·JournalNature·TypeImaging analysis·DateAug 2, 2021
Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 Binoculars

Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 Binoculars deliver bright, sharp views for wildlife surveys, eclipse chases, and quick star-field scans at dark sites.

EU provides 15 million euros of funding for Arctic project

The EU is funding a 15 million euro project to develop an integrated 'pan-Arctic Observing System of Systems' (pan-AOSS) via international collaboration. The project aims to improve the situation by expanding and coordinating Arctic Earth observation capacity, including measurements from Indigenous communities.

SourceAlfred Wegener Institute, Helmholtz Centre for Polar and Marine Research·DateJun 16, 2021

Academic journal Polar Science features science in the Arctic

The journal features a special issue on the Arctic Challenge for Sustainability Project (ArCS), which covered topics such as climate change, atmospheric science, and oceanography. The project aimed to understand the impacts of global warming on the Arctic environment and human society.

SourceResearch Organization of Information and Systems·JournalPolar Science·DateMay 31, 2021

How Russia can protect its rights in the Artic

Researchers at the HSE Institute of Ecology suggest that Russia can revise its territorial waters' baselines to ensure sovereignty, rights, and national security. Granting 'historic waters' status could also reinforce Russia's position in the Arctic by utilizing long-term use and permanent occupation of these areas.

SourceNational Research University Higher School of Economics·JournalWater·DateMay 18, 2021
CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock

CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock simplifies serious desks with 18 ports for high-speed storage, monitors, and instruments across Mac and PC setups.

A lesson from Arctic sea-ice prediction in 2020: accurate subseasonal-to-seasonal prediction remains a grand challenge

In 2020, the Arctic sea-ice extent was significantly lower than predicted by forecasting systems, with most institutions overestimating the coverage of sea ice. This highlights the ongoing challenge of accurately predicting Arctic sea-ice extent on subseasonal-to-seasonal time scales.

SourceInstitute of Atmospheric Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalAtmospheric and Oceanic Science Letters·DateApr 24, 2021

An agile superpower -- China's various roles in Africa and the Arctic

China seeks to maintain economic growth by increasing its global presence, investing in infrastructure, and securing trade routes. In Africa, China has established itself as the largest trading partner, while in the Arctic, it is expanding its military presence and securing resources.

SourceUiT The Arctic University of Norway·JournalArctic Review on Law and Politics·DateMar 18, 2021
Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 Weather Station

Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 Weather Station offers research-grade local weather data for networked stations, campuses, and community observatories.

Study shows how varying climate conditions impact vulnerable species

A new study published in Polar Biology found that Arctic foxes adapt to changing food sources due to climate change, relying on larger prey during rodent 'bust' years. The research provides insights into the feeding ecology of Arctic foxes and potential impacts of changes in food abundance across space and time.

SourceUniversity of Arkansas·JournalPolar Biology·DateMar 16, 2021