Research Stations

The United States operates and supports several research stations and facilities in the Arctic, often in collaboration with academic institutions, federal agencies, and international partners. These research facilities serve as critical hubs for studying climate change, ecosystems, and other Arctic-specific phenomena. Here lists the main U.S. research stations：

1. Summit Station

Summit Station - INTERACT

Location: Greenland Ice Sheet

Managed By: National Science Foundation (NSF)

Focus: Climate and atmospheric research, ice core studies

Key Features:

  • Operates year-round in extreme conditions
  • Conducts studies on air quality, snow accumulation, and atmospheric processes
Summit Station

2. Barrow Arctic Research Center

Barrow Arctic Research Center/Environmental Observatory - INTERACT

Location: Utqiaġvik, Alaska (formerly Barrow)

Focus: Climate, permafrost, and atmospheric research

Key Features:

  • Part of the U.S. Arctic Observing Network (AON)
  • Facilitates research in atmospheric and oceanographic sciences
Barrow Arctic Research Center

3. Toolik Field Station

Toolik Field Station - INTERACT

Location: North Slope, Alaska, near the Brooks Range

Managed By: University of Alaska Fairbanks

Focus: Terrestrial and freshwater ecosystems, particularly tundra and lake ecosystems

Key Features:

  • A key site for the Long-Term Ecological Research (LTER) network
  • Hosts scientists studying changes in Arctic ecology due to climate change
Toolik Field Station

4. Permafrost Tunnel Research Facility

Location: Fox, Alaska (near Fairbanks)

Managed By: U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Cold Regions Research and Engineering Laboratory (CRREL)

Focus: Permafrost and frozen ground studies

Key Features:

  • Provides a unique environment for studying frozen ground and ice formations
Permafrost Tunnel Research Facility

5. International Arctic Research Center (IARC)

Location: Fairbanks, Alaska

Managed By: University of Alaska Fairbanks

Focus: Arctic climate systems, environmental change, and collaborative international research

Key Features:

  • Facilitates interdisciplinary research on Arctic climate change impacts
  • Promotes international cooperation among Arctic researchers
  • Integrates Indigenous Knowledge with scientific studies to address global climate challenges
International Arctic Research Center

Policy

The White House
Department of Defense
Coast Guard
Homeland Security
Department of Energy
Air Force
Army
Parliament
State Department
Marine Transportation
Research Service
Congress
Navy
NOAA
NAADSN
CSIS
German Institute

US Department of the Air Force

Air Force Arctic Strategy

US Department of the Air Force

2020

German Institute for International and Security Affairs

US Arctic Security Policy

U.S. Arctic Security Policy

2023

Icebreakers

The United States operates a limited icebreaker fleet, including the USCGC Healy and the Polar Star. Instead, the U.S. places considerable emphasis on satellite-based research and remote monitoring technologies, such as those utilized by NASA for Arctic observation and analysis.

USCGC Polar Star (WAGB-10) USCGC ALEX HALEY (WMEC 39) USCGC Healy (WAGB-20) USCGC POLAR SEA (WAGB 11)
Image USCGC Polar Star USCGC ALEX HALEY USCGC Healy USCGC POLAR SEA
Date of Launch 1976 1971 1997 1977 (Retired since 2010)
Introduction Homeported in Seattle, Washington, US Coast Guard Cutter POLAR STAR (WAGB 10) is the United States' only heavy icebreaker. Commissioned in 1976. These nation-grade gas turbine engines provide USCGC POLAR STAR with up to 75,000 horsepower, making her the most powerful ship in the US Coast Guard. The only major cutter homeported in Alaska. ALEX HALEY's primary missions are search and rescue, international/domestic fisheries enforcement, and homeland defense. The crew of ALEX HALEY has operated throughout the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands, into the western Pacific and Sea of Japan, and north into the Arctic Circle. The Coast Guard Cutter Healy (WAGB 20) is United States' largest and most technologically advanced polar icebreaker. Healy is designed to conduct a wide range of research activities, providing more than 4,200 square feet of scientific laboratory space, numerous electronic sensor systems, oceanographic winches, and accommodations for up to 50 scientists. USCGC POLAR SEA (WAGB 11) Coast Guard Cutter POLAR SEA (WAGB 11) is one of the world's most powerful, conventionally propelled icebreakers. POLAR SEA was built by Lockheed Shipbuilding and Construction Company in Seattle. Homeported in Seattle since being commissioned in 1977, POLAR SEA has operated around the globe.
Dimensions (m) Length: 399 feet (122 meters)
Beam (Width): 83.5 feet (25.5 meters)
Draft: 31 feet (9.4 meters)		 Length: 86 meters (282 feet)
Beam (Width): 16 meters (52 feet)
Draft: 5.2 meters (17 feet)		 Length: 128 meters (420 feet)
Beam (Width): 25 meters (82 feet)
Draft: 8.9 meters (29 feet)		 Length: 399 feet (122 meters)
Beam (Width): 83.5 feet (25.5 meters)
Draft: 31 feet (9.4 meters)
Displacement(ton) 11,037 tons 3088 tons 16,257 tons 13,200 tons
Operating Depth(m) As a surface vessel, the USCGC Polar Star operates on the water's surface and does not have a specified operating depth like a submarine. As a surface vessel, the USCGC Alex Haley operates on the water's surface and does not have a specified operating depth like a submarine. As a surface vessel, the USCGC Healy operates on the water's surface and does not have a specified operating depth like a submarine. As a surface vessel, the USCGC Polar Sea operates on the water's surface and does not have a specified operating depth like a submarine.
Capacity Fuel Capacity: Approximately 1,450,000 gallons (5,489,000 liters)
Crew Capacity: Accommodates 15 officers, 127 enlisted personnel, and up to 33 scientists.		 Fuel Capacity: Approximately 739,000 liters (195,283 gallons) of diesel fuel
Crew Capacity: Accommodates 18 officers and 90 enlisted personnel.		 Fuel Capacity: Approximately 1,220,915 gallons (4,621,000 liters)
Crew Capacity: Accommodates 19 officers, 12 chief petty officers, 54 enlisted personnel, and up to 51 scientists.		 Fuel Capacity: Approximately 1.4 million gallons
Crew Capacity: Accommodates 24 officers, 20 chief petty officers, and 102 enlisted personnel.
Power Source Combined Diesel-Electric and Gas Turbines (CODOG) Four Caterpillar 16-cylinder diesel engines Diesel Electric AC/AC Cycloconverter Combined Diesel-Electric Engines and Gas Turbines

