With unrivalled UK access to Arctic infrastructure and logistics, we study the Arctic from diverse platforms including ships, submarines, ice camps, aircraft and diving, to observe directly the changes that are occurring there.

We have exceptionally strong links with the circumpolar nations of Russia, USA, Canada, Norway and Greenland. This logistical base supports our state-of-the-art observational, experimental and modelling expertise.

Scientists at SAMS undertake interdisciplinary research projects spanning all aspects of the Arctic marine environment:

• Sea ice thickness, dynamics and remote sensing   more...

• High latitude technologies for measurement, monitoring and data transfer   more...

• Physical oceanography of arctic shelf seas   more...
• Past climate change from sediment records   more...
• Zooplankton dynamics and community structure   more...
• Benthic ecology and biodiversity  more...
• Pelagic microbial ecology and ecosystem modelling   more...
• Geochemical processes and cycles   more...
• Heavy metal contamination   more...

POLAR TECHNOLOGY

SAMS develops cutting-edge technology to observe change in the arctic either directly through instrumentation in the field or indirectly through satellite remote sensing.  Major advances have been made at SAMS in data transfer technologies, instrument longevity, autonomy and low cost systems.

International Arctic Marine Laboratory
	SAMS is a partner in the new International Arctic Marine Laboratory in Ny Ålesund in north west Svalbard. This facility allows our scientists to conduct controlled experiments and to sample the regional biology, ice, water column and sediment.
Arctic observatory
	SAMS has maintained an oceanographic observatory in the shelf waters of north west Svalbard since 2002. The deployed instruments monitor the physical, chemical, biological and geochemical environment.
Technology
	SAMS’ active technology programme develops a wide range of autonomous environmental monitoring instruments used to study changes in sea ice. The instruments make use of satellite data telemetry and GPS.
Platforms
	SAMS has access to the international fleet of polar research vessels and associated ROV technologies. SAMS scientists also conduct ice research aboard submarines and from ice camps.
Scientific Diving
	Through the National Facility for Scientific Diving hosted at SAMS, we provide expert training and advice on techniques for diving in low temperatures and ice covered waters.