Arctic RoutIne atmoSphEric profile sampling

Advancing Arctic atmospheric profile observations

Arctic RISE is an international initiative bringing together researchers, observing platforms, modelling centres, and other partners to improve coordinated measurements of the vertical structure of the Arctic atmosphere.

Part of PACES, an IGAC and IASC co-sponsored initiative

Explore the initiative
  • In-situ sampling
  • Remote sensing
Coordinated Arctic atmospheric profile observations Illustration of six observing approaches. A satellite observes the atmosphere from orbit with dashed remote-sensing beams. A research aircraft follows a solid sampling path as it climbs through the atmosphere. An uncrewed aerial system profiles vertically above the ground. A tethered balloon or helikite carries instruments on its tether. A ground-based remote-sensing instrument sends dashed beams upwards from a single point on the ground. A community-based monitoring station observes at the surface.

Arctic RISE is an initiative of PACES (air Pollution in the Arctic: Climate, Environment and Societies), co-sponsored by the International Global Atmospheric Chemistry (IGAC) Project and the International Arctic Science Committee (IASC).

Why it matters

Why atmospheric profiles matter

Vertical profile measurements show how the atmosphere changes with height. They provide valuable information on sources and impacts of Arctic short-lived climate pollutants (SLCPs), cloud properties and processes, surface-atmosphere coupling, and provide constraint for Arctic numerical weather prediction and climate modelling. They are key for helping researchers understand Arctic atmospheric processes and for improving Arctic prediction.

These observations are critical for

  • Understanding Arctic change

    Regular profiles can reveal how temperature, humidity and trace constituents vary with height over time, helping to understand rapid Arctic environmental change.

  • Improving weather and climate prediction

    Expanded routine profiling will fill a major gap in model constraint for Arctic weather prediction and for climate model evaluation.

  • Evaluating satellite products

    Independent measurements through the atmospheric column are needed to assess satellite retrievals in challenging Arctic conditions.

  • Atmospheric composition and air quality

    Arctic climate response to SLCPs is sensitive to their vertical distribution. Profiles help understand how they are transported and processed, and how they interact with radiation, clouds, and the surface.

  • Supporting Earth system models

    Profile data will improve the understanding that underpins Earth system modelling processes, strengthening the path from observation to prediction.

An international research priority

Enhanced Arctic vertical profile observations have been identified as a key international Arctic research priority in the run-up to the next International Polar Year. The ICARP IV report on The Role of the Arctic in the Global Earth System highlights the lack of regular, widespread vertical profile observations of the Arctic atmosphere as a major limitation for understanding and predicting Arctic change.

The case for Arctic RISE is briefly outlined in our contributed statement to the 2026 Arctic Observing Summit, A need for routine regular vertical profiling in the Arctic atmosphere. Here, we highlight the severe lack of regular vertical profiling in the Arctic, and argue for a step-change in the coverage and frequency of profile measurements, with IPY 2032–33 providing a timely opportunity for a coordinated and concerted effort to achieve this.

About

About Arctic RISE

Arctic RISE badge: a circular emblem showing satellites, aircraft, drones, a helikite and a ground station above an Arctic landscape

Atmospheric vertical profile observations are fundamental to understanding the rapidly changing Arctic environment. Yet they remain sparse, unevenly distributed, and completely absent in some regions and seasons.

Arctic RISE — Arctic RoutIne atmoSphEric profile sampling — is an international initiative that brings together communities involved in atmospheric profiling, modelling centres, and Arctic research and assessment initiatives. Measurement groups include researchers operating ground-based remote sensing systems, tethered balloon platforms, aircraft campaigns, drone platforms, satellites and emerging observing technologies.

The initiative promotes collaboration, knowledge exchange and community-driven planning to work towards a coordinated and sustained network for routine Arctic atmospheric profile observations.

Key themes

  • Atmospheric composition profiling
  • Aerosol–cloud interactions
  • Greenhouse gases and air quality
  • Weather and climate prediction
  • Observation–model integration
  • Coordinated Arctic observing strategies
  • Preparation for International Polar Year 2032–33

Observing approaches

  • Satellites

    Remote sensing of the atmosphere from orbit, offering broad spatial coverage.

  • Aircraft

    Measurements onboard routinely operating aircraft and targeted sampling using research aircraft campaigns.

  • Uncrewed aerial systems

    Drones profiling the lower atmosphere with flexible, repeatable flights.

  • Helikites & tethered balloons

    Instruments lifted on a tether to sample the lowest part of the atmosphere in fine vertical detail.

  • Ground-based remote sensing

    Instruments at the surface that can remotely probe the atmosphere from below.

  • Community-based monitoring

    Observations made by and with Arctic communities, linking local knowledge and needs with wider observing efforts.

Vision

A coordinated Arctic atmospheric profiling network supporting science, prediction and decision-making

Arctic RISE envisions a future where atmospheric vertical profile observations are:

  • Sustained

    Maintained over the long term.

  • Coordinated

    Across nations and organisations.

  • Integrated

    Across measurement platforms.

  • Accessible

    Open to the wider community.

  • Needs-driven

    Designed to address scientific and societal needs.

Through international collaboration, Arctic RISE aims to help build the observational foundation needed to improve our understanding of Arctic atmospheric processes and their global impacts.

Activities

What we do

  1. Community building

    Connecting researchers, observational scientists, modelling communities and operational centres interested in Arctic atmospheric profiling.

  2. Observing system assessment

    Identifying existing capabilities, strengths, observational gaps and future requirements for vertical profile measurements.

  3. Workshops and working groups

    Bringing experts together to discuss scientific priorities, technical challenges and opportunities for coordination.

  4. Observation–model integration

    Exploring how profile observations can better support weather forecasting, climate modelling, reanalysis and satellite validation.

  5. Strategic planning

    Developing recommendations and roadmaps for long-term Arctic observing capability and preparations for IPY 2032–33.

Projects

Projects

Funded projects contributing to the Arctic RISE initiative.

2026–2027 · Ny-Ålesund, Svalbard

NAMAS

Novel Autonomous atmospheric Measurements for improved Arctic prediction and Security

Piloting low-cost, low-power all-sky cameras at the UK Arctic Research Station in Ny-Ålesund to measure cloud base height and winds at cloud base through the polar night, with a pilot data stream for operational forecasting centres.

Read more about NAMAS
Lead
University of Leeds
Partner
Wx Labs
Programme
UK-Arctic Partnerships for Security, Resilience and Innovation 2026–2027

Contact

Get involved

Arctic RISE welcomes researchers, observing networks, assessment agencies and other interested partners who share an interest in Arctic atmospheric profile observations. We would be glad to hear from you.

Arctic RISE is part of PACES, an IGAC and IASC co-sponsored initiative.