The answer to this question revolves around several factors, some just now gaining significant recognition. They include global climate change, the presence of an indigenous population, unique and varied ecosystems about which relatively little is known, environments that will be both impacted by and that will influence any changes in global climate, and the growing presence of development activities and environmental contaminants. Listed below are some compelling reasons for conducting Arctic research, as well as examples of related research questions.

Reasons to Study the Arctic:


• Perspectives from Organizations and Researchers
  
• National Science Foundation, Office of Polar Programs
  
• Why We Must Study the Arctic (U.S. Arctic Research Commission)
  
• Arctic Research Consortium of the United States (ARCUS)
  
• Arctic Research in a Circumpolar Context
  
• Arctic Contaminants (Arctic Monitoring and Assessment Programme)
  
• Sea Ice and Global Change
  
• Ozone and Ultraviolet Radiation
  
• Bowhead Whale (Balaena mysticetus)

Potential Research:



• Marine and coastal environments
  
• Terrestrial and freshwater environments
  
• The atmosphere
  
• Social science
  
• Variability and change in the Arctic
  
• Biogeochemical cycles
  
• History of the Arctic Ocean
  
• Arctic ecosystem health
  
• The Arctic in global climate

Why Study the Arctic from Barrow?


• Marine and Coastal Research
  
• Terrestrial and Freshwater Research
  
• Atmospheric Research
  
• Social Science Research