Studying the poles

The poles’ influence of on climate and the oceanic currents, their geographic isolation and the presence of the magnetic poles make these environments essential as areas for research. Holding the only ice caps on Earth, they play a major role in sea-level fluctuations.

They have the habitats for a unique fauna and flora, implying some strong influences on the biodiversity and adaptability of species in a situation of global change. Moreover, in the Arctic the indigenous communities, who have a long history extensively studied by researchers, are being deeply affected by climate changes.

Research areas covered :

Glaciology

Chemical dynamics of the atmosphere, ozone chemistry

Physics of the Globe, geodynamics and geology

Astronomy

Distribution of the fauna and flora and evolution of the biodiversity

Species’ survival and adaptation strategies for extreme conditions

Reponses of living organisms to climate change and human activities

Human biology and adaptation to overwintering conditions

Human and social sciences with regard to populations living in the Arctic