December is Arctic Science Month! Find out about Canada’s Arctic through the eyes of Government of Canada scientists studying oceans and seacoasts, changing landscapes and alternative energy solutions. Arctic Science Month celebrates the vital research of Canada’s scientists and researchers working in northern regions and with local communities across the country. Don’t miss out — be a part of the conversation on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram by following the hashtag #ArcticScience.
Features
The National Research Council of Canada’s Arctic and Northern Challenge program debuts its first newsletter. Read about key developments and unique Northern-led research projects that are addressing the urgent issues affecting the quality of life of Northern peoples.
Defence scientists with Defence Research and Development Canada (DRDC) experimented with commercial satellites in low earth orbit (LEO) for military intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) in the Arctic, during Operation NANOOK – TUUGAALIK – NUNAKPUT 2023.
The Arctic Observing Mission would be a game changer: it could provide data about the atmosphere and situation on the ground in the Arctic in more detail and more frequently than existing satellites can.
Arctic science stories
Bridging traditional and scientific knowledge in Tuktoyaktuk
The Hamlet of Tuktoyaktuk in the Northwest Territories lies at the very end of the first all-weather road to Canada’s Arctic Coast. The area is home to some of the most dramatic examples of climate change challenges anywhere on the planet.
The Smoking Hills
In Cape Bathurst, where Canada's mainland meets the Arctic Ocean, an entire coastline is burning. Aptly named the Smoking Hills, it's home to a really unique geological feature: a deposit of sedimentary rock that's been burning and smouldering continuously for thousands of years.
How is climate change affecting the seashore near Arctic communities?
Climate change is thawing permafrost and bringing bigger storms. What does that mean for coastal communities in Canada's Arctic? POLAR and its partners are studying a Nunavut shoreline to find out.
Canada's National Parks in the Arctic
Protecting and presenting outstanding representative examples of natural landscapes and natural phenomena.
Weaving together Indigenous expertise and Western science in Arctic clothing
In the Canadian Arctic, where temperatures rarely rise above 0 and can dip to −70°C, staying warm is a priority for those living and working there.
New NRC risk assessment software helps ships navigate safe passage through the Arctic
The Arctic is a complex navigational setting that demands more planning than most other parts of the world – and the risks are only increasing. Ice hazards vary from year to year, and conditions can change quickly during weather events.
Breaking the ice with ease
Entering a new environment, meeting new people or trying a new activity can be intimidating. For some reason, taking a deep breath always seems to help take the edge off.
The global problem of mercury in the Arctic
Dr. Ashu Dastoor, a research scientist at Environment and Climate Change Canada, explains how computer models together with observations from fieldwork have helped to identify the sources of airborne mercury found in the Arctic.
Keeping pace with shrinking glaciers in Canada’s West
Glaciers the world over are melting and disappearing. In Western Canada, they’re thinning and retreating at dramatic and ever-increasing rates.
Using DNA to track invasive species in the Arctic
As the Arctic continues to warm due to climate change, invasive plants and animals may move northward.
Infographic: Canada’s Arctic marine food web
From microscopic sea ice algae to polar bears and whales, the Arctic is home to a rich marine food web.
Virtual tour of the CHARS campus
Take a look around the inside of the Main Research Building of the Canadian High Arctic Research Station (CHARS) campus!
Simply Science: Arctic science
Arctic Science articles from Natural Resources Canada.
Ocean-ice Forecasting
The Canadian Operational Network of Coupled Environmental PredicTion Systems (CONCEPTS) works to develop and implement computer models that support ocean-ice forecasting advancements.
Tuvaijuittuq Marine Protected Area
This culturally and historically significant marine area is unique due to the presence of multi-year pack ice. A better understanding of this region will be critical as climate change continues to result in the dramatic declines in sea ice.
Research funding
Sub-zero Infrastructure, Security, and Sensors: Safekeeping assets in the Arctic
The Department of National Defence (DND) and the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) are seeking innovative solutions to secure and monitor CAF fixed ground-based assets operating remotely in the Arctic.
Arctic and Northern Challenge program
The National Research Council of Canada’s Arctic and Northern Challenge program provides research funding and scientific expertise to support strong and sustainable Northern communities through applied technology and innovation.
Northern Contaminants Program
Working to reduce and, wherever possible, eliminate contaminants in traditionally harvested foods, while providing information that assists informed decision making by individuals and communities in their food use.
Polar Knowledge Canada
Find out about POLAR's Northern Scientific Training Program (NSTP) and other programs and funding available for polar researchers.
Northern Responsible Energy Approach for Community Heat and Electricity program
The Northern Responsible Energy Approach for Community Heat and Electricity program, also called the Northern REACHE program, funds renewable energy and energy efficiency projects, and related capacity building.
Climate Change and Health Adaptation Program
This program funds First Nations and Inuit communities' efforts to build capacity to adapt to the health impacts of climate change.
Videos
"Hi, I'm Jennifer Hubbard. I'm the President and CEO at the Canadian High Arctic Research Station here in the beautiful community of Cambridge Bay, NU."
In this video, discover the northern lights: what they are, how they form, their colours and how to view them.
During the 1980s, Canadian scientists conducted research on an island made of ice in the Arctic Ocean. We reached out to two scientists, Peta Mudie and David Mosher, to discuss their experience working on this ice island more than 30 years ago.