Coastal erosion due to thawing permafrost and increased wave action threatens several arctic communities, including Shishmaref, Alaska.

Photo © Native Village of Shishmaref.
Courtesy of Luci Eningowuk

Welcome to SEARCH

A system-scale, cross-disciplinary, long-term arctic research program

What's New?

NOAA Arctic Report Card 2008

The Arctic Report Card 2008 is now available. The continued reduction in the extent of arctic summer sea ice cover is a dramatic illustration of the pronounced impact increased global temperatures are having on arctic regions. The Arctic Report Card provides year-round information on recent observations and environmental conditions in the Arctic. {more}

Sea Ice Outlook Summary Report

The Sea Ice Outlook Summary Report is now available. This report includes a preliminary analysis of the causes of the 2008 minimum, the accuracy of the Outlook values, and implications for future Outlook efforts. {more}

What's SEARCH?

SEARCH is an interagency effort to understand the nature, extent, and future development of the system-scale change presently seen in the Arctic. These changes are occurring across terrestrial, oceanic, atmospheric and human systems, including:

  • increased air temperatures over most of the Arctic;
  • changing ocean circulation and rising coastal sea level;
  • reduced sea ice cover; and
  • thawing permafrost.

The core aim of SEARCH is to understand the recent and ongoing complex of interrelated pan-arctic changes. These changes are affecting ecosystems, living resources, and the human population, and are impacting local and global economic activities.

Currently nearly 70 projects are funded as SEARCH activities by U.S. agencies. Many more SEARCH-related projects are supported through other programs.

Learn about the history and development of the SEARCH program. {more}

More information about SEARCH science, program planning, meetings, and resources are available through the links to the left.