Spring 2006, Volume 12 Number 1

ARC TIC

Chronicles of the NSF Arctic Sciences Program Spring 2006, Volume 12 Number 1

Closing the Gap Between Scientiﬁ c Research and Education

By Renée Crain

ontinued leadership in sci- Centifi c and technological innovation is increasingly critical to maintaining U.S. prosperity in a rapidly changing global community. Concerns about this issue led to the recent congressionally requested report, Rising Above the Gathering Storm: Energizing and Employing America for a Brighter Economic Future, which outlines actions that federal policy-makers should take to enhance the science and technology enterprise so that the U.S. can successfully compete, prosper, and be secure in the 21st century. The fi rst recommendation of the report is vast improvement of K–12 science and mathematics education to increase America’s talent pool Students at Salisbury Community School in Vermont present posters on arctic hydrology and climate change. Their teacher, Amy (Committee on Prospering in the Clapp (center), participated in the Teachers and Researchers Exploring and Collaborating (TREC) program in 2004 and 2005, st working with Robert “Max” Holmes (far right) studying the water chemistry of large arctic rivers. Drawing on her TREC experiences Global Economy of the 21 Cen- in Russia, Canada, and Alaska and with feedback from Holmes, Clapp created a month-long unit for her students on the interactions tury 2006). There is evidence that between arctic rivers and climate change, which culminated in this school-wide presentation. The students later traveled with Clapp the achievement of U.S. students and Holmes to Burlington where they presented their posters to participants at the Vermont Science Teachers Association Annual in science, technology, engineer- Meeting. Photo courtesy of Amy Clapp. ing, and math (STEM) is slipping behind approximately 20% of all federally sup- NSF evaluates all proposals on two criteria their international peers. For instance, U.S. ported basic research conducted by U.S. as part of the merit review—intellectual students performed below average in both colleges and universities, the National Sci- merit and broader impacts. The broader math and science in the 2003 Programme ence Foundation (NSF) funds scientists impacts criterion requires that proposed for International Student Assessment—a working on the cutting-edge of science projects have value beyond the immediate survey that measures math, science, and and engineering and fosters integration of science fi eld. These broader impacts can reading literacy of 15-year-olds, primarily research and education in several ways. On include developments in infrastructure for in industrialized nations (National Science a foundation-wide level, NSF has identifi ed research or education, increasing diversity Board 2006). the integration of research and education in science and engineering, broad dissemi- One way to address issues of scientifi c as one of three core strategies that guide nation of the research results, or signifi cant leadership and STEM education is through the entire agency in establishing priorities, teaching or training opportunities. Many the integration of scientifi c research and identifying opportunities, and designing of the broader impacts with societal rel- education. As the funding source for new programs (NSF 2000). In addition, evance can be achieved through the inte- continued on next page

Published by the Arctic Research Consortium of the United States • 3535 College Road • Suite 101 • Fairbanks, AK 99709 Integrating Research and Education gration of research and education; joining K–12 teacher research experiences that ers’ Series, which supports researchers and together research and education assures proved so valuable in TEA. Since 2004, other arctic experts to travel and speak in that the fi ndings and methods of research Teachers and Researchers Exploring and communities where they might not oth- are quickly and effectively communicated Collaborating (TREC) has supported the erwise connect. The program provides a in a broader context and to a larger audi- participation of 26 teachers in arctic fi eld cost effective way for K–12, graduate and ence (NSF GPRA Strategic Plan 2000). projects; the 2006 TREC season is under- undergraduate, and public audiences to The Arctic, one of the most extreme way with several fi eld expeditions already learn about important arctic issues. Since environments on Earth, provides an excel- complete and teachers currently in the 2000, the fi rst year of the program, 49 lent setting in which to promote research fi eld. This program uses online and live speakers have participated in over 130 and education connections. The region is video and audio conferencing technolo- different engagements worldwide. See undergoing profound environmental and gies to bring the research experience to Witness Spring 2002 or www.arcus.org/arc- socioeconomic changes, and research con- hundreds of classroom and public audi- tic_speaker/index.html. ducted in the Arctic is at the leading edge ences worldwide. See page 3 or www.arcus. Journalist immersion programs allow of scientifi c inquiry. Beginning in 1999, org/trec. reporters to observe and participate in the the Offi ce of Polar Programs (OPP) Arctic The Alaska Lake Ice and Snow Obser- process of science by working with inves- Sciences Section increased its emphasis on vatory Network (ALISON) brings K–12 tigators and graduate students conducting stimulating innovative education projects students, science and math teachers, and research. This type of program also ben- with a budget designated specifi cally for researchers at the University of Alaska Fair- efi ts participating researchers who gain an Arctic Research and Education. This fund- banks (UAF) together to learn about the understanding of the infl uences that shape ing ($300,000 in FY 2004) supports activi- variability of lake ice, snow, and conductive the way science is reported to the public. ties that bridge research and education; heat fl ow in Alaska. Each year, Martin Jef- For example, the Science Journalism Pro- most commonly, awards are made as sup- fries, Research Professor in the Department gram at the Marine Biological Laboratory plements to funded grants and agreements of Geology and Geophysics, and other sci- (MBL) entrains science journalists in the or as small grants for pilot projects. The entists at UAF train teachers and students process of arctic research. Part of a larger majority of the 63 awards made to-date are in rural and urban Alaska to regularly col- program at MBL, up to fi ve journalists funded in partnership with other Director- lect data on snow and lake ice. The data, travel to Alaska each year to spend time ates at NSF and other agencies. Proposals often collected from areas where it is not at Toolik Field Station and other fi eld to this funding source may include formal feasible for scientists to travel on a regular research sites learning about the Arctic and or informal education or outreach for stu- basis, are integral to the research, and the engaging with arctic researchers. With this dents K–12 and higher or to the broader teachers and students who participate are background in scientifi c research, the 225 public. research partners both doing and learn- journalists who have participated in the Examples of activities that link arctic ing about the science. See Witness Winter program since 1985 are able to contribute research and education include teacher 2004/2005 or www.gi.alaska.edu/alison/ to the informal science education of their enhancement programs, visiting scientist index.html. audiences more effectively. See page 26 or and journalist programs, and efforts to Involving local communities in science www.mbl.edu/inside/what/news/sci_jour- directly incorporate arctic communities is another way to increase the impact of a nal/index.html. into research projects. project. For example, Robert “Max” Hol- The funding increases in the Presi- Enhancement experiences for teachers mes of the Woods Hole Research Center dent’s 2007 budget request to support aim to develop scientifi c knowledge and is expanding a collaboration that started the recently announced American Com- inquiry-based teaching practices through in 2003 with one student living beside petitiveness Initiative recognize NSF’s participation in fi eld research and related the Lena River in Zhigansk, Russia, who leadership role in supporting the nation’s professional development opportunities, assisted with sampling, to include commu- capabilities in science, technology, engi- such as peer mentoring. From 1992–2005, nities and schools at fi ve other sites along neering, and mathematics (Domestic Policy OPP and the Directorate for Education major arctic rivers in Russia, Canada, and Council, Offi ce of Science and Technology and Human Resources (EHR) co-spon- Alaska. In his Student-PARTNERS project Policy 2006). In March 2007, the Inter- sored Teachers Experiencing Antarctica and (www.whrc.org/studentpartners), Holmes national Polar Year (IPY) will begin, and the Arctic (TEA), a program enabling K– is working with arctic residents to collect education and outreach will be a signifi cant 12 teachers to participate in polar research year-round samples from these rivers, and part of the IPY effort and legacy. The OPP expeditions. Thirty-nine teachers worked students, teachers, and communities are and EHR directorates are working together on arctic research projects through TEA becoming integral partners in the research. during IPY to support integration of NSF- sponsorship. See Witness Spring 2003 or Supporting visiting scientifi c experts funded research with education to contrib- http://tea.armadaproject.org/. In response to share their knowledge with communi- ute to the development of the next genera- to requests from researchers who wanted ties and schools is another way to improve tion of scientists and engineers. Proposals to host teachers in the fi eld, OPP funded research and education connections on the to a joint OPP-EHR special solicitation for ARCUS and VECO Polar Resources (VPR; local level. One such program, funded by IPY were received 1 May 2006; under the see page 11) to continue and expand the NSF, is ARCUS’ Arctic Visiting Speak- education emphasis area, proposals could

2 Integrating Research and Education address formal science education experiences for K–12 teachers and undergradu- Advancing Science Education Through Teacher ate or graduate students, informal science Research Experiences in the Arctic education for the broader public, and coordination and communication for IPY fter a nationwide search, eight teachers have been selected to take part in the 2006 education projects. See www.nsf.gov/publi- ATeachers and Researchers Exploring and Collaborating (TREC; see Witness Winter cations/pub_summ.jsp?ods_key=nsf06534. 2004/2005) program, which pairs K–12 teachers with researchers to improve science OPP plans to continue this emphasis of education through arctic fi eld experiences and Internet connections to classrooms and the linking research with education beyond public. TREC teachers work side-by-side with scientists during the spring and summer IPY 2007–2008 and to measure the out- on fi eld projects investigating topics such as tundra ecology, marine biology, atmospheric comes of these investments to inform chemistry, and climate change. future plans. These measures are a fi rst step The fi rst 2006 expedition began in early May—Samantha Dassler-Barlow, a middle in “rising above the gathering storm.” school science teacher from North Carolina, and Patricia Janes, an editor for Scholastic For more information, see the Arctic Inc., joined Lee Cooper, a professor at the University of Tennessee, on board the U.S. Research and Education website: www. Coast Guard Cutter Healy. They spent fi ve weeks on this icebreaker investigating ecologi- nsf.gov/funding/pgm_summ.jsp?pims_ cal changes in the Bering Sea that are occurring as the climate warms. id=13448&org=ARC, or contact Renée Other TREC fi eld projects and locations this spring and summer include investigation Crain ([email protected]; 703-292-8029). of prehistoric human-environment interactions in the Kuril Islands of Russia; atmospheric Renée Crain is the Assistant Program chemistry on the Greenland Ice Sheet; ancient dinosaur ecosystems on Alaska’s North Offi cer for Arctic Research and Education in Slope; climate change in Svalbard, Norway; and two tundra ecology projects at Toolik the NSF Offi ce of Polar Programs. Field Station in Alaska. Extensive planning is necessary to ensure that the teachers are fully prepared and able References to effectively communicate their experiences to classroom and public audiences. Before Domestic Policy Council, Offi ce of departing for the fi eld, TREC provides an intensive Science and Technology Policy. orientation consisting of several webmeetings with 2006. American Competitiveness all teacher and researcher participants, as well as a Initiative. www.ostp.gov/html/ face-to-face workshop. Through these interactions, ACIBooklet.pdf. teachers learn about safety in the fi eld, journaling, Committee on Prospering in the using technologies for communicating via the Inter- Global Economy of the 21st Century. 2006. Rising Above The net, and public outreach. Each teacher also spends Gathering Storm: Energizing and considerable time planning how to convey their Employing America for a Brighter experiences and the knowledge they gain to their Economic Future. Washington, students—these ideas are incorporated into an edu- DC: National Academies Press. cation plan that the teachers will implement in the 504 pages. www.nap.edu/cata- year following their fi eld expedition. log/11463.html. While teachers are in the fi eld, TREC’s outreach National Science Board. 2006. Sci- elements leverage the appeal of the Arctic to audience and Engineering Indicators ences of all ages around the world. Teachers and 2006. Two volumes. Arlington, researchers communicate their experiences through VA: National Science Founda- the Virtual Base Camp, a section of the TREC tion. 521 pages. www.nsf.gov/ statistics/seind06/. website allowing participants to share their daily National Science Foundation. activities in an online journal and photo gallery and 2000. National Science Founda- answer questions from students and the public. Dur- tion Government Performance ing live calls from the fi eld, participants use Horizon and Results Act (GPRA) Strategic Wimba, a software platform customized for TREC, Plan for FY 2001–2006. www. that enables live audio web-conferencing, online pre- nsf.gov/pubs/2001/nsf0104/start.htm. sentations, Internet touring, application sharing, polling, and private and public text chat. To complement the fi eld experience, TREC has built a sustained learning environ- Photo above right: As part of an oceanography lab, high school students in Virginia conduct a sediment settling ment for teachers and researchers and supports integration of research experiences and rate experiment. Through the TREC program, their inquiry-based approaches into classroom curriculum through online seminars, an e-mail teacher, Steve Marshall, participated in a June 2005 listserve, and teacher peer groups. As a result of their time in the fi eld together, teachers expedition to the Arctic Ocean aboard the U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Healy. While on board, Marshall worked and researchers continue to collaborate and discuss current science issues, content, and with scientists conducting sediment core research and technology resources long after they return. collected samples that his students used in this and other For more information, see www.arcus.org/TREC or contact Janet Warburton at experiments. Knowing that they were working with “real” sediment from the Arctic considerably increased student ARCUS ([email protected]; 907-474-1600). interest in the class. Photo courtesy of Steve Marshall.

3 Arctic Social Sciences Program

Study Explores Social Effects of TB in Southwest Alaska

project funded by the NSF Arctic tion has been given to the social suffering of the ways that Alaska Native people lived ASocial Sciences program entitled experienced by individuals, kin, and com- and died. White Plague: A Historical Ethnography munities as a result of the disease. The After data analysis is complete, Green of Tuberculosis Among Yup’ik Peoples ways indigenous people responded in their will write a historical ethnography focusing of Southwestern Alaska examines the everyday lives to the desolate circumstances on how processes of modernity—specifi - social effects of tuberculosis (TB). This and public health interventions have cally, changing public health and medi- disease was endemic in the Alaska Native largely gone unexplored. Linda Green, an cal policies and practices—infl uenced a population during the 19th century. Due anthropologist at the University of Ari- reworking of Alaska Native identity, social to increasingly sustained contact with zona, leads the Alaska-based research team relations, and social organization. Collab- outsiders, by the mid 20th century it had collecting oral histories from community orative local history projects and a museum reached epidemic proportions, devastating members in three villages—Hooper Bay, exhibit now in the planning stages will many rural communities. In the 1930s, Chevak, and Nunapichuk—in the Yukon- focus on the many-faceted role of TB in the one out of three Alaska Natives died of Kuskokwim Delta and interviewing public lives of Yup’ik people in the 20th century. TB. In southwestern Alaska, Yup’ik people health and medical practitioners who pro- Understanding lessons of the past as had one of the highest reported incidence vided services to those with TB. In all three well as present patterns of social develop- and prevalence rates in the world. By the communities, the research team has been ment through the lens of TB is important 1950s, it was estimated that one out of enthusiastically supported by the tribal to the well-being of arctic and sub-arctic every thirty indigenous Alaskans was in a councils, mayor and city council offi ces, residents, in both health policy develop- tuberculosis sanatorium, most located out- schools, elders, and community members. ment and health care delivery. This explora- side of Alaska in the Seattle/Tacoma area, One objective of Green’s research is to tion of TB and control of the disease gives remaining there for two or more years. examine the complex relationship between insight into the ways in which diseases are Until the mid to late 1950s there were not Alaskan Natives and modern western med- both biological and social entities and the enough TB beds in Alaska to treat all the icine from the perspective of indigenous unacknowledged consequences of health patients; people often had to wait several people in rural areas. Documenting these care policies and practices on peoples’ lives. years to be admitted. At this time, the encounters with TB and western medi- Green worked as a public health nurse Alaska Native death rate for TB was about cine provides information on the social and TB consultant for the state of Alaska in 673 out of 100,000 compared to about 18 transformations that have affected Alaska the late 1970s and early 1980s. Since then, out of 100,000 for whites in the U.S. Native well-being over the 20th century she has worked as a social-cultural anthro- By the mid 1950s, a massive public and how these transformations continue to pologist in rural Guatemala examining the health campaign against TB in Alaska was affect people and their communities today. effects of political and structural violence well underway, and within two decades Another project objective is to investigate on the Mayan Indian population. dramatic improvement occurred in both how medical ideologies and practices For more information, contact Linda morbidity and mortality rates with the developed at the territorial Green ([email protected]; 520- introduction of intensive control efforts, (later state) and federal levels. The study 621-6291). including chemotherapy, quarantine examines how measures, and surveillance. By the 1970s, western notions of tuberculosis was no longer the primary modernity, progress, cause of death among Alaska Natives. Even and the indigenous after over 40 years of public health inter- “other” infl uenced vention, however, tuberculosis remains public health and a signifi cant and serious chronic health medical ideologies problem among Alaska Natives. In 2000, and interventions the active case rate in Alaska was 17.2 out with regard to TB of 100,000, which was the highest rate in and Alaska Natives. the U.S. The majority of these cases were Crucial to such an among the indigenous population. Each explication is an year since 2000, the incidence rate has understanding of fallen, but in Alaska the case rates remain how the forces and substantially higher than in the U.S. popu- structures of western lation at large. scientifi c knowledge Although it is widely known that and public health TB ravaged rural Alaska communities policy contributed In July 2005, Elders in Hooper Bay shared stories and memories of how the TB epidem- throughout the 20th century, little atten- to a transformation ics affected them, their families, and the community. Photo by Ole Lake.

