About Our Arctic Work //
Oceanic and Atmospheric Research (OAR)—or “NOAA Research”— provides the research foundation for understanding the complex Arctic system, including the complicated linkages among melting sea ice, changing climate, ecosystems and weather patterns in the Arctic and around the globe. Through increased scientific understanding and improved service delivery of predictions and forecasts, NOAA Research supports the critical mission of the other NOAA lines offices as well as focuses on issues related to national security concerns through the collection of environmental intelligence. NOAA Research is committed to effective stewardship and management of coastal and ocean resources and supporting resilient and vibrant Arctic communities and economies.
Follow the Saildrone
Arctic Saildrone
The Arctic Saildrone is a wind-powered, unmanned surface water vehicle able to reach remote and harsh environments in the Arctic to collect important atmospheric and oceanic data.
International Arctic Buoy Programme
The International Arctic Buoy Programme (IABP) is a joint effort between multiple international agencies to deploy and maintain Arctic buoys in the Pacific Arctic region for the purpose of collecting oceanic and meteorological data. Primarily supported by ARP for the US section, IABP also receives support from other private and public agencies in other Arctic nations. These buoys are an important component of Arctic research and will continue to be crucial for real-time meteorological predictions and sea ice research in a changing Arctic environment.
United States Arctic Observing Network
The United States Arctic Observing Network (U.S. AON) is an initiative to promote sustained and well-defined networks of Arctic observations through collaborative development across U.S. Federal agencies and other partners.
Distributed Biological Observatory
The Distributed Biological Observatory (DBO) is a multidisciplinary Arctic ocean sampling program supported by the NOAA’s Arctic Research Program. ARP supports an annual scientific cruise to the Pacific Arctic region during which U.S. scientists take a wide range of physical, chemical, and biological samplings.
