Cryospheric and Polar Processes Division
Arctic climate research
Arctic climate is rapidly changing, and this corresponds with what scientists expect from global warming. However, because of the Arctic's high latitude and seasonal exposure to sunlight, this polar region also experiences substantial natural climate variability. CIRES researchers are working to discern the causes of Arctic climate change, while also assessing the impact Arctic warming will have on global climate systems. We monitor variations in temperature and precipitation by sampling snow and ice, tracking sea ice and permafrost coverage, and measuring glacial melt.
