Arctic Ocean variability derived from historical observations

This study has been motivated by reports of extraordinary change in the Arctic Ocean observed in recent decades. Most of these observations are based on synoptic measurements, while evaluation of anomalies requires an understanding of the underlying long-term variability. Historical climatologies give reference means, and while these datasets are a reliable source of the mean Atlantic Layer temperature, they significantly underestimate variability. Using historical data, we calculated statistical parameters for selected Arctic Ocean regions. They demonstrate a high level of Atlantic Layer temperature variability in the Nansen Basin and sea-surface salinity fluctuations on the Siberian shelf and the Amundsen Basin. These estimates suggest strong limitations on our ability to define amplitudes of anomalies by comparing recent synoptic measurements with climatologies, especially for regions characterized by strong variability

The Arctic Basin: Results from the Russian Drifting Stations

The authors describe in The Russian North Pole Drifting Stations for the first time the history of establishing drifting stations in the Arctic Basin since 1937. They set out the main aims and goals of the observations made and outline the methods of organizing the drifting stations, gear and equipment for life support and scientific observations at the North Pole drifting stations and during the airborne high-latitudinal expeditions. The main scientific results and the analysis of data obtained during metereological, oceanographic, ice and geophysical observations are presented and the book contains illustrations, maps and tables that can be used by a wide range of specialists investigating the nature of the Arctic region. An analysis of the contribution of the data collected at the drifting stations, the process of envionmental research in the Arctic Basin and the plans for future use of drifting stations is provided, with special emphasis on the forthcoming International Polar Year 2007-2008