Two resources from the National Science Foundation provide accessible, easy-to-understand information about the kinds of research happening in the polar regions. Arctic & Antarctic: An Overview of Polar Research describes the differences between the two polar regions and current research that seeks to answer “big questions” such as:

• How did the universe begin?
• Is the global climate changing?
• What are the limits of life in extreme environments?

The site also includes an interactive map of Antarctica with video of three research stations: Palmer, Amundsen-Scott South Pole Station, and McMurdo.

The second resource, Tracking Carbon in the Warming Tundra, is a 2:30 video that discusses new tundra research that suggests that permafrost thawing will amplify over time. Closed captioning is available.

The National Science Foundation funds Polar Research through the Office of Polar Programs. Beyond Penguins and Polar Bears is also funded by NSF.