If you have questions about the 4th Circumpolar Ecosystems conference
and workshop information posted below, please contact:
Scientific Coordinator: Dr. Peter Scott
Telephone: 905-852-3149
Email: pascott [at] interhop.net
*** CIRCUMPOLAR ECOSYSTEMS 4 - Churchill, Manitoba (MB), Canada ***
SUMMARY
The Churchill Northern Studies Centre would like to invite you to the 4th
Circumpolar Ecosystems conference and workshop. These meetings will be held
during 16-21 February 2000. The goal is to bring together biologists,
ecologists, atmospheric and earth scientists who study in regions that are
predominately influenced by winter. We would like to especially encourage
papers that review the state of climate warming and its impacts on northern
systems. In the workshop, we will examine lifestyles of northern peoples,
field research, and wildlife adaptations to low temperatures. Igloos will
be available! Please contact the Centre at one of the addresses below.
RATIONALE
Winter-dominated systems are covered with snow and ice during a significant
part of each year. This type of cover reflects about 80% of the incoming
radiation. Consequently, the timing and duration of snow cover is very
important to the global energy balance. Furthermore, the distribution and
re-distribution of snow has a large impact on the subsequent water balance
of the terrain during the frost-free period. Winter processes then, are
significant to the summer water balance which is important to ecosystem
productivity and ultimately its biodiversity.
Living organisms have developed unique adaptations to winter-dominated
systems. These include adaptation to short life cycles, periods of
dormancy, migration, and endurance of the cold conditions. Humans have also
encountered unique problems and have adapted to the winter environment. All
these biological components integrate into systems that are
characteristically peat-forming. In fact, winter-dominated systems store a
disproportionately large amount of the global carbon. In warm, wet periods
these systems may release carbon to the atmosphere and during other times,
carbon is taken from the atmosphere and stored. Consequently, circumpolar
ecosystems are important as a buffer for carbon which will stabilize the
concentration of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere.
One human adaptation to the winter period is to be indoors (e.g., teaching)
or away from the circumpolar ecosystems. Consequently, these systems are
poorly studied and poorly understood - particularly during the dominant
period.
WORKSHOP PROPOSAL
The CNSC is proposing to hold its 4th symposium and workshop at Churchill,
Manitoba, Canada during the mid-winter period. The workshop is designed to
offer hands-on experience to the seasoned veteran as well as the
uninitiated student, researcher, modeler, policy maker, or interested
person. In the past, the agenda has included the Arctic Feast, igloo
building, and dogsleding. Expeditions have included examination of
conditions on either side of the continental treeline during an arctic
blizzard, a sea ice dive to examine the marine environment in winter, and a
journey to Prince of Wales Fort to examine winter conditions experienced by
early European settlers. The town of Churchill is a model community that
has been designed for winter-dominated environments. Meeting the northern
residents and discussing their lifestyles has also been part of the
workshop. Other activities have included acquiring and preparing food and
clothing in the north, as well as a fashion show of outdoor wear.
SYMPOSIUM PROPOSAL
The CNSC has been working with a number of individuals and organizations to
bring this meeting to you. The symposium will include poster and oral
presentations of 15 to 20 minutes, of which, submitted papers will be
considered for publication in a referred journal of international stature.
For this meeting we would welcome all aspects of winter-dominated systems
such as, but not limited to, biological, geographical, or anthropological
research. Examples can be found in previous proceedings which were
published in "Arctic and Alpine Research" 32 (1); Arctic 46(4); and
"Climate Research" 5(1). The goal at this meeting will be to examine and
assess the state of climate process research in the northern North America,
and how these climate processes are influencing the biodiversity and
ultimately, global stability in a changing world. Recognizing, preserving
and monitoring biodiversity in circumpolar ecosystems will be a major
challenge over the next century.
SCHEDULES and COSTS
The workshop is planned for February 16-18, 2000. The symposium is planned
for February 18-21, 2000. The cost for the symposium is $200 (Can). The
cost for both, the symposium and workshop is $300 (Can). Fees include the
registration package, ground transportation, food and accommodations. If
you are interested in participating, please contact the CNSC at the
earliest possible convenience using one of the addresses below. There is
limited space available. Once you are registered, we will send you the
conference registration package in early fall (1999).
World Wide Web Site: http://www.brandonu.ca/cnsc/
Executive Director: Harvey Lemelin
Telephone: 204-675-2307
Facsimile: 204-675-2139
Email: cnsc [at] cancom.net
Mail: P.O. Box 610
Churchill, MB R0B 0E0 Canada
Scientific Coordinator: Dr. Peter Scott
Telephone: 905-852-3149
Email: pascott [at] interhop.net