AA3D: Arctic research work at Sodankylä’s Tähtelä utilised in business collaborations
The Finnish Meteorological Institute carries out various research work in Sodankylä, such as atmospheric, space, snow and smart traffic research. The research centre was originally founded as a weather station in Sodankylä in 1949, and it also includes Pallas’ air quality measuring centre. The collected data is utilised, for example, in understanding climate change, weather phenomena and emissions. The station does not only process local data, but since 2011, the station has also been able to receive global data due to the procurement of its larger antenna.
– The importance of this station is significant. There are few stations in the world that are as diverse, and particularly in this type of climate zone where we are, states Timo Sukuvaara, Head of the Group and Senior Researcher at the Finnish Meteorological Institute.
Valuable data is obtained due to the unique Arctic conditions. For example, in snow research, data can be collected by means of satellite observations as well as soil measurements. In this way, the data of both collection methods can be compared with each other and it can be ensured that the satellite observations have not been distorted due to atmospheric disturbances. In addition to this, the depth of frost can be measured beneath the soil surface.
In Sukuvaara’s opinion, the predictability and long duration of winter conditions in Lapland are essential, in which case research can be carried out more reliably and for longer periods. The long winter season can be utilised in full.