On Andøya in Northern Norway a group of weather scientists is stationed to study the polar low, by flying into the storms collecting data.
The unpredictable and damaging winter storms have a tendency to sneak past the meteorologist's observation grid, and are almost impossible to forecast. But now the biggest storm chase in Norwegian history has started. With only three weeks for disposal, it becomes a race against time and the forces of nature for the scientist at Andøya.
In the campaign, the scientists are using a German research aircraft especially designed for flying into the air space over the polar lows. The plane is equipped with most advanced instruments that exist for the measurements of the atmosphere, and the scientists' best weapon to catch the polar storm. The result of their findings may help to prevent environmental disasters and loss of human lives in the future.
Survived polar storm
Harald Figenschou is one of the few persons who have survived a shipwreck after being surprised by a polar low. He and his brother were fishing off the Northern coast in Norway a late day in October 2001, when the weather surprised them in a way they had never experienced before. Harald Figenschou now for the first time tells about his brutal encounter with the polar storm.
The Arctic hurricane
At its strongest, the wind speed in a polar low can compare to the strength of low-pressure hurricanes. Never before has someone been able to measure a complete polar low from being formed in the ocean until it reaches shore and fades out. If the scientists are able to do this, they will be the first in the history of science.
The field campaign at Andøya is part of the International Polar Year, where scientists from 60 countries make a joint effort in order to increase knowledge about polar areas.
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