4 Arctic Social Sciences Program

Project Reveals Saami Prehistory in Coastal Sweden

he Saami (also spelled “Sámi”) num- of 50 features including dwellings, cairns Black Death, and the onset of the Little Ice Tber approximately 80,000 people liv- (manmade piles of stone) for storage, stone Age. It is likely that changed ice conditions ing in Norway, Sweden, Finland, and the alignments (reindeer, sheep, or goat enclo- made traditional sealing more diffi cult. In Kola Peninsula in Russia. Studies of Saami sures), livestock sheds, and circular ritual response to all the forces of change, Saami DNA suggest their ancestral population features. Some small grave cairns with dependencies on domesticated reindeer separated long ago from other European cremations have also been documented increased after the 14th century in the inte- populations. The Saami, or Lappish, lan- nearby. rior and mountain regions. guage consists of nine dialects belonging to The major breakthrough in arguing In Norway and the Kola Peninsula, the Finno-Ugric language family. the case for Saami coastal settlement came Saami territory still extends along thou- In Sweden, Saami land-use rights have though an unexpected fi nd in one of the sands of kilometers of northern coasts. been restricted to reindeer ownership as a huts at Grundskatan—a deposition of According to the Icelandic and Norwegian result of government policies, and herding animal bones under a small cairn built sagas from the 1100–1200s, the Saami has de facto become a key symbol of Saami into the corner of a dwelling. All the bur- lived as far south as Hadeland in Norway, identity. Lapland as an administrative ied bones, which were from a single adult 20 km northwest of Oslo. The Saami or region has served as a means for preserving brown bear, had been cut up and ritually their ancestors were known to have for- a nomadic herding lifestyle and separat- buried in accordance with Saami bear cer- merly occupied nearly the whole of Finland ing the Saami from Swedish settlers. These emonialism. The bear bones radiocarbon and were even as far south as the Western policies depict Saami territory in Sweden dated to approximately A.D. 870. This Dvina (Daugava) River in Latvia. This as limited to the northernmost and interior ritual bear burial shows that the people project is helping to demonstrate that the regions of the country. who had occupied these huts were unques- Saami once lived from the mountains to With support from the NSF Arctic tionably Saami. the coasts in Sweden and much farther Social Sciences Program, Noel Broadbent The distribution of metal artifacts in south than historical records have sug- of the Smithsonian Institution Arctic Upper Norrland from the Late Iron Age gested. Archaeological research is helping Studies Center (see Witness Spring 1998) (A.D. 400–1100) corresponds with water- the Saami know their ancient pasts and to initiated a three-year project in 2004 pur- ways and eskers (gravel ridges deposited better assert their indigenous identities and suing the archaeological evidence of Saami by water fl owing under glaciers), which rights today. settlement and land-use in coastal Sweden. refl ect both trade routes and settlement For more information, see www.mnh2. The Search for a Past is one of the fi rst areas in the interior and on the coast. It si.edu/arctic/features/saami/index.html, or projects to pursue the Saami past outside of is hardly a coincidence that the two main contact Noel D. Broadbent (broadben@ Lapland. The primary area of investigation rivers in Västerbotten have Saami si.edu; 202-633-1904). has been in coastal Västerbotten, about names—Skellefte and Ume. 800 km north of Stockholm (see map). There are some 25 registered In the summer of 2005, Saami sites were metal artifacts from coastal also investigated at Hornslandet in coastal Västerbotten. Half of these fi nds Hälsingland, which is only 300 km north have direct parallels to artifacts of Stockholm. found at Saami sacrifi cial sites in The sites are characterized by hut com- Upper Norrland’s interior. The plexes situated in outer coastal areas, espe- fi nds of sheep and goat bones, cially on peninsulas or islands. The huts are as well as livestock sheds and generally oval in shape, 4 m by corrals, suggest that the coastal 5 m in size, with low cobble walls and Saami had combined seal hunt- central hearths. The huts radiocarbon ing with husbandry. Mercantile date to A.D. 800–1300, the Viking Period, interest in seal oil may have been although some date to as early as A.D. 400. an important factor behind inten- Bone material shows them to have been sifi ed seal hunting during the used by seal hunters, but there are also Viking Period. bones of sheep, goats, birds, and small Saami coastal sealing and game. The dwellings often cluster in groups trading in Sweden came to an of three to fi ve structures and are very simi- end in the fi rst half of the 14th lar in appearance to the so-called “Stalo” century. A number of forces huts from the Swedish mountain regions converged at this time: aggres- The Search for a Past project is investigating archaeological evidence of where the Saami hunted reindeer. The sive Swedish agrarian expansion, Saami settlement in coastal Sweden. The highlighted rectangle indicates Grundskatan site in Västerbotten consists church and state domination, the overall research area and red stars mark individual sites.

5 Arctic System Science Program

ARCSS Investigators Contribute to Synthesis Efforts

he Arctic System Science (ARCSS) thesis supported by the new SASS funding, and future priorities and activities, includ- TProgram focuses on understanding the each of these efforts is pursuing synthesis ing those of the ARCSS Communities of fundamental characteristics, dynamics, and and integration within and among its com- Practice. The AC made tentative plans to controlling principles of the arctic system ponent projects, as well as with the larger convene an All-Hands Workshop in 2007. through support of key ﬁ eld research and ARCSS and arctic research communities. Josh Schimel of the University of Califor- integration and synthesis of knowledge nia, Santa Barbara, assumed the chair of from past and ongoing studies. Seattle Meetings the AC and Jonathan Overpeck rotated ARCSS funding currently supports Three groups of ARCSS investigators met to the position of past chair. Additional a number of organized research efforts: in March 2006 in Seattle, Washington. information about ARCSS activities will Synthesis of Arctic System Science (SASS; Researchers supported by SNACS and be announced through the ARCSS website see below), Study of the Northern Alaska SASS funding met both separately and and listserve. Coastal System (SNACS; see page 8), together to share information on project For more information or to subscribe to Freshwater Integration (FWI; see page 8), plans and discuss overarching themes and the ARCSS listserve, see: www.arcus.org/ Western Arctic Shelf-Basin Interactions linkages between projects and approaches ARCSS, or contact Josh Schimel (schimel@ (SBI; see page 9), Human Dimensions for synthesis. The associated meeting of the lifesci.ucsb.edu; 805-893-7688), Neil of the Arctic System (HARC; see Witness ARCSS Committee (AC) included an open Swanberg ([email protected]; 703-292- Winter 2004/2005), and Paleoenviron- session with presentations covering com- 8029), or Helen Wiggins (helen@arcus. mental Arctic Sciences (PARCS; see page munity science activities and discussions on org; 907-474-1600). 7). In addition to the explicit focus on syn- science goals and questions, key unknowns,

New ARCSS Projects Pursue System-scale Synthesis

he need for an integrated understand- Regions Research and Engineering Labo- of Colorado [CU]), M. Steele (UW) Ting of the arctic system has increased ratory [CRREL]), B. Light (University $641,545. as the pace of arctic change has accelerated. of Washington [UW]), H. Eicken (UAF) • Arctic Surface Air Temperatures for the The fi eld research and analysis and inte- $1,142,867. Past 100 Years: Analysis and Recon- gration activities that began with the start • Greening of the Arctic: Synthesis and struction of an Integrated Data Set for of the ARCSS Program in 1989 provide Models to Examine the Effects of Arctic System Science. I. Rigor (UW) a robust foundation for a major synthesis Climate, Sea Ice, and Terrain on Cir- $533,128. effort. Following on the 2003 and 2004 cumpolar Vegetation Change. D. A. • Synthesis of Modes of Ocean-Ice- ARCSS workshops on synthesis (see Wit- Walker (UAF), H. Epstein (University of Atmosphere Covariability in the Arctic ness Winter 2004/2005), NSF issued an Virginia) $888,368. System from Multivariate Century-Scale ARCSS solicitation in November 2004 for • A Synthesis of Rapid Meltwater and Ice Observations. M. Miles (Environmental proposals on synthesis, focused explicitly Discharge Changes: Large Forcings from Systems Analysis Research Center), M. on questions that link multiple system the Ice with Impacts on Global Sea Level Serreze (CU) $366,319. components and processes across a range and North Atlantic Freshwater Budgets. The Synthesis of Arctic System Science of temporal and spatial scales. In response, M. Fahnestock (University of New (SASS) investigators have held two online NSF received 76 proposals for 34 separate Hampshire [UNH]), M. Truffer (UAF), meetings to begin discussing approaches projects totaling $25 million and was able R. Alley (Pennsylvania State University for synthesis and integration among SASS to fund nine major projects with 22 awards [PSU]), J. Box (Ohio State University projects; the March 2006 meeting in totalling $7.037 million over three years: [OSU]), S. Das (Woods Hole Oceano- Seattle advanced this planning and collabo- • Synthesis of Arctic System Carbon Cycle graphic Institution [WHOI]), I. Joughin ration. In December 2005, ARCSS issued a Research Through Model-Data Fusion (UW) $878,230. second SASS solicitation (available at www. Studies Using Atmospheric Inversion • Heterogeneity and Resilience of Human- nsf.gov/pubs/2006/nsf06523/nsf06523. and Process-Based Approaches. A. D. Rangifer Systems: A Circumpolar Social- htm). Proposals were due 24 March 2006. McGuire (University of Alaska Fairbanks Ecological Synthesis. G. Kofi nas (UAF) NSF anticipates making fi ve to ten awards [UAF]), J. Melillo (Marine Biological $750,296. totalling $7 million over three years. Laboratory [MBL]), Q. Zhuang (MBL), • Humans and Hydrology at High Lati- For more information, see the SASS M. Follows (Massachusetts Institute of tudes. R. Lammers (UNH), D. White website: www.arcus.org/ARCSS/SASS, or Technology [MIT]) $1,179,591. (UAF) $657,025. contact Neil Swanberg ([email protected]; • Sunlight and the Arctic Atmosphere- • A Heat Budget Analysis of the Arctic 703-292-8029), or Helen Wiggins (helen@ Ice-Ocean System. D. Perovich (Cold Climate System. M. Serreze (University arcus.org; 907-474-1600).

6 Arctic System Science Program

PARCS Synthesizes Records to Describe Past Climates

he Paleoenvironmental Arctic Sci- and the impacts of warmer conditions on PAGES) project, to summarize the state of Tences (PARCS; 1999–2005) program the arctic system. A major international knowledge pertaining to the last intergla- straddled two NSF programs, Arctic Sys- synthesis of paleoenvironmental records ciation (LIG; 125,000–130,000 years ago). tem Science (ARCSS) and Earth System from 140 sites in the western Arctic This synthesis showed that LIG warming History (ESH), to coordinate research (0–180° W; Kaufman et al. 2004) provided was strongest over the North Atlantic and efforts aimed at understanding paleoenvi- clear evidence for an HTM episode at 120 Eurasia (fi gure 2). Sea level was also consid- ronmental changes in the Arctic and how of the sites (fi gure 1). Alaska and northwest erably higher, and the size of the Greenland they relate to the arctic system and Earth Canada experienced the HTM around Ice Sheet was reduced. systems in general. The program supported 9,000–11,000 years ago, while warming in a data management offi ce that coordinated northeast Canada lagged by about 4,000 with the National Oceanic and Atmo- years, probably in part because of the spheric Administration (NOAA) Paleocli- chilling effects of the lingering Lauren- matology program to maintain a web-based tide Ice Sheet. This spatial asymmetry is data archive and interactive presentations similar to the pattern of warming seen in of PARCS syntheses. This includes georef- the Arctic over the past several decades, erenced databases and maps, as specifi ed by suggesting a preferred mode of variabil- the ESH 2003 science plan for the Arctic ity in the atmospheric circulation that (www.ncdc.noaa.gov/paleo/parcs/syntheses. html). PARCS synthesis results and ongoing related research concentrate on three major topical areas. High-resolution climate variability. Recent results based on the synthesis of a 600-year record have demonstrated that Figure 2. Maximum summer temperature (differences high-resolution (annual to decadal) proxy relative to present) during the last interglaciation derived climate records from the Arctic preserve a from paleotemperature proxies (CAPE in press). signature of summer temperature that is related to both global mean temperature Although funding to support the and the Arctic Oscillation. The study is PARCS offi ce and science steering commit- based on an analysis of 144 sites and shows tee expired 31 October 2005, the ARCSS multiple modes of variability. A manuscript Program still supports the data manage- reporting these fi ndings is in prepara- ment function of several synthesis projects. tion. To continue this research, a group Members of the arctic paleosciences com- of investigators recently received funding munity are encouraged to work with other through the ARCSS Program to develop ARCSS researchers to form new Commu- and synthesize high- resolution proxy nities of Practice to integrate paleosciences climate records from 30 lakes across the into other Arctic System Science research Figure 1. Spatio-temporal pattern of the Holocene ther- North American Arctic. This project will initiatives. mal maximum (HTM) in the western Arctic. A. Initia- For more information, see the PARCS nearly triple the number of high-resolution and B. termination of the HTM. Gray dots indicate www.ncdc.noaa.gov/paleo/parcs, tion, 2,000-year-long proxy climate records equivocal evidence for the HTM. Dot colors indicate website: bracketing ages of the HTM, which are contoured using or contact Darrell Kaufman (darrell. currently available and will enhance the the same color scheme. From Kaufman et al. 2004. [email protected]; 928-523-7192), Glen understanding of the magnitude and mech- MacDonald ([email protected]; anisms of arctic temperature variability. generates a recurrent pattern of warming 310-825-2568), or Matt Duvall (matt@ Holocene thermal maximum. During under positive radiative forcing. A parallel consulair.com; 207-795-5097). the early to middle Holocene, much of synthesis effort is underway for the eastern the Arctic experienced temperatures that Arctic, and all of the data compiled by the References were warmer than present, probably due to HTM groups will be available through the CAPE Last Interglacial Project Members. In a summer anomaly 10,000–12,000 years PARCS data archive. press. Last interglacial arctic warmth confi rms ago; summer temperatures were generally Last interglaciation. In the fall of 2002, polar amplifi cation of climate change. Qua- 1–2°C warmer than today. Describing the PARCS hosted a meeting of the Circum- ternary Science Reviews. pattern of the Holocene thermal maximum arctic Paleoenvironments (CAPE) initia- Kaufman, D. S. et al. 2004. Holocene thermal (HTM) provides clues to the processes that tive, an International Geosphere-Biosphere maximum in the western Arctic (0–180° W). modulate the effects of radiative forcing Programme - Past Global Changes (IGBP- Quaternary Science Reviews 23:529–560.