Scientific Expedition

Expeditions by Year

NOAA Ocean Exploration supports annual expeditions that venture into previously unexplored marine areas. Each expedition gathers valuable data and insights into the ocean's mysteries. You can find detailed information about these expeditions by clicking the provided links for each mission.

Additionally, data collected during past expeditions can be accessed through NOAA's Ocean Exploration Data Atlas, offering a comprehensive view of findings and results.

2024 2023 2022 2021 2020 2019 2018 2017 2016 2015 2014 2013 2012 2011 2010 2009 2008 2007 2006 2005 2004 2003 2002 2001

Event Timeline

1947
1958
1959
1971
1975
1984
1996
2007
2009
2011
2013
2014
2015
2016
2019
2021
2022
2024
1947

Operation Nanook

The U.S. Navy conducted Operation Nanook, focusing on Arctic exploration and marking a strategic military interest in the region.

Source: NHHC
1958

USS Nautilus Expedition

The USS Nautilus became the first nuclear submarine to travel under the North Pole, showcasing advancements in Arctic navigation.

Source: NHHC
1959

Establishment of the Arctic Research Laboratory

The Arctic Research Laboratory was established to conduct studies on polar biology, climatology, and oceanography, enhancing U.S. Arctic research efforts.

Source: Barrow Arctic Research Center
1971

Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act (ANCSA)

ANCSA created Native-owned corporations to manage land and resources, reshaping land ownership and development in Alaska.

Source: Bureau of Land Management
1975

Establishment of Toolik Field Station

Toolik Field Station was established as a key research facility for studying Arctic ecosystems and environmental changes.

Source: Toolik Field Station
1984

Formation of the U.S. Arctic Research Commission

USARC was formed as an independent federal agency to advise the President and Congress on Arctic research and policy.

Source: U.S. Arctic Research Commission
1996

Formation of the Arctic Council

The U.S. and seven other nations established the Arctic Council to address environmental protection and sustainable development in the Arctic.

Source: Arctic Council
2007-2008

International Polar Year (IPY)

The U.S. participated in IPY, a collaborative scientific event focusing on climate change and Indigenous adaptations in the Arctic.

Source: Office of Polar Programs
2009

U.S. Arctic Policy Directive

The directive outlined U.S. national security and homeland security interests in the Arctic, emphasizing international cooperation and environmental protection.

Source: NSPD-66 on Arctic Region Policy
2011

Arctic Search and Rescue Agreement

The U.S. ratified this agreement under the Arctic Council to enhance search and rescue operations across the Arctic region.

Source: Arctic Council Archive
2013

National Strategy for the Arctic Region

The U.S. released a long-term framework addressing security, environmental protection, and sustainable development in the Arctic.

Source: Department of Defense
2014

Implementation Plan for the National Strategy

A detailed plan was introduced to advance climate resilience, research, and international cooperation in the Arctic.

Source: Arctic.gov
2015

Arctic Executive Steering Committee

The committee was established to oversee U.S. Arctic policy and coordinate federal agency efforts.

Source: White House OSTP
2016

White House Arctic Science Ministerial

The U.S. hosted the first-ever Arctic Science Ministerial, bringing together ministers from 25 governments to advance international scientific collaboration.

Source: White House Archives
2015-2017

U.S. Chairmanship of the Arctic Council

During its chairmanship, the U.S. focused on climate change, Arctic Ocean safety, and Indigenous community support.

Source: U.S. Department of State
2019

DoD Arctic Strategy

An updated strategy emphasizing the Arctic's importance to U.S. national security and outlining strategic objectives.

Source: Department of Defense
2021

A Blue Arctic: A Strategic Blueprint

The Navy's strategic blueprint addressing the changing Arctic environment and its implications for naval operations.

Source: Department of Defense
2022

Updated National Strategy for the Arctic Region

The updated strategy emphasized addressing the climate crisis, enhancing security in response to geopolitical shifts, and supporting sustainable development.

Source: White House
2024

DoD 2024 Arctic Strategy

This is the first update to DoD's approach to the region since 2019.

Source: Department of Defense