A New Database of High Arctic Climate Data from the Polar Continental Shelf Project Archives

Abstract

A set of nonstandard climate data from the Canadian High Arctic is made available. This consists of 20 yr (1974?93) of surface?based climate observations gathered at short?term field research camps supported by the Polar Continental Shelf Project, a Canadian federal agency responsible for Arctic research support. These data were gathered in the spring and summer months from locations throughout the Canadian Arctic Archipelago. Twice?daily observations, totaling 58 000 individual records, along with associated station information, were compiled. Observed climatic elements include dry?bulb temperature, wind speed and direction, and total cloud cover. These data are useful for research into local?scale climates; support for site?specific, nonclimate studies; corroborating established regional synoptic patterns; and calibration of satellite temperature observations.