History of the research station

A research station was built in Katterjokk, approximately 35 km west of Abisko, as early as 1903. When the station burned down in 1910, a better research facility was built in Abisko, where meteorological observations and scientific research could begin in 1913.

The new research station consisted of a wooden building and was used until 1970. During its first period, until the end of the Second World War, the investigations were carried out under relatively primitive conditions. Over the years, the station has been expanded to accommodate more researchers, and the equipment has gradually been modernized.

Data gathering and environment monitoring

Since the station's inception, air pressure, temperature, humidity, winds and precipitation have been observed, as well as snow depth and ice cover thickness and duration on Torneträsk. Today, there are unique collections of environmental data from over 100 years of observations. In June 2021, our meteorological station, with its long series of measurements, was named a Centennial Observing Station by the World Meteorological Organization (WMO).

Environmental monitoring is also carried out in hydrology, water chemistry, flora and fauna, phenology, geomagnetism, and atmospheric carbon isotope composition.

Climate research in Abisko attracts scientists from all over the world

At the research station, a series of unique long-term experiments are conducted that attract researchers worldwide. Every year, the research station receives around 200 researchers who study birch forest areas, bogs, mountain meadows, alpine and glacier-affected areas, lakes and watercourses.

With the help of experiments, the researchers can better understand how increased carbon dioxide levels, UVB radiation, ground and air temperature and snow depth affect the ecosystems and processes in these systems.

Within the various research projects, all forms of life in the immediate environment are considered, from microbes to tourists, and with time perspectives that vary from hundreds of millions of years back in time to various future scenarios.

The research station is located in a subarctic climate approximately 20 miles north of the Arctic Circle at Abisko National Park in Kiruna municipality, in the northwestern Norrbotten county.

Extensive documentation of the research activities is available in scientific publications.

Available for scientists, students and conference participants

At the research station, researchers, students and conference participants have access to, among other things, laboratories, greenhouses, experimental gardens, meeting rooms, lecture halls, workshops, kitchens and accommodation. As a researcher, you also have access to five field cabins near the station.

For artistic educations

Abisko Scientific Research Station is not part of our regular artist program, but we do accept student groups subject to availability. We welcome collaboration with artistic education, in the broadest sense, within public institutions that want to implement an educational element or a project at the research station. For more information, please contact ans@polar.se