7 Arctic System Science Program

FWI Working Groups Begin Synthesis

ince 2002, the ARCSS Program has der (ocean). The Budgeteers group has a In addition to its support for FWI Sfunded 22 projects to answer key ques- paper in review at Journal of Geophysical synthesis efforts, the Community-Wide tions associated with the arctic hydrological Research–Oceans. Hydrological Analysis and Monitoring cycle from a multidisciplinary perspective The Changes and Attributions working Program (Arctic-CHAMP) Science Man- under the Freshwater Integration study group is documenting changes to the arctic agement Offi ce (SMO) has coordinated (FWI; see Witness Spring 2004). A primary hydrologic cycle, working to understand and facilitated several other FWI activities, goal of FWI is the synthesis and integra- the source of the changes, and developing including: tion of available data and modeling studies predictive simulations of feedbacks to the • annual FWI All-Hands meetings, to reveal processes, linkages, and causes of Earth and human systems. Working group • assisting FWI investigators to organize variability in the arctic terrestrial, atmo- chairs are Marika Holland, National Cen- three special sessions on arctic hydrol- sphere, and upper-ocean hydrologic cycle. ter for Atmospheric Research (global pro- ogy at the 2004 and 2005 American The FWI investigators have begun a formal cesses), Jennifer Francis, Rutgers University Geophysical Union (AGU) meetings synthesis and integration effort, using a (atmosphere), Craig Lee, University of Col- and a press conference on Arctic Climate team-based approach, to achieve synthesis orado (ocean), Max Holmes, Woods Hole Change and the Intensifying Hydrologic within projects, between projects, and with Research Center (land), and Dan White, Cycle at the 2004 meeting, the greater arctic research community. University of Alaska Fairbanks (impacts). • organizing an August 2005 FWI work- Following community discussions, The Changes and Attributions group is shop on hydrologic responses to degrad- including sessions at the 2004 FWI All- compiling an online table of observed and ing permafrost, attended by 31 scientists Hands meeting in Woods Hole, Massachu- projected changes and impacts (see http:// from four nations, and setts, two working groups are leading the arcticchamp.sr.unh.edu/synthesis/Working- • planning for an FWI All-Hands synthe- FWI synthesis and integration activities. Groups/Changes/index.shtml). The table sis workshop in 2007 as well as a second, The Budgeteers working group is quan- includes annotated bibliographies, summa- international workshop during the Inter- tifying stocks and fl uxes, comparing and ries, fi gures, and data sets for each cluster national Polar Year 2007–2008. evaluating budgets, and identifying gaps of variables (land, atmosphere, ocean), and For more information, see the Arctic- in data; working group chairs are Mark community contributions and discussion CHAMP website: http://arcticchamp. Serreze, University of Colorado at Boulder are welcome. An article planned for Eos sr.unh.edu, or contact Jonathan Pundsack (atmosphere subgroup), Richard Lammers, will highlight progress in the FWI strategy ([email protected]; 603-862- University of New Hampshire (land), and for synthesis. 0552). Craig Lee, University of Colorado at Boul-

SNACS Commences Field Work on Northern Alaska Coast

n 2004, the ARCSS Program funded six the lead that was later successfully used by enabling sharing of helicopter and ground Iprojects under the Study of the North- several whaling crews. Participating groups transport and exchange of information ern Alaska Coastal System (SNACS; see included: within the SNACS group and with other Witness Winter 2004/2005) to investigate • two SNACS projects, led by Matthew research projects working in the area. coastal processes with the larger goal of Sturm and Rob Rhew; SNACS investigators participated understanding how interactions and link- • several projects affi liated with the in the March 2006 ARCSS meetings in ages in all arctic coastal regions affect arctic international, multidisciplinary Ocean- Seattle, Washington (see page 6), to dis- and global systems. Most of the SNACS Atmosphere-Sea Ice-Snowpack (OASIS) cuss approaches to larger scale synthesis fi eld work is located near Barrow, Alaska, program (see Witness Spring 2003); and and integration. Tom Douglas of the Cold to enable a high degree of collaboration • a project using a remotely operated Aero- Regions Research and Engineering Lab in and coordination among the projects. sonde aircraft to observe the atmosphere Alaska has agreed to act as the SNACS The SNACS winter fi eld work cul- and sea ice surface, funded by Arctic synthesis coordinator. minated in a large experiment at an open Research Support and Logistics (see For more information, see the SNACS lead off-shore of Barrow in March 2005. pages 10–14) . website: www.arcus.org/arcss/snacs, or con- About 30 scientists affi liated with multiple The experiments resulted in a session with tact Tom Douglas (Thomas.A.Douglas@ projects and institutions gathered data on 50 abstracts at the 2005 American Geo- erdc.usace.army.mil; 907-353-9555), Neil the transfer of chemicals and water vapor physical Union (AGU) fall meeting. Swanberg ([email protected]; 703-292- from the ocean to the air and land. The All six of the SNACS projects worked 8029), or Helen Wiggins (helen@arcus. collaborators also built an ice road to access in the Barrow area in late summer 2005, org; 907-474-1600).

8 Arctic System Science Program

SBI Plans for Synthesis and Modeling Phase

he Western Arctic Shelf-Basin Inter- Currently in its fi nal year, the major • development of pan-arctic models suit- Tactions (SBI) project is a multi-year, goals of Phase II are to investigate: able for simulating scenarios of the interdisciplinary effort to investigate the • physical modifi cations of North Pacifi c impacts of climate change on shelf-basin impact of climate change on the physi- and other waters on the Chukchi shelf interactions, and cal and biological linkages between the and slope, and exchanges of these waters • aggregation of SBI results with datasets arctic shelves and adjacent ocean basins. across the shelf and slope; and from other projects to produce new This program is supported by the ARCSS • biogeochemical modifi cations of North composite datasets that will contribute Program and the Offi ce of Naval Research Pacifi c and other waters over the Chuk- to regional and pan-arctic environmental (ONR). The SBI project (see Witness chi and Beaufort shelf and slope areas, change assessments. Spring 2003) is progressing in three phases with an emphasis on carbon, nutrients, The SBI Advisory Committee and over ten years: and key organisms that represent a suite ARCSS Committee are collaborating in • Phase I (1998–2001; 31 principal inves- of trophic levels. developing plans for SBI Phase III. A series tigators [PIs], 18 projects): retrospective In addition, Phase II included comparative of face-to-face and virtual meetings have analysis and synthesis, opportunistic fi eld studies over the wide Chukchi and narrow provided opportunities for comment on investigations, and modeling; Beaufort shelves and adjacent slopes to these plans, as did an open meeting at • Phase II (2002–2006; 40 PIs, 14 proj- facilitate extrapolation and integration of the February 2006 Ocean Sciences meet- ects): fi eld program in the Bering Strait the western Amerasian Arctic into a pan- ing in Honolulu, Hawaii. The commit- region and over the outer shelf and slope arctic perspective. tees hope that NSF will be able to release in the Chukchi and Beaufort Seas, com- In December 2005, Deep Sea Research an announcement of opportunity that plemented by biophysical modeling; and II published the fi rst special issue on SBI includes SBI Phase III objectives in 2006. • Phase III (2007–2009): synthesis and project results; 23 papers presented an For more information, see the SBI web- integration of data into conceptual overview of the project and its results to site: http://sbi.utk.edu, or contact Jackie and numerical models to improve date. Several additional special volumes are Grebmeier ([email protected]; 865-974- understanding of the arctic system and anticipated in the future. 2592). capability of predicting climate change Current plans for SBI Phase III (2007– impacts on shelf-basin interactions. 2009) activities include:

Workshop Aims To Improve US/Russian Collaboration

he Russian-American Initiative for and Development Foundation (see www. Recommendations to improve col- TLand-Shelf Environments (RAISE) crdf.org). laborative research opportunities included facilitates collaborative research between A number of existing challenges for increasing research funding and training Russian and American scientists work- scientists planning fi eld research in the support for emerging scientists proposing ing to understand processes and events in Russian Arctic were identifi ed, including: to work in the Russian Arctic and identify- terrestrial, shelf, and ocean environments • logistics, ing information resources that are relevant in northern Eurasia within the context of • import and export regulations for to those initiating new collaborations. global environmental change. Created in samples and equipment, Databases, such as the International Arctic 1995, RAISE is supported by the ARCSS • permitting, Science Committee’s International Sci- Program and the Russian Federation for • funding for Russian collaborators, and ence Initiative in the Russian Arctic, that Basic Research (see Witness Autumn 2001). • the lack of many high-level agreements provide names and contact information In June 2005, the RAISE Science between the U.S. and Russia supporting for scientists working on projects in this Management Offi ce sponsored a work- joint research efforts. region were recognized as useful resources. shop exploring the challenges that need It was also noted that successful col- Participants also noted the importance of to be met in order to improve the capac- laborations are often the result of existing communicating the need for collaborative ity of U.S. and Russian scientists to work personal relationships between U.S. and research to policy makers and the public. together on arctic research problems. Russian scientists that date back to the A workshop report and a news feature Participants included a cross-section of Soviet era. In other cases, Russian émigrés for Eos describing selected recommenda- U.S. and Russian fi eld scientists, agency living in the U.S. take lead roles in fi eld tions are planned. and Russian Academy representatives, and programs because of their Russian language For more information, see the RAISE representatives of VECO Polar Resources skills and knowledge of government per- website: http://arctic.bio.utk.edu/RAISE/ (see page 11) and the Civilian Research mitting requirements. index.html, or contact Lee Cooper (lcoo- [email protected], 865-974-2990).

9 Arctic Research Support and Logistics

Study Outlines Plans for Arctic Observing Network

any of the efforts underway to decision makers understand what is hap- than others, it will be critical to engage Madvance understanding of the Arctic pening and, as appropriate, adopt adapta- all arctic nations from the outset. During call for improved observational capabilities. tion and mitigation measures. Because the IPY, there will be a burst of new and To guide these improvements, the NSF many potential components of the AON intensive internationally coordinated moni- Offi ce of Polar Programs (OPP) sponsored already exist or are being planned, and toring for a two-year period that will help a two-year National Academies study to because of the projected surge of activity jump-start the AON. In addition, emerg- outline the potential scope, composition, during the International Polar Year (IPY) ing activities including and implementation strategy for an arctic 2007–2008, there is an immediate oppor- • the Global Earth Observation System observing network (AON; see Witness tunity for major progress. of Systems (GEOSS; see www.epa.gov/ Winter 2004/2005). The 18-member study geoss/index.html), committee, which was overseen by the Key Recommendations • the interagency Study of Environmental Polar Research Board (PRB; see page 22), The report makes two overarching recom- Arctic Change (SEARCH; see page 17), released its report, Toward an Integrated mendations: • the International Study of Arctic Change Arctic Observing Network, in May 2006 1. The AON should be initiated using (ISAC; see page 17), and (http://fermat.nap.edu/catalog/11607. existing activities and with the fl exibility • the Arctic Council’s proposed consor- html). and resources to expand and improve to tium for Coordination of Observation To conduct its work, the study commit- satisfy current and future scientifi c and and Monitoring of the Arctic for Assess- tee hosted meetings in Washington, D.C., operational needs. In its initial phase, ment and Research (COMAAR; www. Anchorage, Alaska, and Copenhagen, Den- the AON should monitor selected key ans.kiruna.se/meetings/comaar/info. mark, between October 2004 and Septem- variables consistently across the arctic htm) ber 2005. The committee: system. will provide timely opportunities to • developed an overarching philosophy 2. Work to design and implement an inter- enhance and better coordinate the AON and conceptual foundation for an internationally coordinated AON should through access to international partners national AON, begin immediately to take advantage of and capabilities. • reviewed the purposes and extent of a unique window of opportunity created For more information, see the Arctic existing and planned global observing by IPY. Observing Network website: http://dels. systems and platforms, In a third, multifaceted recommenda- nas.edu/prb/aon/, or contact study director • highlighted critical spatial, temporal, or tion, the report outlines four essential Paul Cutler ([email protected]; 202-334- disciplinary gaps, functions of the AON that would operate 3479). • identifi ed key variables of importance to in parallel, build on existing resources, and the Arctic, serve the interests of all participants: • described the infrastructure and 1. observing system development (which NSF Seeks Observing approach needed to create a includes assessing complete coverage, Network Proposals comprehensive AON, system design and optimization, tech- • addressed the need for sound data and nology development, and sensor and In February 2006, the NSF Offi ce of information management and access, observer deployment); Polar Programs (OPP) and Directorate and 2. data acquisition (which includes main- for Education and Human Resources • recommended ways to coordinate taining existing observational capabilities (EHR) released a program solicitation in implementation and operation of an and fi lling critical gaps); anticipation of the International Polar AON in an international setting. 3. data management, integration, access, Year 2007–2008. The research emphasis The study concludes that an integrated, and dissemination; and areas in the solicitation are: complete, dynamic, and multidisciplinary 4. network maintenance and sustainability • ice sheet history and dynamics; environmental observing network will (which includes network and observa- • biological adaptations at the cellular improve society’s understanding of and tion sustainability, personnel develop- and genomic level to life in extreme ability to respond to ongoing systemic ment, coordination and integration cold and prolonged darkness; and changes in the Arctic and its capability to regionally and globally, and • the arctic observing network. anticipate, predict, and respond to future communication). The solicitation is available at www. change both in the Arctic and around the The report includes recommendations on nsf.gov/publications/pub_summ. globe. The data fl owing from an AON steps toward these four essential functions. jsp?ods_key=nsf06534; proposals were could contribute to a wide range of pro- Building the AON will require inter- due 1 May 2006. Information on the grams and activities, including research national cooperation and support. Because emphasis areas for education can be studies, decision-support tools, and inte- some areas of the Arctic have more devel- found on pages 2–3. grated environmental assessments that help oped monitoring and information systems

10 Arctic Research Support and Logistics

NSF Arctic Logistics Contract Awarded to VECO USA

n February 2004, NSF solicited propos- ings and conduct conductivity tempera- Wildlife Refuge began in February. VPR Ials for research support and logistics ture depth (CTD) and hydrographic provided fi xed-wing charters, expedition providers for the Offi ce of Polar Programs surveys from a sea ice camp near the food and fuel, camping equipment, and (OPP) Arctic Sciences Section. In Febru- North Pole (http://psc.apl.washington. trail resupply throughout the trip (http:// ary 2005, the contract was re-awarded to edu/northpole/index.html); polarhusky.com/home.asp). VECO USA. VECO USA has been the • staging of a fi eld camp on King Island Other plans for 2006 include support- arctic logistics contractor since 1999 (see and base camp at Cape Woolley to sup- ing the test of a deep ice sheet coring drill Witness Winter 2000/2001) when the port a group documenting the tradi- designed by Ice Coring and Drilling Ser- OPP Arctic Section established the Arctic tional ecological knowledge of the King vices at the University of Wisconsin. The Research Support and Logistics Program. Island community (see Witness Winter drill is designed to obtain high quality ice The new contract has an estimated value 2004/2005; http://oregonstate.edu/dept/ cores continuously from the surface to a of $93 million over seven years, which anthropology/faculty/kingston/king_ depth of at least 3,800 m. VPR pre-staged includes three contract years plus up to island/king_island.htm); equipment and infrastructure at the test four one-year awards based on perfor- • infrastructure upgrades in support of site near Summit Station and is support- mance. The prior contract was a three-year research at the Barrow Environmental ing the drill team and around-the-clock contract with two one-year extensions. Observatory, including installation of drilling activities from May through July. Three companies—VECO USA, Polar a power system, boardwalks and trails, (www.ssec.wisc.edu/icds/projects/wais- Field Services, and SRI International—col- an automated tram system, and control cores.html). lectively known as VECO Polar Resources structures for carbon fl ux experiments During late spring and summer 2006, (VPR) provide logistics support. VECO (http://gcrg.sdsu.edu/); the logistics contractor also plans to coor- USA is responsible for program manage- • provision of air support and fi eld camp dinate a large helicopter and fi xed-wing ment, including procurement, subcontract for undergraduate students and their campaign in support of the second fi eld management, and accounting support. instructors participating in a high arctic season of the St. Elias Erosion/Tecton- VECO USA also provides expertise in fi eld course at Thule Air Base (http:// ics Project, a multidisciplinary study construction management, engineering, depts.washington.edu/icylands/); and to address the evolution of the St. Elias and information technology. Polar Field • coordination of an intensive sampling Mountains (www.geol.vt.edu/profs/js/js- Services is responsible for research sup- campaign measuring tracers of the six alaska1.html). port, planning, and construction oversight largest rivers that drain the watershed Throughout the spring and summer, through interactions with the research of the Arctic Ocean—support included VPR is again working with ARCUS to community and OPP. SRI International maintenance of contracts required to provide logistics support for participants provides information technology and tele- complete sampling in Russia, Alaska, in the Teachers and Researchers Exploring communication services. and Canada, coordination of supply and and Collaborating (TREC) program (see The OPP Arctic Section funds sample shipments, and travel assistance page 3 or www.arcus.org/TREC/index. 100–120 fi eld projects in the Arctic each (http://ecosystems.mbl.edu/partners/). php). year, amounting to approximately 600 VPR support in 2006 is well underway. In collaboration with the Institute of people in the fi eld at 90 different fi eld sites. The contractor is currently consulting with Arctic Biology at the University of Alaska VPR supports these projects by provid- the National Renewable Energy Labora- Fairbanks, VPR will also continue to ing pre-proposal consultations, logistics tory to install a proof-of-concept renew- contribute to infrastructure upgrades at and operational plans, risk assessments, able energy power system at Summit Sta- Toolik Field Station, including installa- transport, communications, safety training, tion (see Witness Winter 2004/2005). The tion of a new power module, continuation telemedicine, construction, maintenance, wind/solar hybrid system will tie into and of science support building design and and fi eld camp operation and personnel. augment the station’s existing generators. construction, and completion of a shower Field sites can vary from small, remote fi eld This is the second stage of a long-term module expansion (see Witness Winter camps, to remote instrumentation loca- project to reduce emissions at Summit Sta- 2004/2005). VPR will also support the tions, to ice camps on the Arctic Ocean, to tion, a prime site for “clean air” investiga- station’s efforts as it moves into year-round established fi eld sites such as Summit Sta- tions focusing on snow and atmospheric operations. tion in Greenland. chemistry research. VPR is concurrently For more information, see the VPR Highlights of VPR support in 2005 pursuing a number of other emissions- website: www.vecopolar.com, or contact include: reducing strategies, one of which involves Jill Ferris (jill@polarfi eld.com; 303-984- • coordination of air support, fuel, and the test of several custom-built electric 1450), or Simon Stephenson (sstephen@ user days for the North Pole Environ- snowmobiles. nsf.gov; 703-292-7435). mental Observatory spring campaign to The 12-week Go North! dogsled retrieve and redeploy buoys and moor- expedition through the Arctic National

