Nicolaus Copernicus University Polar Station, PL
Nicolaus Copernicus University Polar Station, PL
Research station “Hahut”, Svalbard (NCUPS) is owned by Nicolaus Copernicus University in Torun, Polar Research Center, Poland.
Contact
Station manager Ireneusz Sobota: irso@umk.pl
Location
The station is located in the western part of the Oscar II Land, in the northern part of the coastal Kaffiøyra Lowland, in north-western Spitsbergen. The station was established about 150 m from the shoreline, at the terminal moraines of Aavatsmarkbreen. Svalbard is accessible for scientific research based on the Svalbard Treaty (since 1920). Svalbard Environmental Protection Act determined the erection of national parks. The station is its location outside any nature parks and reserves, and this allows a relatively high degree of freedom to move around and do research in the area, and it is open for visitors without special permits. Research projects need to be registered. The nearest civilian settlement is Longyearbyen, 100 km south of the Kaffiøyra region.
Website
https://stacjapolarna.umk.pl
https://www.interact-gis.org/Home/Station/93
Facilities
NCU Polar Station was established in 1975. The station consists of 32 m2 of floor space downstairs and 24 upstairs. There is the main room, a workshop, a bedroom, two mezzanine sleeping areas, and a fully equipped kitchen and lab, and an extra bedroom for 6 persons. There are also additional storage areas, another lab, a bathhouse, a lavatory, and garages for boats and motors. Now, the total useable floor space of all rooms and outbuildings is more than 100 m2. The station is furnished with all the necessary technical equipment, such as generator sets, photovoltaic cells, and motorboats and others. There is enough safety equipment to provide the necessary protection while working on glaciers or on water. This includes radio and satellite communication equipment, and appropriate firearms to be able to respond to potential threats from polar bears.
Availability for access
Time frame for access preparation
Time frame to receive the documentation from RI users (after access is granted):
1-1,5 months.
The time frame for logistic arrangements to access the RI:
1-1,5 months.
Permits, licenses and training
The following documents are required for research at the UMK Polar Station: the project’s RiS ID and a rental gun permit. In addition, each participant should consider training in using weapons as an obligation, which must be submitted to the RI unit.
Medical guidelines
Each RI participant must submit a confirmation of their health to the RI Station. This is especially true for illnesses and ailments related to prolonged and intense exertion in difficult terrain.
