Circumpolar History and Public Policy Research Group (CHiPP)

Research in the Circumpolar History and Public Policy Research Group (CHiPP) aims to address issues of contemporary relevance to the polar regions by bringing together historical analysis and public policy debate. Historical research at SPRI is a tradition in its own right, but we believe that it is also an integral part of analysing and developing public policy.

Glacimarine Environments Group

The glacimarine environment is that part of the world's seas that is affected by glaciers and ice sheets, which influence the ocean system through the delivery of sediments, meltwater and icebergs. Glacier-marine interactions are especially important in the Arctic and Antarctic today but, during colder, full-glacial conditions glaciers also affected the mid-latitude seas significantly. The glacier-derived sediments in ocean basins also provide a long-term record of the past growth and decay of large ice sheets.

Glaciology and Climate Change Group

The cryosphere, which encompasses all portions of the Earth's surface where water is found in solid form, is one of the most dynamic components of the Earth's climate system. It includes glaciers, ice caps and ice sheets, as well as sea ice, lake/river ice, snow cover, seasonally frozen ground and permafrost; and hence, it is extremely sensitive to rising air temperatures, such as those predicted for the near future.

Polar Landscape and Remote Sensing Group

The Polar Landscape and Remote Sensing Group's interests are in monitoring and understanding the processes that modify the environment of the polar and sub-polar regions, as well as the development of novel methods for investigating them. The group has two main research foci: high-latitude vegetation, and snow and ice cover.

Polar Social Science and Humanities Group

Research includes areas such as: Oil, gas and society; Space and distance: trajectories of nomads, shamans, traders and aviators; Reindeer-herders and their ecologies; Changing religions: divinity, experience and politics; Family dynamics and cross-cultural psychotherapy; Ethnicity and regionalism.