11 Arctic Research Support and Logistics

Aging Polar Icebreaker Fleet Becomes NSF Responsibility

n a major change to the long-stand- Spring/Autumn 1999) assisted the Polar million annually for the next several years. Iing relationship beween NSF and the Sea. The Polar Sea was unable to participate NSF and the USCG signed a $54 million U.S. Coast Guard (USCG), the FY 2006 in DF 2005, however, because it was pulled Memorandum of Understanding in August federal budget (see page 21) shifts respon- from service as mission incapable in early 2005 to cover icebreaker operations in FY sibility for the U.S. polar icebreaker fl eet 2005; two of its three engines have been 2006, including engine repairs to the Polar from the USCG to NSF. The USCG owns condemned. The ship is expected to be out Sea and use of the Healy. The proposed FY and operates three polar icebreakers that of service until at least November 2006. 2007 budget continues to assign funding are almost entirely used to support NSF Estimates of engine repair costs range up responsibility for the polar icebreakers to programs in the Antarctic and Arctic (see to $10 million. The Polar Star successfully NSF and includes $57 million to operate table). Past USCG budgets included funds supported DF 2005 with the assistance of and maintain the polar icebreaker fl eet. for crews, maintenance, training, and other a 29-year-old conventionally powered Rus- For DF 2006, NSF chartered the Kra- support to ensure the ships were ready for sian icebreaker, the Krasin, chartered by sin for an estimated $9 million, with the operations but lacked funding to deploy NSF at a cost of $4.13 million. expectation that the Russian ship would icebreakers solely for USCG mission be able to perform the mission alone. The responsibilities. Until 2005, NSF reim- Congressional Action Krasin developed propeller problems in bursed the USCG for the incremental costs The FY 2006 transfer of responsibility January, however, and the Polar Star, which of icebreaker use through an interagency for the icebreakers was accompanied by had been on standby in Seattle, was called agreement. In 2004, these incremental a $48 million budget moved from the in to assist. Following completion of DF costs totaled about $12 million. Similar USCG to NSF; according to the relevant 2006, plans call for the Polar Star to be put arrangements between NSF and the USCG congressional report (HRept 109-118), in caretaker status for an indefi nite period, have been in place since 1965, when the the transfer gives “NSF…fl exibility to with its crew reduced from 135 to about polar icebreaking mission transferred from pursue alternatives to current operations,” 35 personnel. The short-term repairs to the Navy to the USCG. such as chartering icebreakers, and NSF is the Polar Sea are expected to sustain its The highest priority mission of the two specifi cally directed “to immediately begin operations for another two to three years, older and larger icebreakers, the Polar Sea a concurrent pursuit of alternative, more and current plans call for the Polar Sea to and Polar Star, is the annual Operation economical icebreaking solutions for 2006 participate in DF 2007. Deep Freeze (DF), which supports opera- and beyond.” The report also acknowledges NSF is gathering advice from several tions at the three U.S. Antarctic stations that “burdening NSF with the respon- sources, including the National Academies by escorting supply ships to McMurdo Sta- sibility for maintenance and long-term and the OPP Advisory Committee, on tion, the U.S. Antarctic Program (USAP) modernization costs of the Coast Guard alternatives for icebreaking operations in logistics hub. This mission requires the icebreaking fl eet would irresponsibly jeop- future years (see facing page). deployment of one or two icebreakers for ardize the nation’s primary source of fund- For more information, see the NSF approximately 130 days per year from ing for critical basic scientifi c research.” website: www.nsf.gov/news/news_summ. November to March. Depending on ice Under this arrangement, the USCG jsp?cntn_id=101833&org=NSF&from= conditions, the vessels work singly or in continues to operate and maintain the news, or contact Simon Stephenson (sste- tandem to break a channel through what is ships, which it estimates will cost $55–$75 [email protected]; 703-292-8029). normally about 15–20 nautical miles (35 km) of ice. Polar Icebreakers Owner/Operator Year Commissioned, Home Port, Comments For the past several years, as the almost Healy USCG/USCG 1999, Seattle. Intended for arctic research; 30-year-old Polars faced signifi cant main- 128 m assisted with DF 2003. tenance issues, severe ice conditions in Polar Sea USCG/USCG 1978, Seattle. Out of service until November McMurdo Sound have required the use of 122 m 2006. Expected to be available for DF 2007. two icebreakers to channel through up to 80 nautical miles (148 km) of ice. Repairs Polar Star USCG/USCG 1976, Seattle. Will go into caretaker status after prevented Polar Star from participating in 122 m DF 2006. DF 2003, and the newer arctic research Ice-strengthened Polar Research Vessels icebreaker USCGC Healy (see Witness Alpha Helix NSF/UAF 1966, Seward. Works in coastal Alaska; replace- Table at right: Characteristics of the U.S. polar icebreak- 41 m ment planned (ARRV). ers and ice-strengthened polar research vessels. Abbrevia- tions: UAF: University of Alaska Fairbanks; ARRV: Nathaniel B. Palmer ECO/RPSC 1992, New Orleans. Works mostly in Antarctica; Alaska Region Research Vessel (see Witness Spring 94 m supported SBI in 2003; replacement planned. 2004); ECO: Edison Chouest Offshore, Inc.; RPSC: Raytheon Polar Services Company; SBI: Shelf-Basins Laurence M. Gould, ECO/RPSC 1997, New Orleans. Works in Antarctica. Interactions Program (see page 9). 76 m

12 Arctic Research Support and Logistics

Committees Analyze Options for Icebreaker Operations

wo committees are advising NSF on implementation of a long-term solution OPP Advisory Committee Report Tits options for meeting future polar is expected to require at least four to eight In early 2005, the OPP Advisory Commit- icebreaking needs: years. tee (OAC) asked a subcommittee to exam- • the National Academies’ Committee on The report provides fi ve major interim ine issues and develop recommendations Assessment of U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) recommendations: related to effective long-term resupply of Polar Icebreaker Roles and Future Needs, • the U.S. should reliably control (by own- the U.S. Antarctic Program, including and ership or other means) at least one heavy appropriate icebreaker support. • the Offi ce of Polar Programs (OPP) icebreaker that is available and capable of Like the National Academies icebreaker Advisory Committe’s Subcommittee on breaking a channel into McMurdo committee, the OAC subcommittee’s U.S. Antarctic Program (USAP) Resupply. Station; August 2005 report fi nds that the Polar • the U.S. should maintain dedicated year- Sea and Polar Star are near the end of their National Academies Study round icebreaker capability for the Arctic design service lives. The report recom- In April 2005 at the request of Congress, to support national security interests as mends that NSF develop a comprehensive the USCG funded the National Academies’ well as science; systems approach to Antarctic icebreaking. Polar Research Board and Transportation • in the short term, the required mainte- In the near term, this includes commercial Research Board to undertake an assessment nance should be performed to make at sources, backed up by the USCG vessels. of USCG polar icebreaker roles and future least one Polar Class ship mission capable In the longer term, a new icebreaker may needs in supporting U.S. operations in the over the next four to eight years; be needed, and NSF should examine com- Antarctic and Arctic, including: • in the short term, the management of the mercial business models for procurement • scenarios for continuing those operations U.S. polar icebreakers should reside with and/or operations of that vessel. The report and analysis of alternative approaches; the USCG, and it should have the appro- also recommends that the USAP develop • the changes in roles and missions of priate operational and maintenance bud- the means to continue science support in polar icebreakers in support of national get to fulfi ll USCG missions that require the event of a failed future Deep Freeze priorities in the polar regions; and icebreaking; and mission. • potential changes in the roles of USCG • in the short term, NSF should revert In response to the report’s longer term icebreakers that may develop due to to being a user and should continue to recommendations, the OAC recommended environmental change in the Arctic, such negotiate fi nancial agreements to pay for that NSF begin to defi ne the characteristics as might occur with increased marine icebreaker services when USCG ships are of its icebreaking requirements; according operations in the Northern Sea Route employed. to material presented at the October 2005 and the Northwest Passage (see page 25). The study’s fi nal report will focus on OAC meeting, these characteristics are The 15-member study committee, providing direction for meeting the nation’s beginning to emerge: which includes experts in national defense, long-term icebreaking needs for the next • a vessel capable of performing the USAP commercial shipping, ship design, science several decades. The study committee will break-in and escort without requiring management, marine safety and environ- investigate the mix of icebreaking capabili- refueling from McMurdo; mental protection, icebreaker operations, ties and numbers of ships needed, explore • a commercially manned vessel; and climate change, and arctic and Antarctic options for acquring those capabilities, and • a vessel under a long-term charter, for science, released an interim report in compare a wide range of models for manag- only the period of the mission. December 2005 and will deliver a fi nal ing and operating the ships. NSF is also considering whether it would report in summer 2006. Following completion of the study, the be desirable for such a vessel to be available The interim report, which highlights Offi ce of Science and Technology Policy to work with the Healy in the Arctic when the most urgent and time dependent issues has indicated that it plans to produce a not engaged in the Antarctic, or to engage in the committee’s charge, fi nds that the Presidential Directive on national polar ice- in other commercial activities when not Polar Sea and Polar Star are near the end breaker needs, including size and structure under charter to NSF. OPP expects to issue of their operational design service lives. of the fl eet. a Request for Expressions of Interest from Both ships are ineffi cient to operate as their The committee’s interim report is avail- industry regarding icebreaking in the com- maintenance needs increase and their tech- able at www.nap.edu/catalog/11525.html. ing year. OPP will also explore the poten- nological systems become more and more For more information, see the National tial for international collaboration as an obsolete. These conditions are increasing Academies’ Current Projects website: option for obtaining icebreaker support. the risk of operational failure and are plac- http://www8.nationalacademies.org/cp/ The report is available at: www.nsf. ing national programs and missions at (search for icebreakers) or contact study gov/od/opp/opp_advisory/fi nal_report/ risk. A short-term solution is needed to director Maria Uhle ([email protected]; 202- oac_resupply_report_081205_rpt.pdf. For provide a bridge from the current situation 334-3531). more information, see the OAC website: to a long-term solution to this problem; www.nsf.gov/od/opp/advisory.jsp.

13 Arctic Research Support and Logistics

New Arctic Marine Laboratory Opens in Ny-Ålesund

n June 2005, a new arctic marine labora- per year, depending on the season. Other Networks involved in marine research Itory began operations in Ny-Ålesund, institutions can rent the lab for a rate about in Svalbard include: the international base for research in natu- 50% higher per user-day. These costs do • Arctic Marine Ecosystem Research Net- ral sciences in Svalbard. Built by Kings Bay not include room and board or transporta- work (ARCTOS), a consortium of Nor- AS, the Norwegian public corporation that tion, which need to be arranged separately wegian scientists studying arctic marine owns and runs Ny-Ålesund, the interna- with Kings Bay AS. The consortium mem- productivity and ecology, led by Paul tional laboratory is adjacent to Kongsfjor- bers are represented by the Marine Lab Wassmann of the University of Tromsø den, an open fjord with a mixture of boreal Advisory Group, currently led by Haakon (see www.nfh.uit.no/arctos); and and arctic fl ora and fauna, strong environ- Hop of NPI, which acts as an advisory • Kongsfjorden and Hornsund, which are mental gradients due to large tidewater body for scientifi c issues related to the use designated as European Marine Biodi- glaciers, and relatively abundant marine and running of the lab. versity Sites (EMBS; see www.iopan.gda. mammal and seabird populations (Hop et In July 2005, the Svalbard Research pl/projects/biodaff/). al. 2002, Svendsen et al. 2002). The devel- Experience for Undergraduates (REU) For more information on the Arctic opment of the lab was recommended by marine program (led by Ross Powell, Marine Laboratory, see the King’s Bay participants at a joint Norway/U.S. work- Northern Illinois University, and Julie website: www.kingsbay.no, or contact shop in 1999 (ARCUS 2000). Brigham-Grette, Univerity of Massachu- Kjersti Dale ([email protected]; +47- The new lab has extensive capabilities setts Amherst) took two U.S. undergradu- 7902-7252), or Haakon Hop (haakon. for experimental studies of aquatic organ- ates to the lab for a pilot program inves- [email protected]; +47-7775-0522). isms, including facilities for controlled tigating glacial sedimentation processes temperature and salinity, ambient seawater relevant to understanding climate records References and photoperiod, long-term holding and preserved in marine and lacustrine basins. ARCUS. 2000. Opportunities for Collabora- acclimation, diving facilities with a decom- Studies focused on sediment transport and tion Between the United States and Norway pression tank, special labs for ecotoxicology deposition in Kongsfjorden by polyther- in Arcctic Research: A Workshop Report. Fair- and isotopic studies, and classroom and mal tidewater glaciers, icebergs, meltwater banks, AK. ARCUS. offi ce space. Its location on the shore of streams, and marine currents. Students Hop, H. et al. 2002. The marine ecosystem of Kongsfjorden, Svalbard. Polar Research 21: Kongsfjorden will facilitate combined fi eld sampled glaciers and icebergs for debris 167–208. and lab research projects. concentrations, collected seawater samples Svendsen, H. et al. 2002. The physical envi- The total cost of the two story, 600 for suspended sediment concentrations, ronment of Kongsfjorden-Krossfjorden, an 2 m lab is approximately NOK 33 million performed conductivity temperature Arctic fjord system in Svalbard. Polar Research (about $5 million USD); funding came depth (CTD) casts to defi ne water column 21: 133–166. from the Norwegian government and Con- structure, conducted bathymetric profi ling ocoPhillips (about $1 million USD). using GPS control, collected fjord sedi- A Marine Lab Project Group, led by the ment samples with small box-cores and Norwegian Polar Institute (NPI), planned short gravity cores, and performed initial and oversaw development of the lab, which sample processing in the new marine lab. is available for rent to its members and oth- Field-related research in Kongsfjorden ers as space allows. The rental consortium can take advantage of several long-term that has made ten-year agreements for use data sets. Signifi cant observational time- of the laboratory includes: series from the Kongsfjorden area include • Alfred Wegener Institute ( Germany) historical and recent databases on ocean- • Chinese Arctic and Antarctic ography (from 1905), meteorology (from Administration (see page 24) 1911), tide gauge measurements (from • Italian National Research Council 1974), hardbottom benthos (photographic • Korea Polar Research Institute series from 1980), marine mammals (from • Norwegian Polar Institute 1981), seabirds (from 1988), CTD mea- • National Science Foundation (U.S.) surements (from 1993), zooplankton (from • Scottish Association for Marine Science 1995), stable isotopes and lipids (from • University Centre in Svalbard (UNIS) 1996), and ice concentration and snow and Under the terms of the lab’s user access ice thickness (from 2003, occasionally from plan, each of these members is commit- 1997). Currently, there is no coordinated ted to a minimum annual rent of the lab data collection system for Kongsfjorden, In the new arctic marine lab, Ryan Cumpston, a senior at Northern Illinois University, wraps up sediment trap (NOK 150,000 [about $23,000 USD]), but routine state variables are measured and gravity core samples from Kongsfjord. Photo by which entitles each to 150–375 user-days regularly by several institutions. J. Brigham-Grette.

