A mere hundred years ago, Arctic expeditions for exploration and science were described as expeditions of inquiry--without reference to the word "logistics". The modern distinction between science and logistics did not exist. Even today, Arctic logistics exists as a support function, never as an end in itself.

Logistics has emerged as a separate entity-and the logistics provider as a third party-only as many different kinds of scientific projects have required similar forms of support. The need for a logistics information clearinghouse grew out of U.S. Arctic Research Commission recommendations and discussions within the Interagency Arctic Research Policy Committee (IARPC) on how to provide the Arctic research and development community with the most cost effective support for its activities.

Arctic Logistics Information Access and Services (ALIAS) is an Arctic logistics hypertext document for use on the World Wide Web. It is intended to make already existing, circumpolar resources and expertise available to a wider audience by linking existing sources of information from Arctic nations, government agencies, universities, and research institutions. ALIAS will simplify the coordination and communication between Arctic logistics providers, users, and potential users. The emphasis is on the common interests of both providers and users.

The ALIAS home page can be accessed through the World Wide Web and nformation is presented by geographic location (maps), subject index and research area (which will eventually be cross-referenced), logistics providers, and external links (which refer to other World Wide Web sites that may be of interest to the Arctic research community). The ALIAS home page will evolve and will more closely reflect the needs of the Arctic Arctic research community through user comments, suggestions, and contributions.

Please forward comments and suggestions to Charles E. Myers, NSF Office of Polar Programs (cmyers@nsf. gov) or Imants Virsnieks, Space and Naval Warfare Systems Command, Department of the Navy (ivirsnie@nsf.gov).