Barrow Atmospheric Baseline Observatory

The Barrow Atmospheric Baseline Observatory (BRW), established in 1973, is located on the northernmost point of the United States. It is about 8 km northeast of the community of Utqiaġvik (formerly Barrow) Alaska, and has a prevailing east-northeast wind off the Beaufort Sea.

Although the measurements at BRW are made over open tundra, there are large lagoons and a number of lakes in the vicinity, and the Arctic Ocean is less than 3 km northwest of the site. Because of its proximity to these bodies of water and the fact that the prevailing winds are off the Beaufort Sea, BRW is perhaps best characterized as having an Arctic maritime climate affected by variations of weather and sea ice conditions in the Central Arctic.

This facility is staffed year round by 2 engineers/scientists to complete routine inspections and maintenance of the instruments. Due to its unique location, dedicated and highly trained staff, and excellent power and communications infrastructure, the Barrow Atmospheric Baseline Observatory is host to numerous cooperative research projects from around the world.