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?

2009 Sea Ice Outlook - Summary Reports

The 2009 Sea Ice Outlook Summary Reports are now available. These reports, based on statements from contributors to the 2009 Sea Ice Outlook, provide an initial retrospective review of the 2009 Sea Ice Outlook effort at both the pan-arctic and regional scale. {more}

Arctic Report Card: Update for 2009 Now Available

Issued annually, the Arctic Report Card is a timely source for clear, reliable and concise environmental information on the state of the Arctic, relative to historical time series records. {more}

State of the Arctic Conference

The State of the Arctic Conference will be held 16–19 March 2010 in Miami, Florida. The main goal of the conference is to review our understanding of the arctic system in a time of human-induced, rapid environmental change.

The conference organizers announce the launch of the conference website, with an online community suggestions form. {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.