14 Arctic Natural Sciences Program

Marine Sediment Chronicles History of Hubbard Glacier

n response to warming in the Arctic, University), and Ithe melt rate of Alaskan coastal glaciers their students are has accelerated, resulting in a reduction in using the marine thickness and length of most glaciers and sediment record at contributing substantially to global sea Hubbard Glacier to level rise. Tidewater glaciers, however, seem develop proxies for to behave anomalously, thickening over meltwater and ice- the past 20 years while those adjacent to berg discharge that them on land have thinned and retreated. can be correlated Glaciers with tidewater termini differ with local meteorological forcing. Hub- The team also collected 298 km of from those with terrestrial termini because bard Glacier, the largest tidewater glacier high-resolution seismic refl ection pro- contact with a water body at the terminus in North America, makes an ideal study fi les using a Huntec Deep-Tow system to affects ablation rate through iceberg calv- site because of the 50+ year record of local increase spatial coverage and correlation of ing. Behavior of these cliff-calving glaciers climatology in the town of Yakutat located annual sediment layers. The acoustic con- is primarily related to water depth at the 30 miles away. trast between the coarser-grained diamic- terminus. Presently, at least ten large Alas- One goal of this project is to analyze ton and the fi ne-grained meltwater muds kan tidewater glaciers terminate in shallow the past 20 years of the glacimarine sedi- within each varve can be detected in more water and are slowly advancing into the ment record in Disenchantment Bay, the proximal areas (<10 km from the glacier) sea—their terminus positions appear insen- proglacial basin of the glacier, to quantify where the annual varve thickness averages sitive to climate forcing. It appears that the the response of the glacifl uvial system and more than 30 cm per year. melt rate and release of freshwater from iceberg discharge to Pacifi c climate vari- The cores are currently being analyzed Alaskan glaciers are accelerating, in spite of ability, such as the Pacifi c Decadal Oscil- for their sedimentological and physical terminus dynamics. Accurately quantifying lation (PDO). The PDO is positively cor- characteristics, and radiochemical tech- discharge from the large cliff-calving gla- related with air temperature and freshwater niques are being employed to establish ciers is diffi cult, however, because they end discharge into the Gulf of Alaska and may varve thickness and chronology. Once in marine bays and fjords. be recorded in the marine sediment record. analysis is complete, the sediment record In a project funded by the NSF Arctic During a research cruise aboard the will be directly compared with the nearby Natural Sciences Program, Establishing R/V Alpha Helix in June 2004, the team instrumental and ice core records of precip- Marine Varve Thickness as a Proxy for collected piston cores and multicores to itation, temperature, and snowfall accumu- Annual Climate Variability and PDO quantify the annual sediment deposition lation. The resulting high resolution proxy Oscillations, Ellen Cowan (Appalachian from glacial meltwater. Annual layers, or record of meltwater discharge can then be State University), John Jaeger (University varves, are identifi ed by a coarse/fi ne grain used to better understand the connection of Florida), Ross Powell (Northern Illinois couplet, which includes an iceberg-rafted between rapid melting of Alaskan glaciers diamicton (unsorted admixture and decadal trends in arctic warming. of pebbles, sand, and mud) To communicate their results and followed by laminated mud experiences at Hubbard Glacier to general encasing lenses of debris. A audiences, Cowan, Jaeger, and Powell have sheet of diamicton is deposited produced a photographic display for the across the fl oor of Disenchant- McKinney Geological Teaching Museum ment Bay each winter/spring on the campus of Appalachian State when the meltwater system is University. shut down and iceberg rafting For more information, contact Ellen is intensifi ed by onshore winds Cowan ([email protected]; 828-262- and the absence of sea ice. Ice- 2260), John Jaeger ([email protected]fl . berg rafting continues during edu; 352-846-1381), or Ross Powell (ross@ the summer months but the geol.niu.edu; 815-753-7952). debris is diluted by glacifl uvial mud.

Left: Researchers aboard the R/V Alpha Helix collect piston cores from Disenchantment Bay in southeast Alaska. The marine sediment collected here will be used to develop proxies for meltwater and iceberg discharge from Hubbard Glacier. Top: Split piston core showing a glacimarine varve. Iceberg-rafted diamic- tons are shown between sets of closely spaced toothpicks. The laminated mud deposited by meltwater during summer months occurs between them. Most of the cores collected during the cruise were 6 m in length and 7.6 cm in diameter. Photos courtesy of Ellen Cowan.

15 Arctic Natural Sciences Program

Siberian Specimen Inaugurates Study of Paleogenomics

ntil recently, the prospect of recover- extinct species is likely to contribute con- Uing more than a tiny fraction of the siderably to answering long-standing ques- complete DNA pattern of an extinct spe- tions in molecular evolution and extinction cies with available methods seemed remote. studies. A study of comparative elephantid Recently published research, however, genomics including Pleistocene species partly supported by the Arctic Natural Sci- would allow investigators to ask, for exam- ences Program (Poinar et al. 2006) shows ple, to what degree and in what specifi c that “paleogenomics”—the study of the ways did woolly mammoths differ geneti- total genetic material of ancient organisms, cally from any of the species of living ele- including extinct species—is now a reality, phants? How did certain functional genes with more comprehensive results than ever differ, such as those controlling hair growth before. or fat deposition, which made life possible Using new methods, Hendrik Poinar of for woollies living at high latitudes? Do McMaster University, Ross MacPhee of the mutation rates vary among species? When American Museum of Natural History, and did phylogenetic splits occur? colleagues were able to recover and identify Why did mammoths disappear every- an extraordinary amount of endogenous where in their enormous range, which The “ice cave” in Khatanga, where specimens are stored DNA from a well preserved jaw belong- ultimately extended over large portions in optimal conditions for preservation. The facility is ing to a woolly mammoth (Mammuthus of three continents, while other elephants excavated into permafrost and maintains an average primigenius) that died near Lake Taimyr managed to survive in tropical Africa and temperature of -10°C. Man-made “ice caves” can be found in a number of arctic settlements in Russia. The in northern Siberia 28,000 years ago. For Asia? Paleontological investigations have caves were excavated with tunnel boring machines, which most of the time since its discovery in shown that the fi nal extinction of M. are used for a variety of purposes (e.g., subway tunnels, 1999, the fossil had been kept at -10°C in primigenius was actually a very recent phe- underground pipelines). Although it is sometimes said that the tunnels were used in Soviet times to hide weap- a manmade “ice cave” in the town of Khat- nomenon, occurring less than 4,000 years ons, in fact they mostly seem to have served very ordinary anga; this may account for its exceptional ago in their last outposts, small islands functions like cold storage. The Khatanga tunnel system, preservation, which allowed the investiga- in the East Siberian and Bering Seas. On for example, is used to hold fi sh and reindeer carcasses throughout the year for local consumption, in addition to tors to collect the most sequence informa- mainlands, however, woolly mammoths mammoth bones. Photo by Clare Flemming. tion recovered for any extinct species. The seem to have disappeared earlier, perhaps previous record was 27,000 bp (base pairs 9,000–10,000 years ago. sils and pollen in gut contents can provide of nucleotide sequence) of nuclear DNA The team was also able to identify information regarding what the animals for the extinct cave bear Ursus spelaeus DNA sequences attributable to a wide were eating, unrepresented taxa will obvi- (Noonan et al. 2005). With the new tech- range of other organisms associated with ously be missed. Ancient DNA can help niques, including a novel high-throughput the mammoth sample. In addition to with this problem because certain groups sequencing method, the mammoth jaw a small amount of sequence indicating of plants can be recognized on the basis of sample yielded 13 million bp alignable to a contamination by human handling, as distinctive sequences in their chloroplast verifi ed modern African elephant sequence. expected, there was substantial genetic DNA, which may be preserved even when Virtually all of the endogenous DNA evidence for the presence of a variety of plant tissues are not. This kind of informa- from the Taimyr specimen was nuclear. bacteria, viruses, and plants. The DNA tion can contribute to the long-running Overall, it was found that woolly mam- from most of these sources represent sec- controversy regarding the arctic Pleistocene moth and African elephant sequences ondary associations which probably came environment: highly productive grasslands differ by less than 1.5%; Asian elephant about after the animal died. The fact that or low-diversity tundra? sequences should differ even less. These sequence information can now be quickly For more information, contact Ross results represent only about 0.5% of the recovered for practically any DNA pres- MacPhee ([email protected]; 212- whole genome of M. primigenius, which ent in a sample, however, means that the 769-5480), or Hendrik Poinar (poinarh@ is estimated to be roughly 2.8 billion bp. study of these associations can be taken to mcmaster.ca; 905-525-9140, ext. Given the high rate of sequence recovery a new level. For example, during the past 26331). now achievable, however, the researchers century a number of so-called partial “per- References estimate that as little as one year will be mafrost mummies” of woolly mammoths, needed to acquire and verify most or all woolly rhinos, horses, and other ice age Noonan, J. P. et al. 2005. Genomic sequencing of the coding regions of the woolly mam- mammals have been recovered in Siberia of Pleistocene cave bears. Science 309:597– moth’s genome. and Alaska. Most are highly incomplete, 599. Poinar, H. N. et al. 2006. Metagenomics to Characterization of the complete but some retain gut tissues together with paleogenomics: large scale sequencing of genetic material of this (or any other) their contents. Although plant macrofos- mammoth DNA. Science 311:392–394.

16 Interagency Study of Environmental Arctic Change (SEARCH)

SEARCH Community Updates Implementation Priorities

he overall goal of the Study of Envi- were identifi ed by the SEARCH SSC as SEARCH Data Management Strategy; and Tronmental Arctic Change (SEARCH) requiring specifi c attention. Education and Outreach. is to understand the nature, extent, and The workshop report, Study of Envi- The fi nal report is available at: www. future development of the system-scale ronmental Arctic Change: Plans for Imple- arcus.org/search/meetings/2005/siw/report. changes presently observed in the Arctic. mentation During the International Polar php. The report was referenced in the Currently more than 40 SEARCH projects Year and Beyond was released in November IPY NSF Program Solicitation released in have been implemented, with contribu- 2005. The activities and priorities within February 2006 for the Arctic Observing tions from several U.S. funding agencies, the report draw from a number of sources Network emphasis area (see page 10). Pro- including NSF, the National Oceanic and and community discussions, including the posals were due 1 May. Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), initial SEARCH Science Plan and SEARCH and the National Aeronautics and Space Implementation Strategy; white papers pre- SEARCH SSC Meeting Administration (NASA), among others. pared by SEARCH implementation panels; The SEARCH SSC met in Fairbanks, Recent developments, including the cre- community input received in response to Alaska, in late November 2005 to share ation of the International Study of Arctic the white papers posted online; and discus- information about IPMC activities, Change (ISAC) as the international pro- sions during and after the workshop. updates on SEARCH activities, and infor- gram of which SEARCH will be a part of The priorities detailed in this report mation on related national and interna- and the upcoming International Polar Year are guided by the need to understand the tional programs. The SSC discussed issues (IPY) 2007–2008, offer opportunities for complex of pan-arctic change. Workshop related to SEARCH implementation, accelerated implementation of SEARCH. participants identifi ed the following set of including agency plans, coordination with scientifi c questions that lie at the heart of international activities, further develop- SEARCH Implementation Workshop the SEARCH program: ment of a searchable online SEARCH proj- In recognition of these opportunities, the 1. Is the arctic system moving to a new ect inventory, data management activities, SEARCH Science Steering Committee state? and a potential State of the Arctic Con- (SSC) organized a SEARCH Implemen- 2. To what extent is the arctic system ference for spring 2008. To complement tation Workshop to update the 2003 predictable (i.e., what are the potential the SEARCH panel structure, the SSC is SEARCH Implementation Strategy and to accuracies and/or uncertainties in predic- working to establish three standing work- align implementation priorities with evolv- tions of relevant arctic variables over dif- ing groups to address issues of data man- ing thinking in the SEARCH and ISAC ferent timescales)? agement, paleoenvironmental studies, and communities, as well as the arctic commu- 3. To what extent can recent and ongoing education and outreach. nity at large. The main goal of the work- climate changes in the Arctic be attrib- shop was to provide recommendations for uted to anthropogenic forcing, rather International Activities prioritized implementation of SEARCH than to natural modes of variability? Planning for the International Study of during the period of the IPY, with a view 4. What is the direction and relative impor- Arctic Change (ISAC) continues. The two beyond this near-term time line. tance of system feedbacks? bodies overseeing ISAC, the Arctic Ocean Held 23–25 May 2005 at the National 5. How are terrestrial and marine eco- Sciences Board and International Arctic Conference Center in Lansdowne, Vir- systems and ecosystem services (i.e., Science Committee (IASC), are work- ginia, the SEARCH Implementation processes by which the environment pro- ing together to fi nalize appointment of a Workshop was attended by over 80 scien- duces resources that support human life) Scientifi c Steering Group and establish an tists, including members of the SEARCH affected by environmental change and its International Program Offi ce to provide SSC, the SEARCH Panels (Observing interaction with human activities? support for the activities of ISAC and Change, Understanding Change, and 6. How do cultural and socioeconomic sys- serve the organizational needs of the pro- Responding to Change), the Interagency tems interact with arctic environmental gram. Michael Tjernström of Sweden and Program Management Committee (IPMC), change? Grete K. Hovelsrud of Norway have been and the wider research community. 7. What are the most consequential links appointed as ISAC co-chairs, and IASC The workshop was organized to include between the arctic and the Earth sys- distributed a call for applications for the a combination of plenary discussions and tems? ISAC Executive Director position with a breakout sessions. Breakout sessions alter- To address these science questions, rec- closing date of 28 April. nated between the panel-focused themes ommendations for implementation were For more information, see: www.arcus. (Observing, Understanding, and Respond- developed for Observing Change: Identi- org/search, or contact Peter Schlosser ing) and smaller working groups organized fi ed Needs, Existing Programs, and Pri- ([email protected]; 845-365- around several specifi c topical areas (e.g., orities; Understanding Change: Analysis, 8707), Neil Swanberg ([email protected]; terrestrial ecosystems, distributed marine Synthesis, and Modeling; Responding to 703-292-8029), or Helen Wiggins (helen@ observations, human dimensions, etc.) that Change: Developing Adaptive Responses; arcus.org; 907-474-1600).

17 Interagency Study of Environmental Arctic Change (SEARCH)

BEST Plans for Implementation and Cooperation

he Arctic Sciences Section has been sciences, appropriate for fund- Tworking with the arctic research ing by NSF, will be linked to community and residents of the Arctic studies funded by other agencies to develop a comprehensive approach to with interests in the region. The basic research in the Bering Sea. The Arctic BEST program will be closely Research Opportunities Program Solicita- coordinated and integrated with tion released in September 2005 included a the new National Oceanic and section requesting proposals addressing the Atmospheric Administration goals of the Bering Sea Ecosystem Study (NOAA) Fisheries North Pacifi c (BEST; see Witness Winter 2004/2005); Climate Regimes and Ecosystem proposals were due 16 December 2005. Productivity (NPCREP) and The 2004 BEST science plan identi- Loss of Sea Ice (LOSC) profi es questions important for understanding grams. NPCREP and LOSC will how climate variability could infl uence the be making physical and biological ecosystems of the eastern Bering Sea and oceanographic observations in their ability to sustain goods and services support of ecosystem and fi sher- required by people. Social scientists have ies oceanography investigations developed a draft parallel science plan, in the eastern Bering Sea dur- Sustaining the Bering Ecosystem: A Social ing the same time frame as that Sciences Plan, which outlines a community- anticipated for the BEST fi eld based research program focused on the program (fi gure). The BEST fi eld program is designed to leverage an extensive array of oceanographic measurements that will be made by other programs in residents of Bering Sea communities and BEST is also a partner in a the next few years. These observational programs will be supported their need to understand how climate vari- consortium of agencies and insti- by NOAA’s North Pacifi c Climate Regimes and Ecosystem Productiv- ability will affect their future. These two tutions concerned about the Ber- ity (NPCREP) program and by the North Pacifi c Research Board (NPRB). At present, it is expected that the Pacifi c Marine Environ- plans have been integrated into a single ing Sea ecosystem. Partners in the mental Laboratory will have at least four biophysical moorings located program to study the ecosystem as a whole, Climate Change and Bering Sea along the 70 m isobath. These mooring data could be supplemented including the social implications of climate Ecosystem consortium include: with standardized stations along fi ve survey lines extending from the inner domain to the continental slope possibly connected by a section change and roles of people in the system. BEST, NOAA (Alaska Fisher- along the 70 m isobath that could be occupied by BEST cruises. In May 2005, 132 people from 12 ies Science Center and Pacifi c Figure courtesy of P. Stabeno (NOAA). nations, both scientists and residents, Marine Environmental Labora- reviewed a draft of the integrated BEST tory), the North Pacifi c Research Board, A June 2006 workshop, held in St. implementation plan at an open work- the Alaska Ocean Observing System, the Petersburg, Russia, and sponsored by the shop during the Global Ocean Ecosystem U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the U.S. North Pacifi c Marine Science Organization Dynamics (GLOBEC) Symposium on Geological Survey, the U.S. Arctic Research (PICES) and GLOBEC, identifi ed mecha- Climate Variability and Sub-arctic Marine Commission, and the University of Alaska nisms and fl uxes particularly sensitive to Ecosystems. The BEST Science Steer- Fairbanks. Members of the consortium met climate variability and was the beginning ing Committee revised the document in in July 2005 and will meet again in July of the ESSAS program’s efforts to com- response to these comments, and a fi nal 2006 to identify important gaps in their pare responses to climate variability in the implementation plan is now available. research coverage and devise a strategy to Bering Sea, the Sea of Okhotsk/Oyashio Under the auspices of the Study of use their collective resources effectively. region, the Newfoundland/Labrador shelf, Environmental Arctic Change (SEARCH; In addition, BEST is the U.S. compo- and the Barents Sea. see page 17), the BEST program will sup- nent of a new regional GLOBEC program, For more information on BEST, port integrated, interdisciplinary studies of Ecosystems of Sub-Arctic Seas (ESSAS), including the science and implementation eastern Bering Sea marine ecosystems. The which will initiate collaborative studies of plans, see the ARCUS website: www.arcus. BEST fi eld program is expected to begin in the sub-arctic seas, including cooperative org/Bering, or contact George Hunt (geo- spring 2007 and continue through 2009. ecological research of the eastern, western, [email protected]; 206-221-6118), To improve understanding of the and basin areas of the Bering Sea by Japan, or Ben Fitzhugh (fi [email protected]. variables and processes shaping all aspects Russia, and the U.S. A draft of the ESSAS edu; 206-543-9604). For more informa- of the Bering Sea, from physical forc- implementation plan was also reviewed tion on ESSAS, see the GLOBEC website: ing (atmosphere and ocean) to food web during the May GLOBEC symposium. www.pml.ac.uk/globec/structure/regional/ responses (including fi sh, seabirds, marine Over 50 papers were submitted by sympo- essas/essas.htm, or contact Ken Drinkwater mammals, and humans), fundamental sium participants for inclusion in a special ([email protected]; +47-5523-6990). research in the physical, natural, and social volume of Progress in Oceanography.

