Exploring Complex Systems in Polar Marine Science

Since its inception in 1997, the Gordon Research Conference series on Polar Marine Science has provided an international forum for presentation and discussion of frontier research on the polar oceans. The extraordinary and unique aspects of this series are the bipolar (Arctic and Antarctic) presentations and discussions across earth and life science disciplinary boundaries. The Conference will bring together a collection of investigators who are at the forefront of their field, and will provide opportunities for junior scientists and graduate students to present their work in poster format and exchange ideas with leaders in the field. The collegial atmosphere of this Conference, with programmed discussion sessions as well as opportunities for informal gatherings in the afternoons and evenings, provides an avenue for scientists from different disciplines to brainstorm and promotes cross-disciplinary collaborations in the various research areas represented.

Continuing a history of highlighting cross-cutting polar research, the 2011 Polar Marine Science Gordon Research Conference will focus on the complex nature of polar marine systems. Complex systems exhibit properties not fully explained by an understanding of component parts, and often display emergent properties arising from multiple interactions. Our ability to detect, to understand, and make predictions about the connections between high-latitude oceans and climate change is anticipated to provide a central theme for the meeting. The Conference will feature a wide range of multi-disciplinary topics, such as sea ice/atmosphere/ocean interactions, climate forcing and feedbacks, carbon cycle science and nutrient biogeochemistry, ecosystem phenology, microbial genomics and proteomics, and methane hydrates. A Gordon-Kenan Research Seminar designed to enhance the experience of early career researchers will take place just prior to this Gordon Research Conference.