Ocean 506A THE CHANGING ARCTIC OCEAN - an interdisciplinary perspective for IPY (International Polar Year 2007-2009) Ocean 506A THE CHANGING ARCTIC OCEAN Ocean 506A THE CHANGING ARCTIC OCEAN IPY ConceptWhy International?Why Polar?Why a Year?Why 2007-2008?History of the “International Year” ConceptEvolution of IPY 2007-2008ICSU’s First Steps in International PlanningParticipating NationsContents of ICSU FrameworkIPY ThemesObservational InitiativesCriteria for IPY ActivitiesInitial US Planning Led by US National Academy of SciencesUS National Committee for IPY 2003-2005*US National Committee ActivitiesUS Goals From the report “A Vision for the IPY 2007-2008”“Vision Report” AvailableThe Avalanche Model: Success Requires Broad ParticipationWhat Can You Do? For More InformationOcean 506A THE CHANGING ARCTIC OCEAN- an interdisciplinary perspective for IPY (International Polar Year 2007-2009)Recent years show unprecedented change in the ice-covered Arctic Ocean.What is currently known about the complex Arctic Ice-Ocean system and the ecosystems it supports?What will be the impacts of continuing change within and beyond the Arctic?Ocean 506A THE CHANGING ARCTIC OCEANIn this interdisciplinary course, we will explore the interacting physical, chemical and biological components of the Arctic System, including:-- riddles of Arctic Ocean circulation-- defining roles of the sea-ice cover-- likely shifts in nutrient regimes and ecosystems-- and recent explorations of the seafloor,and consider the impacts of Arctic Change on global climate, native communities, and future exploitation of an ice-free summer ocean. The aims of the course are to develop:-- an understanding of how the Arctic ocean system works-- an understanding of observed and potential changes in the Arctic and impacts of these changes in the Arctic and beyond-- an appreciation of why we should care about Arctic Change.Skill development: To thrive in research (and other careers) requires skills beyond scientific data analysis, for example:-- discerning inquiry-- coherent communication (written and oral)-- competence in more than one discipline.Ocean 506A THE CHANGING ARCTIC OCEANAssignments/gradingAssignments are both written and oral; no tests or final exam. Grade: Course grade will be determined from - two written assignments (30% each)- one team-presented oral discussion of a published paper (20%)- class participation, especially in the weekly paper discussions (20%). Written Assignments:- The first, due April 27, is a 5-page essay that shows evidence of literature review (reference list of at least five papers) and thoughtful analysis. An original graphic, flow diagram, table, etc. to help convey your analysis is encouraged.- The second, due June 1, is development of an experimental plan, suitable for an interdisciplinary 1-year IPY project. Details, including topics from which to select, will be given as the course proceeds. Oral Assignments:- On Wednesdays (starting week 3, but excluding weeks when written assignments are due), a team of two students will lead a 20+ min discussion of a published paper. Papers will be selected, with class input, a week in advance. - Everyone reads the assigned paper before class, so that after its main points are presented by the assigned team, a class discussion can follow in which all should be prepared to participate.Ocean 506A THE CHANGING ARCTIC OCEANDraft syllabus‘70s‘80s‘90s‘00sThe Canadian Coast Guard research icebreaker Amundsen, making an historic passage through ice-free Bellot Straight in the Canadian Archipelago in Nov 2006Global maps often cut here!Global maps often cut here!PerspectivePerspectivedetermines ourdetermines ourview of the Arctic.view of the Arctic.The Arctic OceanThe Arctic Oceanis a centrally placed,is a centrally placed,mediterraneanmediterraneanoceanoceanand node of theand node of theNorthern HemisphereNorthern HemisphereCirculation.Circulation.(from Carmack and Wassmann, 2006)EPHThe ‘job’ of theClimate System is to redress the global radiativeheat imbalance(courtesy of Eddy Carmack, IOS, Canada)Climate changeClimate changeSummer iceSummer icedistributiondistributionBlue: todayBlue: todayRed: 2050Red: 2050(from Carmack and Wassmann, 2006)ABCD(from Carmack and Wassmann, 2006)The Big QuestionIs this co-called“Arctic System”headed towardsa new state … ?… outside the known glacial& interglacial cycles???… i.e. a serious case of phase change … ?(courtesy of Eddy Carmack, IOS, Canada)Polar Research Boardwww.nas.edu/prbA Vision forInternational Polar Year 2007-08A Vision forInternational Polar Year 2007-08US National Committee for IPYPolar Research BoardThe National Academieswww.us-ipy.orgTHE NATIONAL ACADEMIESAdvisors to the Nation on S cience, E ngineering, and MedicineIPY Concept• IPY 2007-2008 will be an intense, internationally coordinated campaign of polar observations, research and analysis that will further our understanding of physical and social processes in polar regions, examine their globally-connected role in the climate system, and establish research infrastructure for the future. • IPY will galvanize new and innovative observations and research while building on and enhancing existing relevant initiatives.• Timeframe: 1 March 2007 – 1 March 2008** (recently revised to 1 March 2009 to include austral summer)Why International?• The polar regions – both North and South – are inherently international terrain• What happens in the polar regions affects ALL nations around the globe• The science challenges exceed the capability of any one nation• A coordinated approach maximizes outcomes• International collaboration shares the benefits and builds common understandingWhy Polar?• Environmental changes in polar regions are unprecedented and vivid– Arctic sea ice cover decreasing in extent– Some Antarctic ice shelves are retreating and thinning– Glaciers around globe are retreating– Ecosystems changing (earlier bloom times)– Changes in permafrost• The polar regions play key roles in global processes• The ice is a “library” of information about the pastWhy a Year?• Intensive burst of effort will accelerate progress and initiate activities that couldn’t be done otherwise• Intensive investigations will lay groundwork for sustained assessments of environmental change and variability• Provides opportunity for observations at both polar regions over all seasons•