Repository of polar geological samples

The repository of polar geological samples (fossils, minerals, rocks and water) resulting from the Spanish Polar Research Programme is located at the Geological Survey of Spain (Instituto Geológico y Minero de España, IGME), where the National Polar Data Center (Centro Nacional de Datos Polares, CNDP) is also located. Both the repository and the CNDP respond to international regulations, in particular to those emanating from the Antarctic Treaty System and to the recommendations of the Scientific Committee on Antarctic Research (SCAR), as well as that of the Spanish Polar Committee. They are connected with the national and international scientific community through the Spanish National SCAR Committee (CN-SCAR).

The objective of the repository is to store and preserve the samples and, in certain appropriate cases, to allow access to those of special interest for study through the corresponding protocols. Likewise, the exhibition of specific samples may also be organized at the Museum of IGME.

To deposit samples and to access existing ones in the repository, interested persons should contact the director of the Museum, indicating their name, institution and email address.