Drifting ice stations

 

Drifting ice stations are located on sea ice on the Arctic Ocean and conduct year-round observations. The first person to propose them was Fridtjof Nansen, after he returned from a famous expedition onboard the Fram ship.

Nowadays bases on drifting, polar ice serve scientific and commercial purposes and take many forms, from small boats entrenched in snow to actual research stations consisting of several buildings. On this lesson you will learn about history of drifting ice stations and their current situation. Their role in scientific research will be highlighted.