The Polar Environment Atmospheric Research Laboratory (PEARL) and the International Arctic Systems for Observing the Atmosphere (IASOA)

Summary: The Arctic atmosphere is expected to undergo more dramatic changes in the coming years than will occur at lower latitudes. At the Polar Environment Atmospheric Research Laboratory (PEARL) on Ellesmere Island, more than a dozen instruments operate year-round to study the atmosphere from ground-level to 100km above ground. Clouds, rain, snow, sun and wind are among the climate-related factors and processes that are being studied. PEARL is providing an abundance of information on changes in atmospheric composition and weather in the Canadian High Arctic. Together with long-term monitoring at similar Arctic and other research sites worldwide, this project is contributing to a better understanding of global atmospheric change.