18 NSF News

Stephenson Replaces Pyle as Head of OPP Arctic Section

n April 2006, the NSF Offi ce of served as deputy director of the National meteorology from Penn State, M.S. in IPolar Programs (OPP) announced the Ocean Survey and chief scientist of the atmospheric sciences from Colorado State, appointment of Simon Stephenson as the National Ocean Service, managing the sci- and M.S. and Ph.D. in aerospace engineer- new Section Head for Arctic Sciences, entifi c operations of the NOAA fl eet. ing from the University of Colorado. Intri- replacing the founding head of the section, In 1985, Pyle moved to the Joint eri specializes in lidar remote sensing of the Thomas E. Pyle, who retired in August Oceanographic Institutions (JOI), where atmosphere. She was a principal investiga- 2005. Stephenson is appointed for an ini- he served as vice president, manager of the tor on the SHEBA project. tial period of two years. program offi ce for the Nansen Arctic Drill- For more information, see the ARCSS Stephenson has 28 years experience in ing Program, and principal investigator for website: www.nsf.gov/funding/pgm_summ. polar research. His fi rst 11 years were as a the international Ocean Drilling Program jsp?pims_id=13426&org=ARC, or contact glacier geophysicist with the British Ant- (see Witness Winter 2004/2005). Janet Intrieri ([email protected]; 703-292- arctic Survey and then with a team based While the search for Pyle’s replacement 4426). at the National Aeronautics and Space was underway, Michael Van Woert served Administration (NASA) Goddard Space as interim head of the Arctic Sciences Sec- Olsen New Deputy Director of NSF Flight Center working on the dynamics tion. Van Woert became executive offi cer of Kathie L. Olsen became deputy director of West Antarctic ice streams. In 1989, OPP in 2005. Van Woert earned his B.S. of NSF in August 2005. She joined NSF Stephenson joined OPP as the Research in physics from the University of Califor- from the Offi ce of Science and Technol- Support Manager for the Antarctic Pro- nia, Davis, and Ph.D. from Scripps Institu- ogy Policy (OSTP), where she was the gram, and in 1999 he moved to the Arctic tion of Oceanography. After ten years in associate director and deputy director for Section to lead the establishment of NSF’s industry, during which he made several science. Prior to the OSTP post, she served new Research Support and Logistics Pro- trips to Antarctica, Van Woert became pro- at NASA as chief scientist (1999–2002) gram for the Arctic (see pages 10–14). The gram manager for the Physical Oceanogra- and acting associate administrator for the program has improved the capacity and phy program at NASA in 1993. new Enterprise in Biological and Physical capability of facilities throughout the Arc- In 1994, he joined ONR, where he Research (2000–2002). Olsen’s positions tic used by U.S. researchers supported by managed the High Latitude Dynamics prior to NASA include senior staff associ- NSF, often through international partner- program. His arctic responsibilities at ate for the Science and Technology Centers ships with other nations involved in arctic ONR included the Science Ice Exercises in the NSF Offi ce of Integrative Activities, research. Stephenson also served as the (SCICEX; see page 22) and Surface Heat Brookings Institution legislative fellow, program offi cer for the Arctic Long-term Budget of the Arctic Ocean (SHEBA) NSF detail in the offi ce of Senator Con- Observations program. programs (see Witness Autumn 2001). rad Burns of Montana, and acting deputy Stephenson graduated from the Uni- In 1997, Van Woert moved to NOAA to director for the NSF Division of Integra- versity of Liverpool in 1978 and earned a become chief scientist of the National Ice tive Biology and Neuroscience. Master of Philosophy in Glacier Geophys- Center, where he managed a group focused Olsen earned a B.S. in biology and ics from the Council for National Aca- on improving operational sea ice products psychology from Chatham College in Pitts- demic Awards, UK, in 1984. for navigation and research. burgh, Pennsylvania, and a Ph.D. in neu- For more information, see the roscience from the University of California Pyle Retires After Decade at OPP OPP website: www.nsf.gov/dir/index. Irvine. She was a postdoctoral fellow in the NSF recruited Tom Pyle to join OPP in jsp?org=OPP, or contact Simon Stephen- Department of Neuroscience at Children’s 1995 as it reorganized the offi ce to include son ([email protected]; 703-292-8029) or Hospital of Harvard Medical School. Sub- a specifi c section for arctic research in addi- Michael Van Woert ([email protected]; sequently at SUNY-Stony Brook she was tion to its longstanding programs support- 703-292-8030). both a research scientist at the Long Island ing science in Antarctica. Research Institute and assistant professor in Pyle grew up in Brooklyn, New York, New ARCSS Associate Manager the Department of Psychiatry and Behav- and earned his B.A. in geology from Janet Intrieri joined OPP in October 2005 ioral Science at the medical school. Her Columbia University and M.S. and Ph.D. as the Arctic System Science (ARCSS) research on neural and genetic mechanisms in oceanography from Texas A&M. After Associate Program Manager on an Inter- underlying development and expression of three years on the faculty of the University agency Detail assignment from NOAA. behavior was supported by the National of South Florida, he moved to the Stennis Intrieri has been an atmospheric research Institutes of Health. Space Center to manage the Marine Geol- scientist since 1985 at the NOAA Environ- Olsen replaces Joseph Bordogna, who ogy and Geophysics Program for the Offi ce mental Technology Laboratory in Boulder, resigned in June 2005 after serving as of Naval Research (ONR). In 1981, Pyle Colorado, which recently became part of deputy director since 1996. joined the National Oceanic and Atmo- the new NOAA Earth System Research For more information, see the NSF spheric Administration (NOAA), where he Laboratory. Intrieri earned her B.S. in website: www.nsf.gov/od/.

19 NSF News

NSF-wide Programs Support Varied Research Efforts

hree NSF-wide programs recently guages. The Smithsonian Institution Planning Visits and Workshops: a new Tmade awards of interest to the arctic National Museum of Natural History solicitation for planning efforts that may research community. also participates in the Documenting lead to innovative international projects Endangered Languages (DEL) project as (NSF 04-035; due dates vary). New Polar Ice Sheet Center a research host to appropriate projects but Global Scientists and Engineers: designed In April 2005, NSF announced awards for does not provide funding. to provide international experience for the two successful proposals in the 2003 The fi rst DEL awards, totaling $4.4 U.S. students and early-career investiga- Science and Technology Centers (STC) million, were announced in May 2005; tors, this set of activities includes: competition, one of which has a polar 26 institutional awards for up to 3 years • Developing Global Scientists and Engi- focus. The Center for Remote Sensing and 13 fellowships for 6−12 months will neers (NSF 04-036; due 15 September of Ice Sheets (CReSIS) at the University support digital documentation projects on and 15 February). of Kansas (KU) will develop models and more than 70 endangered languages. Five • Research Experience for Undergraduates technology to improve understanding of projects will document some of the more (NSF 05-592; due 17 August). the mass balance of polar ice sheets and its than 200 endangered northern languages: • East Asia and Pacifi c Summer Institutes impact on sea level. The center will receive • Continuing Tlingit Language Documen- for U.S. Graduate Students (NSF 05- $19 million over fi ve years, with a possible tation. Keri Edwards, Sealaska Heritage 617; due 12 December). fi ve year renewal. The CReSIS proposal Institute. $266,224. • Pan-American Advanced Studies Insti- builds on the Polar Radar for Ice Sheet • Documentation of the Endangered East- tutes (NSF 03-506; due 15 January). Measurements (PRISM) project, funded ern Khanty Dialects. Andrei Filtchenko, • International Research Fellowships (NSF by NSF and NASA since 2001. KU pro- Rice University. Fellowship. 05-599; due 12 September). fessor Prasad Gogineni heads the CReSIS • Developing a Northern Indigenous Partnerships for International Research STC, which includes 13 other institutions, Languages Archive: Yup’ik Pilot Project. and Education (PIRE): a one-time four outside the U.S., as partners. Gary Holton, University of Alaska Fair- solicitation for long-term international The STC program supports long-term banks (UAF). $39,186. research and educational activities. Pro- scientifi c and technological research and • Pedagogical Grammar of Gwich’in. posals were due in March 2005. education activities, with an emphasis on Kathy Sikorski, UAF. $103,947. NSF received 174 PIRE proposals and knowledge transfer; centers may receive up • Lower Tanana Dictionary and Literacy. funded 12, including the U.S.- Russia- to $4 million annually for up to ten years. Siri Tuttle, UAF. $109,772. Japan Partnership in Research and Educa- Administered by the NSF Offi ce of Inte- Proposals for the next round of this tion in Volcanology, which will receive grative Activities, the program has had fi ve program are due 15 September 2006. $2.2 million over fi ve years. John Eichel- competitions (in 1989, 1991, 1998, 2000, Assuming funds are available, NSF and berger of UAF is the project’s principal and 2003), awarding a total of 38 centers NEH expect to continue the program for investigator, with collaborators from the in a variety of research areas. NSF received another four years, with approximately $2 Institute of Volcanology and Seismology 164 pre-proposals in the 2003 competi- million available each year to support 6−10 in Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky, Russia, and tion. The announcement of a future com- standard grants and 12 fellowships. the University of Tokyo, Japan. The project petition is under consideration and is a For more information, see the NSF involves students from all three countries decision for the FY 2008 NSF budget. website: www.nsf.gov/funding/pgm_summ. in comparing the evolution of three impor- For more information, see the CReSIS jsp?pims_id=12816, or contact Anna Ker- tant lateral blast eruptions, two in Kam- STC website: www.cresis.ku.edu/, the tulla ([email protected]; 703-292-7432). chatka and Mt. St. Helens in the U.S., over NSF website: www.nsf.gov/od/oia/pro- the past 50 years. grams/stc/, or contact Margaret E. M. Tol- Revamped International Programs OISE hopes to be able to offer the bert in the Offi ce of Integrative Activities The offi ce supporting NSF international PIRE solicitation again in the near future. ([email protected]; 703-292-8040). activities recently implemented several In partnership with NSF’s research direc- changes to its programs. The NSF Inter- torates, OISE will also continue to support Endangered Languages Project national Division, previously housed in international collaboration across NSF’s At least half of the world’s 6,000−7,000 the Social, Behavioral, and Economics Sci- programs. Researchers may include an currently used human languages are con- ences Directorate, was renamed the Offi ce international dimension in their proposals sidered endangered; about 300 have fewer of International Science and Engineering or request supplementary funding to active than 100 native speakers. To address this (OISE) in January 2002 and placed in the awards. intellectual crisis, NSF and the National director’s offi ce in June 2004. A recently For more information, see the Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) formed OISE Advisory Committee held its NSF website: www.nsf.gov/div/index. are collaborating to fund projects to fi rst meeting in June 2005. The new port- jsp?org=OISE, or contact Edward Murdy improve knowledge of endangered lan- folio of OISE activities includes: ([email protected]; 703-292-8711).

20 Capitol Updates

1.8% Increase Returns 2006 NSF Budget to 2004 Level

n November 2005, President Bush The request proposes a $439 million • combine the Instructional Materials Isigned the fi scal year (FY) 2006 Science, (7.9%) increase for the overall NSF bud- Development, Teacher Professional State, Justice, Commerce, and Related get to $6.0 billion in 2007. NSF’s R&RA Continuum, and Centers for Learning Agencies Appropriations Act, which account would total $4.7 billion, a 7.7% and Teaching programs to create a new includes the NSF budget. The fi nal NSF increase. Most research directorates would Discovery Research K–12 program. budget is $5.58 billion, a 1.8% increase increase 5–9% after several years of fl at or The MREFC account would increase over FY 2005 after a mandated 1.28% declining funding, but the budgets of sev- 26%, from $191 million to $240 million, rescission. Because the FY 2005 budget eral directorates, including Mathematical including $12 million for the National refl ected a decrease of 1.9%, the FY 2006 and Physical Sciences; Geosciences; Biologi- Ecological Observatory Network (NEON; budget essentially returns the agency to FY cal Sciences; and Social, Behavioral and see Witness Spring 2000), $13.5 million 2004 funding levels, without accounting Economic Sciences, would remain below for the Ocean Observatories Initiative, for infl ation. In real terms, the FY 2006 2004 levels in real terms. The new Offi ce of and $56 million for the Alaska Region budget is lower than in any of the last three Cyberinfrastructure, a recent spin-off from Research Vessel (ARRV; see Witness Spring years, and far below the $8.5 billion autho- the Computer and Information Science and 2004). rized in 2002 in a plan to double the NSF Engineering directorate, would see its fund- Final results of the budget process will budget by 2007 (see Witness Spring 2002). ing climb 44% to $182 million. not be known until after Congress con- Funding for NSF’s Research and The Offi ce of Polar Programs (OPP) siders the FY 2007 budget request in the Related Activities (R&RA) account would receive $438 million, a boost of coming months. For more information, increased by $96.6 million (2.3%) to $4.3 $48.76 million (12.5%), largely for Interna- see the NSF Budget Division website: billion. The largest R&RA increase is tional Polar Year (IPY) 2007–2008 research www.nsf.gov/about/budget. $44.3 million (15.9%) to Polar Programs, and associated logistics costs. The Arctic partially covering a transfer of $48 million Sciences section request includes increases Appropriations Reorganized in Coast Guard costs for icebreakers to the of $8.3 million for IPY research activities, In February 2005, the House Appro- NSF budget (see page 12). $8 million to provide logistics in support priations Committee reorganized the 13 The Education and Human Resources of IPY, and $1.46 million for the Bering appropriations subcommittees responsible (EHR) budget was cut 5.6% ($46.85 mil- Ecosystem Study (BEST; see page 18). The for individual appropriations bills. The lion) to $797 million, bringing NSF sup- Antarctic Sciences section would receive an major change, which was also ratifi ed port for education down to FY 2000 levels increase of $8.5 million for IPY research by the Senate, was the elimination of in real terms. One bright spot in EHR was and $9 million for IPY logistics. the Veterans Affairs-Housing and Urban $99 million (a $5 million increase) for the The OPP request also includes $57 Development (VA-HUD) and Indepen- Experimental Program to Stimulate Com- million to operate and maintain the polar dent Agencies subcommittee, which had petitive Research (EPSCoR). icebreaker fl eet. The OPP budget no lon- been responsible for funding NSF, the The Major Research Equipment and ger includes funding for the U.S. Arctic National Aeronautics and Space Admin- Facilities Construction (MREFC) account Research Commission (USARC; see page istration (NASA), and the Environmental increased by 15.6% ($25.74 million) to 22), which is now a separate account in Protection Agency (EPA), among others. $191 million to fund four ongoing proj- R&RA, with a budget of $1.45 million, The new House subcommittee oversee- ects (the Scientifi c Ocean Drilling Vessel an increase of $280,000 (23.5%) over FY ing NSF appropriations is the Science, [see Witness Winter 2004/2005], Atacama 2006. State, Justice, and Commerce subcom- Large Millimeter Array, EarthScope, and The EHR budget would increase 2.5%, mittee, chaired by Frank Wolf (R-VA); in IceCube Neutrino Observatory). a 20% decrease from 2004 in real terms. the Senate, the relevant subcommittee is The EHR request includes $2 million in FY Commerce, Justice, and Science, chaired FY 2007 Budget Request 2007 for IPY education activities. Over the by Richard Shelby (R-AL). The new sub- On February 6, President Bush released his next two years, EHR plans an internal reor- committee structures in the two chambers proposed budget for FY 2007, including ganization that will; (10 in the House, 12 in the Senate) do not increases for some science and engineering • merge the Elementary, Secondary and correspond precisely, which may lead to programs as part of the American Compet- Informal Education Division and the diffi culties in future conferences. itiveness Initiative, a response to growing Research, Evaluation and Communica- For more information, see the Library concerns about the state of U.S. innovation Division into a new Division of of Congress legislative information web- tion (see page 1). Three agencies (NSF, the Research on Learning in Formal and site: http://thomas.loc.gov, the American Department of Energy Offi ce of Science, Informal Settings, Association for the Advancement of Sci- and the National Institute of Standards and • move the Math and Science Partnership ence website: www.aaas.org/spp/rd, or the Technology Laboratories) would receive program to the Division of Undergradu- American Institute of Physics website: substantial budget increases. ate Education, and www.aip.org/gov/budginfo.html.

21 Polar Research Board

PRB Provides Expertise for Many Purposes

he Polar Research Board (PRB), a unit underway to consider the environmental • working with numerous agencies, Tof the National Academies, was estab- and scientifi c stewardship responsibilities groups, universities, and the interna- lished in 1958. Unique in its coverage of related to exploration of subglacial lake tional community to move IPY from both arctic and Antarctic science, the PRB environments in Antarctica. concept to implementation; strives to make research in the polar regions Under its core element, the PRB serves • ensuring that the U.S. polar research more productive and responsive to the as a source of information and assistance community participates in critical plan- needs of the U.S.; maintain U.S. awareness to federal agencies, Congress, and others ning activities and opportunities for of and representation in international sci- in the polar community and serves as the international cooperation; and ence programs; and enhance understanding U.S. National Committee for the Scientifi c • developing selected outreach opportuni- of issues in polar regions. Committee on Antarctic Research (SCAR) ties that will happen during 2007–2008. The PRB program has two elements: a of the International Council of Scientifi c For more information on the PRB, see: study element and a core element. Exam- Unions (ICSU) and as the U.S. National www.dels.nas.edu/prb/, or contact Chris ples of recent projects under the Board’s Committee for the International Arctic Elfring ([email protected]; 202-334-3479). oversight as part of its study element Science Committee (IASC). For more information on the U.S. National include the Arctic Observing Network Also under its core element, the Board Committee for IPY, see: www.us-ipy.org/, study (see page 10) and the assessment continues to facilitate planning for Interna- or contact Chris Elfring or Maria Uhle of Coast Guard polar icebreaker roles tional Polar Year (IPY) 2007–2008: ([email protected]; 202-334-3531). and needs (see page 13). A new study is

U.S. Arctic Research Commission

John Farrell Takes Helm as Executive Director of USARC

ohn W. Farrell has been appointed the than 35 peer-reviewed papers. Farrell is a Arctic, the glacial age history of the Arctic Jexecutive director of the U.S. Arctic geology graduate of Franklin and Marshall Basin, global climate change, and many Research Commission (USARC) and joins College and earned his M.S. degree and other subjects have caused revolutions in its Arlington, Virginia, headquarters in Ph.D. in geological sciences from Brown our understanding. June, replacing Garrett Brass. University. Now that the Cold War has ended and Farrell brings to the Commission a Brass, who led the Commission staff with it the dedicated SCICEX cruises, the broad background in science, research, and from 1995 to early 2006, considers the program continues to prepare for short management. Prior to his current posi- Science Ice Exercises (SCICEX; see Witness (fi ve- to ten-day) data collection exercises tion as Associate Dean of Research and Autumn 2001) program one of the most known as “opportunity” cruises, but scien- Administration at the University of Rhode important accomplishments of his tenure tists no longer ride along and specialized Island Graduate School of Oceanography, at the USARC and offers this summary of instruments like Seafl oor Characterization he served as program director at the Joint its signifi cance: And Mapping Pods (SCAMP) are idle. Oceanographic Institutions where he man- “In January 1993, the USARC worked The likeliest platforms to replace the Arctic aged the international Ocean Drilling with several Navy commands and civilian Ocean survey function of the SCICEX Program (ODP) and the NSF-supported research agencies to allow civilian scientists submarine cruises are autonomous under- U.S. Science Support Program. He played to conduct research aboard U.S. Navy fast water vehicles (AUVs), but existing plat- a pivotal role in planning and implement- attack nuclear submarines under the sea forms don’t have the endurance to conduct ing the Integrated Ocean Drilling Program ice in the Arctic Ocean. The results from SCICEX style surveys and there are many (IODP), the successor to the ODP. He the six SCICEX cruises from 1993 to 1999 other hurdles to cross before they can also participated in the highly successful were outstanding; the data base on Arctic assume the submarine’s survey mission. IODP Arctic Coring Expedition (ACEX), Ocean hydrography more than doubled The SCICEX program was a brilliant suc- conducted in the summer of 2004 atop and the data base on marine bathymetry cess. We are still exploring opportunities the Lomonosov Ridge near the North Pole in the Arctic increased roughly tenfold. for the next phase.” (see Witness Winter 2004/2005). Farrell SCICEX data on changes in the thickness For more information, see www.arctic. has spent more than 10 months at sea as of arctic sea ice, the penetration of warm gov, or contact George Newton (703-525- a research scientist on expeditions to all Atlantic water into the Arctic Ocean, 0111). major ocean basins and has published more chemical and biological activity in the

22 Science News

Exploration of Arctic Canada Basin Finds New Species

n June and July 2005, an international Left: Diver Katrin Iken deploys team of 24 scientists from the U.S., a quadrat to count under-ice I amphipods (sand fl eas) in the China, and Russia collaborated to explore Canada Basin. Photo by S. the depths of the Canada Basin under Harper, UAF/NOAA. Below: An unidentifi ed cnidarian polyp the auspices of the Census of Marine collected from the deep Canada Life (COML) Arctic Ocean Biodiversity Basin with the manipulator arm (ArcOD) project. Operating from the U.S. of an ROV. The specimen was attached to a second species of Coast Guard icebreaker Healy and funded cnidarian. Photo by B. Bluhm by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric and K. Iken, UAF/NOAA. Administration (NOAA) Offi ce of Ocean Exploration, the team examined the biota of the sea ice, water column, and seafl oor in this ice-dominated ecosystem with a variety of techniques. At 14 stations, they used divers, high defi nition video platforms, a specially designed remotely operated vehicle (ROV), ice coring, plank- ton nets, and bottom cores and trawls to retrieve material and images from depths The ArcOD project also supports an sometimes greater than 3,000 m. Arctic Marine Taxonomic Center (AMTC) The new tools gave the investigators the to provide taxonomic training and exper- All the data on species, location, and fi rst comprehensive look at the deep arctic tise, examine already collected materials in abundance from COML investigations, seafl oor, water column, and sea ice habitats detail, and organize data from past (mostly as well as data from many other sources, in the Canada Basin, revealing unexpect- Russian) arctic expeditions and literature will be available through an online Ocean edly high densities and diversity of animals. and distribute it electronically. AMTC Biogeographic Information System, where Among the thousands of specimens col- program responsibilities are shared by two they can be integrated with environmental lected, at least seven previously unknown branches of the Russian Academy of Sci- data, maps, and model outputs. species were found by the team: four soft- ences, the Zoological Institute in St. Peters- An international Science Steering bodied zooplankton species and three burg and the Shirshov Institute in Moscow. Committee and Secretariat, based at the benthic polychaete worms. Consortium for Oceanographic Research Rolf Gradinger of the School of Fisher- The Census of Marine Life and Education, oversee the COML, which ies and Ocean Sciences at the University of The international Census of Marine Life began in 2000 and is planned to continue Alaska Fairbanks (UAF) was chief scientist (COML) program involves investigators until 2010, with a total cost estimated at on the voyage; other institutions repre- from more than 70 nations. COML seeks $1 billion. Projects are funded by both sented on the team included California to assess and explain the diversity, distribu- private foundations and governmental State University Monterey Bay, Harbor tion, and abundance of life in the oceans sponsors; in the U.S., these include NSF, Branch Oceanographic Institution, NOAA, by answering three big questions: NOAA, the National Oceanographic Part- Texas A&M University Corpus Christi, • What did live in the oceans? Three nership Program, and the Offi ce of Naval University of Hawaii, Western Washington History of Marine Animal Populations Research. The Alfred P. Sloan Foundation University, Zoological Institute, P.P. Shir- centers work to extend time series by is the largest private sponsor of COML. shov Institute of Oceanology, and Polar gathering and integrating historical and For more information on the Canada Research Institute of China (see page 24). archival data on marine biota. Basin expedition, see: www.oceanexplorer. The 2005 cruise was the third in a • What lives in the oceans now? Four- noaa.gov/explorations/05arctic, or contact series by this research team—in 2002 to teen fi eld projects, including ArcOD, Jeremy Potter ([email protected]; the Canada Basin on the Canadian Coast estimate abundance and distribution of 301-713-9444, ext. 136). For more infor- Guard icebreaker Louis S. St-Laurent, and marine species in every ocean realm and mation on the ArcOD project, see: www. in 2004 to the Bering and Chukchi Seas on zone. sfos.uaf.edu/research/arcdiv/, or contact the Russian research vessel Professor Khro- • What will live in the oceans? Three Rolf Gradinger ([email protected]; mov, funded by the NOAA Arctic Research Future of Marine Animal Populations 907-474-7407). For more information Offi ce and Ocean Exploration. The centers work to improve statistical on the Census of Marine Life, see: www. ArcOD team is currently working on pro- design, data exchange and model inter- coml.org, or contact Ron O’Dor (rodor@ posals for research to be conducted during face, model development, data syntheses, COREocean.org; 202-332-0063, the International Polar Year 2007–2008. and prediction. ext. 239).

23 International News

China Increases Polar Research Budget as IPY Nears

hina is making major commitments to • improving observatories and carrying out (ARCTIML, 2006–2010) project, a major Cpolar research in support of the Inter- long-term monitoring work in the Arctic new Chinese effort to further understand- national Polar Year 2007–2008, including: Ocean and Ny-Ålesund; ing of arctic change and its response and • increasing its annual budget for polar • enhancing international collaboration in feedback to global climate by addressing science (approximately $6.5 million) by arctic research; the impact of arctic change on mid-lati- $1.2 million in 2006, and • cultivating the next generation of polar tudes. The multidisciplinary • allocating an additional $60 million scientists, experts, and logistic managers; CHINARE–2003 expedition to the Chuk- over the next three years to improve and chi Sea and Canadian Basin laid the foun- infrastructure and capabilities supporting • ensuring data collection and sharing. dation for ARCTIML. Initially, two ARC- polar research. The 167 m R/V Xuelong is in the TIML cruises are planned. A cruise aboard China opened its fi rst arctic research sta- process of being refurbished to become a R/V Xuelong is planned for 2008–2009, tion in Ny-Ålesund in 2003, plans to start modern research platform supporting new during IPY, starting from China through establishment of its third station in Antarc- instrumentation, including: the Bering Strait to the North Pole, con- tica by 2008, and is in the process of refur- • a hull-based acoustic ice monitoring tinuing through the Atlantic Ocean to Ant- bishing its research icebreaker Xuelong. system, arctica. The R/V Xuelong can go through Chinese efforts in polar research are • arctic ice buoys, 1.2 m ice; therefore, this cruise will require led by two complementary organizations • under-ice moorings with automated data cooperation with an additional icebreaker. within the State Oceanic Administration: transmission, China encourages international coop- the Chinese Arctic and Antarctic Admin- • an unmanned aerial vehicle for remote eration in ARCTIML and in polar activi- istration and the Polar Research Institute sensing (6 hours endurance, range of 100 ties, and hopes to work with other coun- of China (PRIC). The Chinese Arctic and km), and tries and international organizations and Antarctic Administration is the govern- • high frequency ground wave radar. programs on joint cruises and fi eld work as ment department in Beijing responsible for When the reconstruction is completed well as opportunities for sharing resources planning and coordinating Chinese polar in August 2006, laboratory space will such as facilities, vessels, and station data. research and expeditions and supporting have increased to 300 m2 and the ship will For more information, see the PRIC international cooperation. The PRIC in accommodate two helicopters. website: www.pric.gov.cn, or contact Shanghai was established in 1989 and has Zhang also outlined plans for the Arctic Zhang Zhanhai ([email protected]. three basic tasks: Change and Tele-Impact on Mid-Latitudes cn; +86-21-685-07533). • conduct polar scientifi c research, including upper atmospheric physics, glaciol- ogy, biology, and oceanography; • provide transportation and logistical sup- Nations Launch Asian Forum for Polar port to the Chinese National Antarctic/ Sciences Arctic Research Expeditions (CHINARE), including running the t a Council of Managers of National Antarctic Programs (COMNAP) meeting in Xuelong and the polar stations; and A 2003, the Asian nations involved in COMNAP discussed the increasing need for • supply informational support to polar a regional group to facilitate practical cooperation among Asian neighbor countries in science, including publishing a journal polar research and logistics. Directors of national polar research institutes from China, (Chinese Journal of Polar Science) and Japan, and Korea met in May 2004 to develop a framework for an Asian Forum for providing data management, library, and Polar Sciences (AFOPS). In September 2004, AFOPS was offi cially inaugurated. India archive services. and Malaysia are now members as well. Korea is serving as the chair country for a two-year term, and Kim Yeadong of the Future Plans Korea Polar Research Institute (KOPRI) is AFOPS chairman. The AFOPS Secretariat During Arctic Science Summit Week 2005, is established at KOPRI. Member countries have representatives for each of the fi ve hosted by the Chinese Arctic and Antarctic AFOPS working groups: Earth science, life science, planetary science, engineering and Administration, PRIC Director Zhang logistics, and public relations and data management. Zhanhai gave an overview of future arctic Representatives of AFOPS met at the 2005 Arctic Science Summit Week, which research in China. Overall aims include: may become a regular AFOPS venue. AFOPS will make efforts to develop and support • developing and coordinating national cooperative programs on polar research, convene joint symposia and workshops for programs; polar sciences, support Asian countries in developing their national polar programs, • developing new technologies, equip- and produce joint publications on polar sciences. ment, and logistical capabilities; For more information, see the AFOPS website: www.afops.org/.

