Understanding Polar Ecosystem Change Through Time Series Observations, Technological Advances and Biophysical Coupled Modeling

The 2017 GRC on Polar Marine Science "Understanding Polar Ecosystem Change Through Time Series Observations, Technological Advances, and Biophysical Coupled Modeling" will bring together leading investigators in Antarctic and Arctic marine research. Using a tradition of excellence facilitated by the Gordon Research Conferences (GRC), participants will present and discuss cutting edge interdisciplinary polar science observations, technological advancements and biophysical modeling activities associated with polar time series studies. The unique GRC format incorporates invited science talks by experts working at both poles, which are moderated by discussion leaders, and are followed by in-depth open discussion periods. We will have a highlight session daily for the afternoon poster session. The format of the GRC inspires scientists from different disciplines to synthesize new ideas and to brainstorm about the ongoing status and change in the polar oceans.

In both the Antarctic and Arctic, ecosystem variables such as sea ice dynamics, atmospheric and ocean exchange, biogeochemical cycles, food web dynamics, and sediment proxies have in the past and are currently responding to climate and environmental change. How the ecosystem is responding to ongoing stressors in the marine environment and devising appropriate modeling approaches to predict future change are important foci for polar science. The 11th GRC on Polar Marine Science will primarily discuss new findings and uncertainties in observing marine time series data, the use of developing technology for collecting those observations, and successes and challenges emerging from time series observations and biophysical modeling that can be used to accurately forecast future ecosystem response.

A Gordon Research Seminar (GRS) will occur the weekend prior to the 2017 Polar GRC to provide a forum for graduate students and postdoctoral scientists to present their work and interface with their peers and experts in variable disciplines. The major focus at the 2017 GRS will be on innovative marine technology including autonomous and remotely operated instruments, camera systems, advanced laboratory techniques, and numerical modeling. The early career scientists will present data and discuss how these technological advances improve the physical-biological understanding of polar marine ecosystems. Financial support will be offered in priority to graduate students and postdoctoral fellows attending both the GRC and the preceding GRS.