The Arctic World Archive (AWA) is a data storage unit where organisations and individuals can deposit records kept on specialist digitised film called Piql that lasts up to 2,000 years. View image in fullscreen The view from the Arctic World Archive. AWA grew out of a research project aimed at finding a secure way to store data longterm. View image in fullscreen The archive grew out of a research project aimed at finding a secure and longterm way to store data. Svalbard’s unique geology, with rock formations from almost every geological era, has earned it a reputation for containing the history of the world.

Source: The Guardian March 17, 2026 16:02 UTC