The North Slope of Alaska (NSA) atmospheric observatory at Utqiaġvik (formerly Barrow) provides data about cloud and radiative processes at high latitudes.

The NSA is a focal point for atmospheric and ecological research activity in the Arctic. Scientists use data from the NSA to improve the representation of high-latitude cloud and radiation processes in earth system models.

In addition to the NSA, from 2013 to 2021, ARM operated the third ARM Mobile Facility (AMF3) at Oliktok Point, east of Utqiaġvik.

NSA GEOGRAPHIC LOCATIONS BY FACILITY

Note: C = Central Facility, E = Extended Facility, S = Supplemental Facility, and X = External Data/Facility

Observatory Facility Locations at a Glance

North Slope Alaska

Facility Name Site Code Facility Code Elevation Lat/Lon Surface Type
Central Facility, Barrow AK NSA C1 8 m 71.323000 N
156.615000 W
(Google Map)
Tundra
Central Facility, Atqasuk AK
(Removed: 2011-01-17)
NSA C2 20 m 70.471800 N
157.407000 W
(Google Map)
Tundra
Barrow, Alaska, extended facility colocated at main site NSA E10 8 m 71.323000 N
156.615000 W
(Google Map)
Tundra
Point Barrow, Alaska (71.393, -156.422, 0) NSA E11 0 m 71.393000 N
156.422000 W
(Google Map)
Tundra
Barrow, Alaska (Extended) at BEO NSA E12 10 m 71.274736 N
156.641194 W
(Google Map)
Awaiting information
Supplemental 1
(Removed: 2018-12-21)
NSA S01 8 m 71.323000 N
156.609000 W
(Google Map)
Tundra
Barrow, Alaska, supplement to NSA C1 for sonde launches (i.e. RIVAL IOP) NSA S02 8 m 71.323000 N
156.609000 W
(Google Map)
Awaiting information
Supplemental 1, Barrow AK [temporary for IOP]
(Removed: 1999-04-09)
NSA S1 Awaiting information
Supplemental 2, Atqasuk AK [temporary for IOP]
(Removed: 1999-10-18)
NSA S2 Awaiting information
SALVO facility on tundra, 2km south of NSA
(Removed: 2021-07-20)
NSA S10 Awaiting information
SALVO facility on ice, 2km north of NSA
(Removed: 2021-07-20)
NSA S11 Awaiting information