The majority of Värriö publications originates nowadays from the studies conducted at the SMEAR I measuring station . The manifold of biosphere–atmosphere interactions have been studied at the SMEAR I since 1991. They include studies on biogeochemical cycles, biosphere–aerosol–cloud–climate interactions, pollution dispersal and more.
An essential part of the research in Värriö is to continue the long data series on various environmental parameters. These include for example bird nesting, moth abundance, berry yield, meteorological variables, phenological observations and many more. All these reflect environmental changes over the decades and are a valuable part of the environmental monitoring in the subarctic region.
The natural forest surrounding the research station has offered optimal study sites for many projects in recent years. The forests have undergone many forest fires, whose scars are visible on the old tree trunks. Thus, the area is valuable for forest fire research. As there are reindeer free areas at the SMEAR I and close to the border, the effects of reindeer herding could be studied as well. The untouched landscape offers good opportunities for geologists to study the ground formations.
A seismograph station at the Värriö Subarctic Research Station detects and records seismic events in the Fennoscandian bedrock. It is a part of a network of 16 stations operated by the Institute of Seismology, University of Helsinki.
Facilities for research
The Värriö Subarctic Research Station can provide for the researchers: