ARCTIC

Chronicles of the NSF Arctic Sciences Program Winter 2000/2001, Volume 8 Number 2

Ozone Losses Increase Possible UV Impacts in the Arctic by Cathy Cahill and Elizabeth Weatherhead

skimo sunglasses made of wood, bone, TOMS total ozone or leather have been found in the E Mar. 71 Mar. 72 Mar. 79 Mar. 80 archaeological assemblages of several arctic cultures. The narrow slats over the eyes protect the wearer from snowblindness. These widespread and ancient artifacts indicate that arctic indigenous people have known for generations about the harmful effects of ultraviolet (UV) radiation. Mar. 93 Mar. 96 Mar. 97 Mar. 98 Although the sun never rises far above the arctic horizon, reflections from ice and snow surfaces can allow damaging levels of UV to reach unprotected eyes and vertical surfaces such as faces, trees, and shrubs. Ozone (O3) in the stratosphere shields the Earth from much of the destructive

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450 520 UV radiation, but recent measurements in the Arctic show long-term decreases in Total DU the amount of ozone overhead—the total Total Ozone Mapping Spectrometer (TOMS) satellite measurements indicate that total ozone amounts column ozone. Researchers have also have decreased in the Arctic over the past two decades. The average total ozone in March 1997 is 21% noted a downward trend in total column lower than the pre-1990s March average (figure courtesy of NASA). ozone over the mid-latitude areas of the Northern Hemisphere in all seasons. The Polar “Ozone Holes” form persist through winter into spring, Before 1996, most studies of arctic In 1985, a team of British investigators maintaining high levels of the reactive ozone showed rather small impacts in reported unusually low ozone levels over chlorine compounds as sunlight returns to comparison to the very large ozone losses Antarctica. Research into the cause of the the region. In addition, PSCs remove recorded over Antarctica; during the win- “ozone hole” implicated halocarbons nitric acid and other nitrogenous com- ters of 1995–96 and 1996–97, however, generated by human activities, particularly pounds from the stratosphere that would researchers found evidence of major ozone chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), in ozone otherwise moderate ozone depletion by losses over the Arctic (see figure). depletion. The effects of CFCs have been reactive chlorine compounds. In addition, more frequent episodes of concentrated above Antarctica, where Because the stratosphere over the Arc- extremely low ozone levels, particularly polar stratospheric clouds (PSCs, see page tic isn’t as cold as it is over the Antarctic, during the springtime, have been reported. 14) provide surfaces on which benign the formation of PSCs is more limited, The interrelated issues of ozone depletion forms of chlorine are converted into and until recently, investigators assumed and UV exposure in the arctic environ- reactive forms. These reactive forms of that a similar ozone hole was unlikely over ment present interesting research chal- chlorine then rapidly destroy ozone in the the Arctic. Monitoring by a polar orbiting lenges and are likely to have serious presence of sunlight. In the Antarctic, the satellite, however, documented a decrease human and ecosystem impacts. very cold conditions that allow PSCs to continued on next page

Published by the Arctic Research Consortium of the United States • 3535 College Road • Suite 101 • Fairbanks, AK 99709 1 Feature Article

in total column ozone over the Arctic in lowers temperatures and therefore their populations can ramify through ma- 1993. Significant decreases continued, but enhances formation of PSCs. rine ecosystems (see page 15). Cod, her- with considerable interannual variability, ring, pollock, salmonids, and other fish in the Arctic into the 1990s. Levels of UV Radiation in the Arctic species spawn in shallow waters, where lar- The different dynamics of the arctic While stratospheric ozone fluctuations vae can be fully exposed to ambient radia- and Antarctic atmospheres also prevent the are now closely monitored, mesoscale fluc- tion. Elevated UV levels can damage these arctic ozone hole from reaching the mag- tuations in UV radiation at the surface are larvae, and a reduction in the number of nitude of the Antarctic ozone hole. Because less well understood. Accurately estimating larvae reaching maturity can have drastic the southern hemisphere has very little variations in UV irradiance at the surface effects on ecosystems and fisheries. topography, the flow of air around the is particularly challenging in the Arctic, The few studies that have examined Antarctic is primarily west to east. The where UV levels are currently being multiple impacts of other environmental polar vortex—the region of strong westerly monitored at approximately 20 locations. stressors (e.g., pollutants, climate change, winds that surrounds the Antarctic ozone How much UV reaches the surface is and water availability) on arctic organisms hole—keeps the air over that continent controlled by the amount of ozone in the and ecosystems indicate that the effects of from mixing with warmer air from mid- atmosphere overhead, primarily in the these combined with increased UV radia- latitudes and causes the air in the center of stratosphere and to a lesser extent in the tion may be much more severe than the the vortex to become cold enough for PSC troposphere. At the low sun angles typical individual impacts. Many of these stressors formation. The topography of the Arctic of high latitudes, sunlight traverses an (e.g., climate change) are expected to generates more north to south air flow, extended path through the troposphere. remain significant or increase in the Arctic promoting the mixing of warmer air into UV irradiance also varies with local meteo- in the coming years. the polar air mass and introducing more of rological and surface physical conditions For example, recent investigations the nitrogen species that slow the destruc- including cloud cover, aerosol extinction, show that UV radiation enhances the tox- tion of ozone. The location of the polar and ground reflectivity or “albedo.” For icity of certain chemical compounds, par- vortex is determined by this flow. Warmer example, measurements and radiative ticularly those associated with oil spills or temperatures mean that PSCs rarely form transfer model values of UV exposure are petroleum contamination. “Photo- within the arctic polar vortex during the dramatically enhanced where the surface enhanced toxicity” can seriously injure period when the sun rises over the polar has a high UV albedo (e.g., snow) and in or kill sensitive species. Results show, for region. When PSCs are present at the the presence of partial cloud cover; this instance, that 100% of shellfish embryos “polar sunrise,” as occurred in March combination sets up multiple reflections that were exposed to three-day-old spill 1997, the destruction of ozone between clouds (with a very high UV water under UV light were killed. By con- accelerates, and a deeper ozone hole forms. albedo) and the surface. Aerosols (e.g., par- trast, only 40% of the embryos exposed to From November 1999 through March ticulate carbon and sulfur) also change the the same water under fluorescent light 2000, U.S., Canadian, European, Japa- amount and relative proportion of direct (with low UV output) suffered fatalities. nese, and Russian researchers collaborated and diffuse solar (including UV) radiation. on the biggest field campaign yet to mea- Because UV levels are strongly affected by Expectations for the Future sure ozone levels and changes in the arctic factors such as clouds and albedo, climate Although more than 160 nations stratosphere. The NASA-sponsored SAGE change alone will alter incident UV levels. subscribe to the 1987 Montreal Protocol III Ozone Loss and Validation Experiment and subsequent amendments mandating (SOLVE) and the E.U.-sponsored Third Impacts of UV Radiation on Humans reductions of ozone-depleting chemicals, European Stratospheric Experiment on and the Arctic Environment several models indicate that stratospheric Ozone (THESEO) made most of the The hypothesized impacts of UV radia- ozone levels will decrease further over the measurements near Kiruna, Sweden. tion have not been thoroughly investigated Arctic for the next 10 to 20 years. Because Additional data came from satellites and in the Arctic. Elevated UV exposure has well- ozone depletion in the Arctic is a function a network of high-latitude stations. known effects on humans (e.g., sunburn, not only of man-made chemicals, but also At the altitude where PSCs occur snowblindness, immune suppression). of climate change, it is unclear whether or (10–25 km), ozone levels declined approxi- Health problems related to long-term UV not, under current international legislation, mately 60% between January and mid- exposure include cataracts, skin cancer, arctic ozone levels will return to normal. March 2000. In addition, PSCs persisted and a number of related skin diseases. For more information, see relevant significantly longer in the winter of 1999– Arctic ecosystems are particularly vul- NASA (http://toms.gsfc.nasa.gov and 2000 than in previous winters. Several nerable to the effects of UV in spring, http://see.gsfc.nasa.gov/edu/SEES), and lines of evidence suggest that these results when ozone depletion is greatest as young NOAA web sites (www.ozonelayer. may be related to the effects of greenhouse organisms are developing. UV effects can noaa.gov and www.arctic.noaa.gov/). gas emissions (e.g., carbon dioxide, meth- affect individual species—particularly ane, nitrous oxide). Although accumula- those at the base of the food web—as well Cathy Cahill is an assistant professor of tion of these gases low in the atmosphere as the relative abundance of species. chemistry at the University of Alaska warms the Earth’s surface, their presence Certain phytoplankton species are Fairbanks. Elizabeth Weatherhead is a research at higher stratospheric altitudes actually especially sensitive to UV, and changes in associate at the University of Colorado. 2 ARCSS Program

ARCSS Committee Plans for 2002 All-Hands Meeting

n September 2000, NSF personnel met (www.arcus.org/arcss_allhands/). This For more information, see the ARCSS Iwith representatives from the Arctic evolving web site consists of: web site (www.nsf.gov/od/opp/arctic/ System Science (ARCSS) Program in • idea maps outlining the relationships system.htm) or contact Program Director Arlington, Virginia to share experiences among variables and key questions, Mike Ledbetter (703/292-8029; fax 703/ and identify new opportunities for indi- • status reports of progress on measuring 292-9082; [email protected]) or AC vidual components and projects, and for and extrapolating variables, and Chair Jack Kruse (413/367-2240; fax 413/ the entire ARCSS Program as it moves • a relational grants database linking spe- 367-0092; [email protected]). into the more integrative, thematic cific ARCSS projects with variables. approach outlined in Toward Prediction of the Arctic System (ARCUS 1998). The ARCSS Summit brought together repre- ARCSS Data Center Facilitates Access sentatives of the Arctic System Science (ARCSS) Committee (AC), component ollowing a 1993 recommendation of the ARCSS Committee, a central Science Steering Committees, Science FARCSS Data Coordination Center (ADCC) was established to oversee the sub- Management Offices, Project Offices, mission, archives, access, and exchange of data generated by ARCSS-funded and data management entities to discuss: research. The ADCC has been located at the National Snow and Ice Data Center • integration among current ARCSS (NSIDC) in Boulder, Colorado, since 1994 (see Witness Spring 2000). research efforts and with relevant NSF Principal investigators (PIs) funded through the ARCSS Program develop a data initiatives, including Biocomplexity in management plan in collaboration with the ADCC and retain exclusive use of their the Environment (see Witness Spring/ data for one year from its collection. After one year, the ADCC releases the data to Autumn 1999) and Information other ARCSS investigators. Two years after collection, data become available to all Technology Research; other science users through the ADCC. • data management issues, including ways The Joint Office for Science Support (JOSS), at the University Corporation for to recover older data and improve Atmospheric Research, complements the ADCC by coordinating data collection and coordination in data sharing (see box); exchange efforts for selected ARCSS field programs, including SHEBA (see page 7), • organizational structures; ATLAS (see page 5), and NATEX (see page 6), during and immediately after the • meeting coordination; field activities. JOSS (www.joss.ucar.edu/arcss) provides interim project data archive • education and outreach efforts; and access and coordinates the transfer of data to the final archive at ADCC. • emerging interagency and international In recent months, ADCC staff have processed a backlog of more than 50 pend- programs pertinent to ARCSS research ing Directory Interchange Format (DIF) for ARCSS data sets, allowing the data to activities. be accepted for publication on the Global Change Master Directory web site (http:// Summit participants will be working gcmd.gsfc.nasa.gov), administered by NASA. Other new developments at the together to streamline communication and ADCC include: coordination on these issues, in part by • upgrades for the ADCC web and data server hardware that will enhance data increasing their use of Internet resources. retrieval and on-line data storage capacity, Following the ARCSS Summit, the AC • a redesigned searchable on-line data catalog, and met to advance planning for the ARCSS • a searchable ARCSS Address Book, with information on over 400 ARCSS investi- All-Hands meeting, tentatively scheduled gators. for 20–23 February 2002 in Seattle. The Data sets recently added to the ADCC archive include: AC discussed ways to evaluate ARCSS • SCICEX hydrographic data (see Witness Spring 1998), Program accomplishments, identify • Previously classified optical band reconnaissance imagery of the SHEBA field site important questions that are not currently (see page 7), addressed in ARCSS, and articulate emerg- • R-ARCTICNET, a regional hydrological data network from around the Arctic ing research issues. The resulting report of (available on CD-ROM). ARCSS accomplishments and needs will In addition, the ADCC staff is exploring ways to use Geographic Information guide the organization of the All-Hands Systems (GIS, see page 17) to: meeting, with the goal of integrating • georeference archived data sets, results and questions across research • visualize data set locations and patterns, components. • spatially combine and subset data sets, and Working with the Science Steering • integrate multiple themes inherent in the data. Committees, Science Management For more information, see the ADCC web site (http://arcss.colorado.edu), or Offices, and Project Offices, the AC is contact ADCC Manager Rudy Dichtl in Boulder, CO (303/492-5532; fax 303/ developing this progress report on the 492-2468; [email protected]). ARCSS Integration web site 3 ARCSS Program

International Collaboration in the Paleosciences: The Beringian Connection

long history of bilateral collaboration sedimentology and modern and down- Although the chronology is currently Abetween Russia and the U.S. in the core studies of the pollen, diatoms, and not adequate to make a definite correla- paleosciences derives from a shared interest geochemistry are in progress. The pollen tion with rapid climate change, these in the history of the Beringian subconti- record clearly indicates interglacial and results and those from Lake E imply that nent. Scientists working on both sides of full-glacial extremes, but also shows there have been similar rapid climate the Bering Strait took immediate advan- periods (e.g., mid-late Pleistocene) of changes in the North Pacific. This work has tage of the changing politics of the late intermediate conditions. Further, various been supported by the Russian Foundation 1980s and early 1990s to develop joint time-series suggest that there may be for Fundamental Research, PALE/PARCS, projects. An earlier component of the correlation with the Greenland Ice Sheet and the National Geographic Society. ARCSS Program, Paleoclimates from Arc- Project 2 (GISP2) ice-core data (see Participants: P.M. Anderson, L. Brubaker, C. Mock, tic Lakes and Estuaries (PALE; see Witness Witness Spring 1997), and hence possible and P. Bartlein (U.S.); A. Lozhkin, O. Glushkova, Spring 1998), was involved from its incep- teleconnections with the North Atlantic. O. Grinenko, A. Kotov, and M. Trumpe (Russia). tion in cooperative studies with Russian The pollen record of the last intergla- The Glacial and Sea Level History of Quaternary scientists, including work on cial maximum, considered to be a particu- Wrangel Island, Northeast Siberia the ecosystem, climate, and glacial histo- larly warm period in the Arctic, is not The presence of a marine-based East ries of northeastern Siberia (western characterized by tree pollen, suggesting Siberian Ice Sheet (ESIS) during the late Beringia). These investigations have con- that summer conditions were relatively Quaternary is controversial, but such an tributed both formally and informally to cool in north-central Chukotka. ice sheet has been included in the ice-cover several international programs, such as Participants: J. Brigham-Grette, M. Nolan, data used in many paleoclimate model BIOME 6000 (the Global Paleovegetation and C. Cosby (U.S.); O. Glushkova, P. Minyuk, simulations of the last glacial maximum. Project, an IGBP effort) and its arctic A. Smirnov, and G. Federov (Russia); F. Niessen, B. Wagner, C. Kopsch, and M. Apfelbaum (Germany). Modeling sponsored by PALE/PARCS component PAIN (a joint European- confirms that an ESIS would have had a Russian-U.S. research project co-funded by Paleoclimate and Paleovegetation of significant effect on downwind climate Paleoenvironmental Arctic Science Western Beringia (e.g., in the area of the Bering Land [PARCS]), and CircumArctic Paleo-Environ- This U.S.-Russia collaborative project Bridge). To date, there has been little ments (CAPE; the circumarctic element of examines the spatial and temporal patterns investigation of glacial geology and sea- IGBP-PAGES; see Witness Autumn 1998). of change in late Quaternary vegetation level history along the proposed ice sheet’s All of these efforts seek to achieve an and climates with the aim of understand- eastern margin that would confirm or integrated circumarctic data set, which is ing the evolution of the modern vegeta- refute its past existence. Detailed field vital to conceptual and numerical model- tion-climate system and the regional-to- investigations will provide the first ing of both climate change and the likely global scale mechanisms responsible for numerical chronology of glaciation and responses of terrestrial and marine systems. past climate changes. An important contri- sea-level fluctuations. During the 2000 Three projects are currently underway in bution of this project is the integration of field season, researchers collected more northeastern Siberia, funded through the data from Russia and eastern Beringia than 85 samples for radiocarbon, amino NSF Earth System History (ESH) Pro- (Alaska). At this larger scale, there are acid, cosmogenic isotopes, pollen, and gram under the PARCS or RAISE (see clearly heterogeneous patterns in regional micro- and macrofaunal identification. page 5) initiatives. climates and in the response of terrestrial Marine sediment, up to 40 m above sea ecosystems across Beringia to hemispheric level and 15 km inland, was recognized on Lake El’gygytgyn (Lake E) or global-scale climatic change during the the northern tundra and may correlate In 1998, Russian, U.S., and German past 21,000 years. Such regional variations with the northwestern Alaska sea-level collaborators retrieved the longest lacus- suggest that we should expect neither a transgressions. trine sediment record in the Arctic to date uniform response across the Arctic to Participants: L. Gualtieri, P.M. Anderson, J. (400,000 years) from Lake El’gygytgyn. major climate forcings, nor even similarity Brigham-Grette (U.S.), S. Vartanyan (Russia). Lake E lies in an impact crater in north- within a single watershed, given the huge For more information, see the PARCS eastern Siberia, outside glacial limits in extent of many Beringian river systems. web site (www.ngdc.noaa.gov/paleo/parcs/ uplands above present treeline. Initial Another key finding is that during the index.html), or contact Mary Edwards in seismic data indicate approximately 370 m late Pleistocene (Karginskii) interstade— Trondheim, Norway (+47/7359-1915; fax of sediment in the basin, suggesting a the interglacial period ca. 50,000–30,000 +47/7359-1878; [email protected]. possible Plio-Pleistocene age. before present—rapid fluctuations be- no) or Mike Retelle in Lewiston, ME Field studies in 2000 have provided tween tundra and forest occurred in west- (207/786-6155; fax 207/786-8334; data important to the interpretation of the ern Beringia, suggesting that the interval [email protected]). 1998 core. Detailed studies of the was characterized by climatic “flickering.” 4 ARCSS Program

RAISE Takes Steps to Improve U.S.-Russian Collaboration

he annual meeting of the Russian- Sergey Pryamikov (Co-Chair), Vladimir institutions and scientists are invited to TAmerican Initiative on Shelf-Land Pitulko, Nikolai Romanovskiy, and Igor participate (see www.aari.nw.ru/ Environments in the Arctic (RAISE) Semiletov. Two positions are still vacant. ecoarctic2001/program.html). International Steering Committee and Russian members of the Steering Com- For more information about RAISE, Principal Investigators convened in mittee are organizing the ECOARCTIC- contact Lee Cooper in Knoxville, TN November 2000 in Seattle, Washington. 2001 international expedition to the west- (865/974-2990; fax 865/974-3067; The objectives of the meeting were: ern Russian Arctic in August 2001 aboard [email protected]) or Vladimir Roman- • to provide information on existing and the polar research vessel Akademik ovsky in Fairbanks, AK (907/474-7459; planned U.S.-Russian collaborative Fedorov. Subsequent expeditions are fax 907/474-7290; [email protected]). research in the Russian Arctic to the planned for 2002 and 2003. Interested Ministry for Industry, Science, and Technologies and the Academy of Sciences, agencies that empower arctic science in Russia; • to provide information necessary for LAII Management Emphasizes Synthesis American scientists to gain permission n important goal of the Land Atmosphere Ice Interactions (LAII) Program for cooperative research in the Russian A Science Management Office (SMO) is to promote cross-synthesis among its Arctic, arrange logistics, and address extended family of arctic research projects. The current major LAII projects are: safety and financial requirements. The • Arctic Transitions in the Land-Atmosphere System (ATLAS), and goal is to establish clear protocols for • the North American portion of the International Tundra Experiment (ITEX; American and Russian scientists to ease see page 6). access, logistics, and transport of sam- The LAII SMO will now assist in the management of the Russian-American ples for joint scientific programs; and Initiative on Shelf-Land Environments in the Arctic (RAISE; see article this page) as • to take stock of the achievements and well as smaller terrestrial projects that have been funded independently of these larger science directions of RAISE-funded programs to investigate a range of topics relevant to LAII goals (see www.laii.uaf.edu). scientists, evaluating the potential to The next LAII All-Hands meeting will be held in Salt Lake City, Utah 14–17 integrate their research. November 2001. This meeting will coincide with a meeting of the ARCSS Ocean- The chairs of the Steering Committees Atmosphere-Ice Interactions Program (see page 7), so that researchers from both pro- of the major ARCSS projects were invited, grams can participate in joint discussions about topics such as land-ocean hydrologic and Terry Chapin (ATLAS/LAII; see box linkages. The first two days of the LAII meeting will be devoted to separate meetings this page), Jackie Grebmeier (SBI; see page of ATLAS, ITEX, and RAISE researchers; scientists from independently funded 9), and James Morison (SEARCH; see projects will join one of these groups. During the second half of the four-day meet- page 8) were able to attend the meeting. ing, LAII researchers will meet in plenary to hear and discuss synthesis reports from Russian participants were Vasily Zhivago each group and to plan for the future, including: (Head of the Division of Science of Earth • preparation for the Arctic System Science (ARCSS) All-Hands meeting scheduled and the World Ocean; Ministry of Indus- for February 2002, try, Science, and Technologies of the Rus- • planning for LAII synthesis, and sian Federation); Vladimir Yakukhin • planning for the next edition of the LAII Science Plan. (Chief Expert of the Arctic, Antarctic and As the ARCSS Program shifts from a series of research components and projects Marine Department, of Roshydromet); to a more thematic approach (see page 3), the arctic research community will be and Boris Levin (Earth Sciences Depart- addressing broader, more interdisciplinary issues, such as: ment Chief of the Russian Foundation for • biogeochemical and hydrologic feedbacks to the climate system, Basic Research). Marianna Voevodskaya • arctic-global connections, provided information on the programs of • detection of change in the Arctic, and the U.S. Civilian Research and Develop- • human interactions with the arctic system. ment Foundation. The November 2001 LAII All-Hands meeting will be an important opportunity Lee Cooper was elected to serve as the for LAII scientists to discuss: new Chair of the U.S. part of the RAISE • how best to integrate and synthesize current research funded under LAII, and International Steering Committee. Other • how terrestrial-atmospheric research can best contribute to Arctic System Science U.S. members are Steve Forman, Sirpa in the future. Hakkinen, Bruce Peterson, Andrey For more information, contact Patricia A. Anderson in Fairbanks, AK (907/474- Proshutinsky, Vladimir Romanovsky, and 5415; fax 907/474-6722; [email protected]; www.cgc.uaf.edu). Larry Smith. Russian members of the Committee are Igor Melnikov (Co-Chair), 5 ARCSS Program

ITEX Builds on First Decade, Renews Direction

he International Tundra Experiment T(ITEX) held its tenth All-Scientists Abisko Accord Workshop, ITEX in the New Millennium, in Abisko, Swedish Lapland in September (25 September 2000) 2000. Following progress reports and post- urther to discussions at the 10th ITEX meeting in Abisko, Swedish Lapland, between 23-25 ers describing ten years of ITEX research, FSeptember 2000, the meeting participants hereby reaffirm our commitment to participants took the opportunity to assess the continuation and further development of the International Tundra Experiment (ITEX). the need and nature of continuing research We agree that: directions. They addressed current issues • The original ITEX Resolution drafted at the Kellogg Biological Station, Michigan State including experimental methods, database University, USA, on 4 December 1990 remains valid. management and data sharing, scaling up, • This Accord therefore supplements and extends (but does not replace) the 1990 Resolution. and the relationship between ITEX and • ITEX is a working, viable, and dynamic international program. other international initiatives and funding. • We will regularly re-evaluate the methods and goals of ITEX relative to current research The plenary coordination of these ses- developments and, where necessary, respond by modifying our activities accordingly. sions, led by ITEX Chair Philip Wookey • The scope of ITEX includes the tundra biome in general; it is not, therefore, restricted to (University of Uppsala), resulted in the arctic tundra but rightfully incorporates alpine and Antarctic tundras (inter alia the Abisko Accord (see box). This accord connection between ITEX and Regional Sensitivity to Climate Change in Antarctic builds on the ITEX Resolution from the Terrestrial and Limnetic Ecosystems (RiSCC). founding meeting of ITEX held in Michi- Key facets of ITEX after ten years include: gan in December 1990 (Arctic and Alpine • the successful development and maintenance of an international network of research sites Research 23[1]:125). The new accord is in the tundra biome; seen as a blueprint and a platform for • the continued use of common experiments and protocols to improve understanding of future developments in the program. global change impacts upon biological processes in tundra ecosystems; The Abisko workshop was organized • the training and international exchange of young researchers (graduate and undergraduate); by a committee chaired by Ulf Molau • a continued focus upon biological responses to environment at the level of the species and (Göteborg University) and hosted by functional group; Terry Callaghan, Director of the Abisko • increasing emphasis upon population and community dynamics and medium- to longer- Scientific Research Station. term system responses to change; While at Abisko, the U.S. members of • increasing emphasis upon meta-analytical techniques, development of databases, and ITEX met with Program Officers Tom ecological modelling; and Pyle and Michael Ledbetter from the NSF • initiation of advisory activities in relation to international monitoring networks and Office of Polar Programs to discuss scientific agencies (such as Conservation of Arctic Flora and Fauna [CAFF] of the Arctic progress within NATEX (North American Council [see Witness Spring/Autumn 1999] and the Newsletter of the Global Change in Tundra Experiment) and to stress the need Terrestrial Ecosystems Core Project of IGBP (International Geosphere-Biosphere Programme [GCTE News]). for archiving and sharing of data. NATEX held an ITEX synthesis workshop on plant We are committed to: community change in Boulder, Colorado • retaining a flexible approach that allows for development of new research initiatives, in February 2001. For more information, but with a core of manipulation and monitoring activities at individual sites; see www.lter.uaf.edu/~becru/ITEX_ • exploring the relationship between species-specific responses to environmental change, Workshop_Welcome.html. and how these are modulated by community and site characteristics, and feedbacks on The 11th meeting of ITEX is sched- further change; • evaluating ITEX investigations within the context of broader spatial scales, longer temporal uled for 28 September–1 October 2001 scales, and higher trophic levels; at Finse in alpine Norway. Ørjan Totland • exploring pragmatic approaches to long-term monitoring and measurement, designed (Agricultural University of Norway) will to quantify and distinguish between (i) inter-annual variability in system state, and host the meeting. For more information, (ii) longer-term directional changes; see www.nlh.no/ibn/itex2001. • development and implementation of an appropriate protocol for the exchange of ITEX data For more information about ITEX, among participants and the broader community; see the web sites at the Secretariat at the • development of thematic groups focused upon specific aspects of climate change impacts; Danish Polar Center (www.dpc.dk/ • development of procedures for sample collection, sharing and/or common analysis; NSNITEX/Start.html) and Göteborg Uni- • regular meetings (yearly or biennial) with specific themes and progress reports; versity (www.systbot. gu.se/research/ • dissemination of data and research results to the broader community; ITEX/itex.html). • development of a strong and active Steering Committee that will provide leadership and continuity and that will conduct business according to a set of by-laws.