24 International News

Assessment to Evaluate Impacts of Arctic Marine Activity

he Arctic Council is an intergov- control measures related to protection of each of the arctic states requesting all arctic Ternmental forum that addresses the arctic marine environment from land shipping data for 2004. Ship types that are environmental protection and sustain- and sea-based activities. In 2004, the min- part of the assessment include tankers, bulk able development issues and challenges isters requested that the PAME working carriers, container ships, tug-barge combi- faced by arctic governments and people group conduct a comprehensive Arctic nations, fi shing vessels, ferries, cruise ships, (see Witness Winter 2004/2005). Council Marine Shipping Assessment (AMSA). research vessels, icebreakers, and offshore deliberations are conducted at the ministe- The three-year assessment began in supply vessels. Integration of the 2004 data rial level between the eight arctic states and February 2005 and is a direct follow-up to will produce a historic “picture” of levels permanent participants (representing arctic the Council’s 2004 Arctic Marine Strategic of marine activity in the Arctic Ocean at indigenous groups). Between these meet- Plan and Arctic Climate Impact Assess- the beginning of the 21st century. Analyses ings, which occur every two years, the chair ment (ACIA). In particular, ACIA Key will be conducted to determine the social, of the Council, currently Russia, leads the Finding #6, stating that “reduced sea ice environmental, and economic impact of Senior Arctic Offi cials in the work of the is very likely to increase marine transport shipping today. Evaluation of the impacts Council. Five expert working groups focus and access to resources,” guided the evo- of arctic shipping on large marine ecosys- on issues such as monitoring, assessing, and lution of AMSA. Most observers of the tems will be included in AMSA as well. In preventing pollution in the Arctic, climate Arctic believe it highly plausible that sea the second phase of AMSA, projected and change, biodiversity conservation and sus- ice reductions will hasten increased marine plausible levels of shipping for 2020 and tainable use, emergency preparedness and access throughout the Arctic Ocean and 2050 will be determined based on scenarios prevention, and living conditions of arctic likely lengthen the navigation season in all of the future, derived from ACIA sea ice residents. regions. and climate information and regional arctic The Protection of the Arctic Marine The assessment is under the general economic analyses. The impacts of these Environment (PAME) working group was guidance of three lead countries: Canada, future marine activity levels will also be established by arctic ministers in 1993 to Finland, and the U.S. As part of the initial determined. address policy, pollution prevention, and work of AMSA, surveys have been sent to AMSA should yield key fi ndings that will be relevant to the arctic states, permanent participants, all arctic stakeholders, and the global maritime community. Once the fi ndings are available, PAME will work with the Senior Arctic Offi cials to develop recommendations for consideration by the Arctic Council ministers. A fi nal report will be presented at the 6th Arctic Council Ministerial Meeting, which will be held in Norway in autumn 2008. For more information, see the PAME website: www.pame.is, or contact Lawson Brigham at the U.S. Arctic Research Com- mission ([email protected]; 907-271- 4576).

This map indicates key marine routes in the Arctic Ocean and coastal sub-arctic that will be reviewed as part of the Arctic Marine Shipping Assessment. Three polar icebreaker voyages in the central Arctic Ocean are illustrated: the fi rst surface ship voyage to the North Pole by the Soviet nuclear icebreaker Arktika in August 1977; the tourist voyage by the Soviet nuclear icebreaker Sovetskiy Soyuz in August 1991; and the historic scientifi c transect by the polar icebreakers Polar Sea (USA) and Louis S. St-Laurent (Canada) in summer 1994. The icebreakers Healy (USA) and Oden (Sweden) conducted a similar scientifi c crossing of the Arctic Ocean in 2005. Also shown is the minimum extent of arctic sea ice on 16 September 2002 derived from satellite passive microwave observations. Notable for this date are large, ice- free areas north of the Russian Arctic coastal seas; a historic ice edge retreat in the Beaufort Sea; and an ice edge well north of Svalbard. Map courtesy of Lawson Brigham.

25 Education News

Online Workshop Focuses on IPY 2007–2008 Education

he International Polar Year (IPY) • build on the prior planning for IPY out- Twelve breakout sessions covered an T2007–2008 is an opportunity to build reach and education efforts, such as the array of topics, including formal and infor- on inherent interest in polar regions and 2004 Bridging the Poles workshop (see mal education, international collaboration, engage audiences of all ages in science. As www.ldeo.columbia.edu/res/pi/polar_ serving diverse audiences, fi eld experiences, IPY approaches, a series of workshops are workshop/) and the 2005 Poles Together and educational technology and digital defi ning strategies for education efforts. workshop (see http://cires.colorado.edu/ media. Workshop presentations and dis- The most recent of these was the IPY news/archives/2005/ipy.html); cussions remain available on the website, Integrated Collaborative Education Plan- • engage, expand, and inform the emerg- which will serve as an ongoing forum for ning Workshop, which was sponsored by ing community of researchers, educators, communication as programs move into NSF and the National Oceanic and Atmo- media specialists, and exhibit experts implementation. A section of resources on spheric Administration (NOAA) and held involved in IPY activities; polar education includes a variety of mate- online over two weeks in March 2006 with • foster cooperation, communication, and rials such as lesson plans, maps, and videos more than 240 participants. Organized by collaboration throughout this commu- and remains open for submissions. the College of Exploration in cooperation nity to deliver IPY educational programs; For more information, see the work- with the Cooperative Institute for Research and shop website: www.coexploration.org/ipy/ in Environmental Sciences (CIRES), the • defi ne a set of key messages about the ice, or contact Renée Crain (rcrain@nsf. workshop aimed to: polar regions to enhance polar literacy. gov; 703-292-8029).

Journalists Gain Intensive Field and Lab Experience

he Marine Biological Laboratory mini laboratory courses, each designed spe- At Toolik, journalists take part in fi eld- T(MBL) in Woods Hole, Massachu- cifi cally for non-scientists. One course fea- work and laboratory analysis, learning fi rst- setts, is an international center for research, tures research techniques currently in use hand about arctic ecology and the impacts education, and training in biology. A pri- by ecosystems ecologists both in the fi eld of environmental change. Although not vate marine laboratory, the MBL supports and in the laboratory, and the other course a requirement of the fellowship, many a year-round staff of more than 275 scien- explores techniques used in biomedical articles inspired by these interactions have tists and support-staff working in been written about the Arctic and the fi elds such as cell and developmen- research conducted there. The fellow- tal biology, ecology, microbiology, ships provide participating journalists molecular evolution, global infec- with a background and understand- tious disease, neurobiology, and ing of science that will pay off later in sensory physiology. Each summer, their environmental reporting. Since an additional 1,400 scientists and the program began, 225 journalists advanced students from around the have participated. world come to the MBL to study The MBL Science Journalism the diverse and abundant marine Program is supported by the NSF organisms found in the waters of Offi ce of Polar Programs, the Ameri- Cape Cod. The laboratory’s edu- can Society for Biochemistry and cational program, consisting of six Molecular Biology, the American major summer courses and approxi- Society for Cell Biology, the How- mately twelve special topics courses ard Hughes Medical Institute, the throughout the year, plays a sig- Journalists in the MBL’s Science Journalism Program survey the view of the National Aeronautics and Space nifi cant role in training the world’s Sagavanirktok River from Slope Mountain, looking south toward the Brooks Administration, The New York Times experimental biologists. Range. From left, Hannah Hoag, freelance writer; Jeff Tollefson of the Company Foundation, and the Waks- Congressional Quarterly, and Mike Stark of the Billings Gazette. Photo The MBL Science Journalism by John Hobbie. man Foundation for Microbiology. Program completed its 20th year in The deadline to apply for participation 2005, providing fellowships to print and research. Later in the summer, fi ve fellows in the June laboratory courses is typically broadcast journalists and editors to study are selected to travel with John Hobbie, early March. basic environmental and biomedical sci- co-director of the Ecosystems Center at the For more information, visit the MBL ence at the laboratory. During a week-long MBL, and other scientists to Toolik Field website: www.mbl.edu, or contact Pamela residency in June, approximately 15–20 Station in Alaska to learn more about Clapp Hinkle ([email protected], 508-289- fellows participate in one of two hands-on environmental research. 7423).

26 Arctic Research Consortium Calendar of the United States 3535 College Road Suite 101 June 24–29, 2006 European Science Foundation–Japan Society for the Promotion of Sci- Fairbanks, AK 99709 USA ence (ESF-JSPS) Frontier Science Conference Series for Young Researchers on Climate Phone: 907-474-1600 Change. Nynäshamn, Sweden. For more information, see www.esf.org/esfjsps/06214. Fax: 907-474-1604 July 10–13, 2006 Inuit Circumpolar Conference General Assembly. Barrow, Alaska. For [email protected] more information, contact Art Conrad Ivanoff ([email protected]). www.arcus.org August 7–9, 2006 Asian Permafrost Conference. Lanshou, China. For more information, see www.casnw.net/permafrost/index.html. Executive Director August 12–18, 2006 Coastal Zone Canada 2006 Conference and Youth Forum: Arctic Wendy K. Warnick Change and Coastal Communities. Tuktoyaktuk, Northwest Territories. For more ARCUS is a nonprofi t organiza- information, see www.czca-azcc.org. tion consisting of institutions orga- September 11–12, 2006 Symposium on North Atlantic Climate and Ecosystems: A Cur- nized and operated for educational, rent Threat? Reykjavik, Iceland. For more information, see www.hafro.is/symposium. professional, or scientifi c purposes. Established by its member institutions September 12–14, 2006 2006 Alaska Park Science Symposium. Denali National Park and in 1988 with the primary mission of Preserve, Alaska. For more information, see www.nps.gov/akso/Symposium. strengthening arctic research, ARCUS September 17–23, 2006 International Ice Drilling Technology Workshop. Sheperdstown, activities are funded through a coopera- West Virginia. For more information, see www.idt-workshop.unh.edu. tive agreement with NSF, grants from October 5–8, 2006 4th Northern Research Forum Open Meeting: The Borderless North. the National Park Service, and member- Oulu and Tornio, Finland, and Haparanda and Luleå, Sweden. For more information, ship dues. see http://thule.oulu.fi /nrf2006. Witness the Arctic is published November 9–12, 2006 Earth System Science Partnerships (ESSP) Open Science Confer- biannually by ARCUS. Any opinions, ence on Global Environmental Change: Regional Challenges. Beijing, China. For fi ndings, conclusions, or recommenda- more information, see www.essp.org/essp/ESSP2006/. tions expressed in this publication do not necessarily refl ect the views of NSF. Submit suggestions for the next issue of For more events, check the Calendar on the ARCUS website (www.arcus.org/ARCUS/Calendar/index.html). the newsletter by October 2006. Managing Editor: Sarah Behr Publications Science Editor: Alison York Contributors: L. Alessa, V. Alexander, M. Berman, B. Bluhm, K. Boggs, A. Boraas, Ahlenius, Hugo, Kathrine Johnsen, and Christian Nellemann, eds. 2005. Vital Arctic G. Brass, L. Brigham, J. Brigham-Grette, Graphics: People and Global Heritage on Our Last Wild Shores. United Nations Environ- N. Broadbent, J. Burns, M. Carlson, D. Causey, ment Programme (UNEP)/GRID-Arendal. 43 pages. ISBN 82-7701-033-8. $20.00 H. Chung, A. Clapp, P. Clapp, L. Cooper, USD. See the UNEP/GRID-Arendal website (www.vitalgraphics.net/arctic.cfm). H. Cortes-Burns, E. Cowan, R. Crain, K. Crossen, P. Cutler, U. Dutta, M. Duvall, J. Eichelberger, Fienup-Riordan, Ann. 2005. Ciuliamta Akluit/Things of Our Ancestors. University of C. Elfring, J. Ferris, B. Fitzhugh, Washington Press. 448 pages. ISBN: 0-295-98471-6. $25.00 USD. Contact the D. Garcia-Lavigne, J. Gourley, R. Gradinger, University of Washington Press (www.washington.edu/uwpress/search/books/ J. Grebmeier, L. Green, S. Haley, D. Hanson, FIETHI.html). R. Harritt, L. Hinzman, J. Hobbie, R. Holmes, Krupnik, Igor, Rachel Mason, and Tonia W. Horton, eds. 2004. Northern Ethnographic H. Hop, R. Hopcroft, G. Hunt, J. Intrieri, J. Jaeger, D. Kaufman, A. Kerttula, A. Kliskey, Landscapes: Perspectives from Circumpolar Nations. Contribution to Circumpolar G. Knapp, M. Kuizenga, L. Leask, G. MacDonald, Anthropology Series, Volume 6. Arctic Studies Center, Smithsonian Institution. 416 R. MacPhee, S. Marshall, J. Munk, L. Munk, pages. ISBN 0-9673429-7-X. $22.50 USD. Contact the University of Alaska Press E. Murdy, K. Peterson, H. Poinar, R. Powell, (888-252-6657; www.uaf.edu/uapress). J. Pundsack, T. Pyle, S. Ryan, D. Scanlon, Polar Research Board. 2006. Toward an Integrated Arctic Observing Network. National W. Schnabel, M. Serreze, D. Spalinger, S. Stephenson, D. Stonner, M. Sturm, C. Suplee, Academies Press. 128 pages. ISBN 0-309-10052-6. $37.35 USD. Contact National B. Sveinbjörnsson, N. Swanberg, M. Tolbert, Academies Press (888-624-8373; www.nap.edu/catalog/11607.html). I. van Tets, M. Van Woert, D. Veltre, Polar Research Board, Transportation Research Board. 2005. Polar Icebreaker Roles and U.S. F. von Hippel, C. Vörösmarty, J. Welker, Future Needs: A Preliminary Assessment. National Academies Press. 52 pages. ISBN W. Wiseman, Z. Yang, D. Yesner, and Z. Zhang. 0-309-10069-0. $16.20 USD. Contact National Academies Press (888-624-8373; wit.ness (wit nis) n. 1.a. One who has heard or www.nap.edu/catalog/11525.html). seen some thing. b. One who fur nish es ev i dence. Revkin, Andrew. 2006. The North Pole Was Here: Puzzles and Perils at the Top of the World. 2. Anything that serves as evidence; a sign. 3. An at tes ta tion to a fact, state ment, or event. —v. tr. Kingfi sher. 128 pages. ISBN 0-753-45993-0. $15.95 USD. See the Houghton Miffl in 1. To be present at or have per son al knowledge Company website (www.houghtonmiffl inbooks.com). of. 2. To pro vide or serve as ev i dence of. 3. To tes ti fy to; bear witness. —intr. To fur nish or serve University Corporation for Atmospheric Research (UCAR) Joint Offi ce of Science Sup- as ev i dence; testify. [Middle En glish witnes(se), port (JOSS). 2005. Arctic Transitions in the Land-Atmosphere System (ATLAS) Project: Old En glish witnes, wit ness, knowledge, from wit, Seward Peninsula Site CDs. Contact JOSS (303-497-8987, [email protected]) or see knowl edge, wit.] the project website (www.joss.ucar.edu/atlas/).

27 A Note From the ARCUS President

he approach of the International Polar Around this time, the Polar Research has had a leading role in communicating TYear (IPY) in 2007–2008 offers a good Board (see page 22) established an Arctic this information—positioning the U.S. opportunity to reﬂ ect on the development Research Policy Committee that made rec- arctic research community to provide an of arctic research, which has undergone ommendations toward developing a policy- outstanding contribution to IPY and reach enormous changes in the past few decades. guided, comprehensive plan for arctic an informed and receptive audience. As recently as 1980, the U.S., although it is research. These recommendations provided —Vera Alexander one of the eight arctic nations, did not have the basis for the enactment of the Arctic an arctic policy or a framework for such a Research and Policy Act of 1984 (ARPA). Reference policy’s implementation—in stark contrast Although ARPA represented enormous Hickok, D. M., G. Weller, T. N. Davis, V. to the Antarctic, for which the U.S. has legal progress, it did not immediately Alexander, and R. Elsner. 1981. United States had an explicit working policy since 1959. change the climate for arctic research. Arctic Science Policy. AAAS (Alaska Division). This fact seems astonishing when we reﬂ ect Many factors have since played a role in 62 pages. on the strategic priorities of the Cold War. assuring a vital U.S. arctic research effort. In the early 1980s, a small group of Not the least of these was the evolution of Inside us wrote a white paper outlining arctic ARCUS into a neutral, competent advo- problems of national interest (Hickok et cate for arctic research—a community of Integrating Research and Education 1 al. 1981). These included national security, scientists from research and educational Arctic Social Sciences Pro gram 4 natural resources, protecting the environ- institutions working together to develop Arctic System Science Program 6 ment, and preserving the cultures of the and coordinate research efforts with appro- Arctic Research Support and Logistics 10 native populations of the Arctic. Address- priate agencies, to disseminate results, and Arctic Natural Sciences Pro gram 15 ing these issues required detailed knowl- to increase public awareness. Study of Environmental Arctic Change 17 edge, which we did not have, of the Arctic’s The prescient legislators who intro- NSF News 19 environment, geology, seas, climate, and duced ARPA recognized the major issues Capitol Updates 21 people. In 1981, the American Association mandating a strong arctic effort at that Polar Research Board 22 for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) time. Today, were we to list the reasons for U.S. Arctic Research Commission 22 Science News 23 published this paper, and the AAAS Coun- promoting arctic research, our list would International News 24 cil issued a resolution urging the U.S. and be very similar. The big difference is the Education News 26 Alaska “to articulate rigorous arctic science now widespread public recognition of the Calendar and Publications 27 policies.” global importance of the Arctic. ARCUS

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