Polar Research

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» Arctic expeditions by WHOI researchers

At the bottom of the Earth is a vast, ice-covered continent; at the top, an ice-covered ocean—both enshrouded in darkness for half the year. These harsh conditions have left Earth's polar regions relatively unexplored and left unexplained many of their extraordinary features—sea ice, glaciers, unknown mountains ranges on land and on the seafloor, and unusual, uniquely adapted ecosystems and fertile food webs.

The polar regions are also uniquely vulnerable to climate change. Global warming already may be tipping the poles' delicately balanced systems of ice, oceans, glaciers, air, and life and poising them to trigger even larger, more widespread climate changes.

In recent years, scientists, engineers, technicians, and students at Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution—often developing pioneering technology to overcome the difficulties of polar research—have sought to reveal the secrets of the poles and gain understanding that we can use to help sustain these remarkable and critical regions.

Polar Ecosystems By human standards, they are extreme environments. Yet life not only persists in the Arctic and Antarctic circles...it thrives.	Polar Ocean Circulation Cold temperatures and ice interact in polar oceans to give them distinct circulations that both affect—and are affected by—climate change.
The Poles & Climate Change The poles will not only be among the first regions to feel the impacts of climate change, they could precipitate a cascade of other global changes.	Ice Ice may be both victim and agent of climate change.
Geology & Geophysics at the Poles Ice-covered and remote, Earth's polar regions have deterred exploration and shrouded the geological forces that created them in mystery.	Polar Expeditions WHOI researchers and their colleagues from around the world have been visiting the Poles for decades in the name of science and exploration.
Ships & Technology Like the people who explore the high latitudes, the instruments and vehicles used for polar studies have to be tough, inventive, and clever.

Last updated: October 9, 2009

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