UK Arctic Research Station

STATION NAME AND OWNER

The Natural Environment Research Council (NERC), UK, has funded the NERC ArcticDefinitions of the Arctic vary according to environmental, geographical, political, cultural and scientific perspectives. Some scientists define the Arctic as areas having a high latitude, long winters, short, cool summers,... More Research Station which is managed by the British Antarctic Survey.

LOCATION

Ny-Ålesund, 78°55’ N, 11°55’ E is situated on the southern shore of Kongsfjord on the west coast of Spitsbergen, the largest island in the Svalbard archipelago.

BIODIVERSITY AND NATURAL ENVIRONMENT

Due to the influence of the North Atlantic Current, the climateThe average weather we would expect over a long period of time (seasons, years, decades). Climate varies from place-to-place across the Earth. Climate is determined by long-term (over at least... More on the west coast of Spitsbergen is milder than any other locations at that latitude. The southern side of Kongsfjord, on which Ny-Ålesund is situated, has 50 km2 of tundraA type of ecosystem in which tree growth is limited by low temperatures. The origin of the word is from from the Kildin Sami word t?ndâr, meaning "uplands" or "treeless mountain tract". In the northern... More and alluvial plain. Glaciers and sea confine a plant protection area at the head of the fjord. Numerous glaciers of various types occur in the area. Most bird species found in Svalbard are represented in the area with barnacle geese, eiders, auks, terns and kittiwakes nesting in large numbers. Land mammals include reindeer, fox and the occasionally polar bear. The local fjord is home to ringed, bearded and common seals, walrus and beluga.

HISTORY AND FACILITIES

The UK has maintained a research station at Ny-Ålesund continuously since 1972. The NERC ArcticDefinitions of the Arctic vary according to environmental, geographical, political, cultural and scientific perspectives. Some scientists define the Arctic as areas having a high latitude, long winters, short, cool summers,... More Research Station opened in1991. The station comprises 440 m2 of laboratory, workshop, and storage space plus single bedrooms. Additional accommodation can be provided by Kings Bay Company. The station provides laboratory, field equipment, telephone, computer facilities (fast web link), VHF radios, satellite telephones, f rearms, and boats. Rental of snowmobiles for specific projects can be arranged.

GENERAL RESEARCH AND DATABASES

The location is particularly suitable for ecological research, glacial/ periglacial geomorphology, hydrologyThe study of water in the environment, particularly its amount, movement and quality. It encompasses water in rivers, lakes, glaciers, soil and underground aquifers. The way in which water (liquid and... More, and atmospheric chemistryThe study of matter at the atomic and molecular scale.... More.

HUMAN DIMENSION

In 1991, Ny-Ålesund and the surrounding environment were designated as an area solely for scientific research. There are now 14 research stations owned by 10 nations. The Kings Bay Company provides a service infrastructure including air and sea link, power, water, buildings, and a dining facility. During the summer months, June to September, the population in Ny Ålesund reaches 150 persons. During the winter months it decreases to c. 25 persons.

ACCESS

There are regular flights between Ny-Ålesund and Longyearbyen (30 minute flight) serviced by a 14 seat Dornier aircraft. Longyearbyen is served by scheduled flights from Norway. The northern shore and islands are easily accessible by boat.

TAKE A TOUR AROUND THE STATION

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