6 ARCSS Program

SHEBA Phase III Applies Field Data to Climate Models

n 1997–98, the Surface Heat Budget of from the Joint Office for Science Support Arctic, and applying the new knowledge to Ithe Arctic Ocean (SHEBA) conducted (JOSS; see page 3). improve global climate models and climate a year-long field experiment in the Arctic Publications resulting from SHEBA monitoring by satellite remote sensing. Ocean, resulting in a comprehensive data Phases I and II have appeared in the Jour- Phase III principal investigators (PIs) set that documents the upper ocean, sea nal of Geophysical Research, EOS, Journal met at the National Center for Atmo- ice, and atmosphere in a single column of of Climate, and the Bulletin of the Ameri- spheric Research in Boulder, Colorado in the arctic climate system (see Witness can Meteorological Society. Manuscripts are October 2000 to consider how the 17 Spring 2000). The goals of SHEBA are: now under review for a special volume of projects and the existing data sets would • to improve simulations of the Arctic the Journal of Geophysical Research-Oceans achieve the overall goals of SHEBA. The in global climate models, and that emphasizes SHEBA Phase II studies. PIs identified opportunities to accelerate • to improve our capability to monitor Publication is planned for 2001. progress and enhance results, including: arctic climate using satellite remote- The final phase of SHEBA began in • create integrated data sets to support sensing data. Spring 2000. Phase III consists of 17 multi- modeling experiments; Phase II of SHEBA (1997–2000) saw investigator projects, focused on using the • seek additional data sets to fill a few gaps the establishment and initial analysis of SHEBA data sets to study climate feed- that have been identified; the field data. These data are available back processes and mechanisms in the • collaborate on model intercomparison studies and single-column (ocean-atmo- sphere-ice) model experiments over the annual cycle; OAII • collaborate on case studies drawn from the SHEBA experimental period (e.g., n the past six months, OAII has scheduled the next All-Hands meeting, updated the late-July storm event, cloud/bound- Ithe OAII Prospectus and Science Plan, and made considerable progress on the ary layer/radiation case studies using Shelf-Basin Interactions (SBI) project (see page 9), the Surface Heat Budget of the atmospheric models); Arctic Ocean (SHEBA) project (see article this page), and the Study of Environ- • continue and enhance PIs’ efforts to mental Change (SEARCH; see page 8). serve as ambassadors to community SEARCH has grown to become a trans-ARCSS program and is developing into climate modeling programs, such as a large interagency international program. The SEARCH Science Plan is available, the Community Climate System Model and several workshops are scheduled, including two that have been funded as incu- (CCSM) Project and the Arctic Regional bation activities under the NSF Biocomplexity Initiative. Model Intercomparison Project The updated OAII Prospectus and Science Plan is undergoing final editing. It is (ARCMIP), to assure that SHEBA posted on the OAII web site to allow for community input before publication in results are incorporated into the leading early 2001. The web-site version of the report will continue to be updated as com- climate models; and ments are received. • develop collaborative papers for In October 2000, the OAII Science Steering Committee (SSC) met and agreed: publication. • to increase outreach activities; and SHEBA PIs will meet again in early • to show how aspects of OAII research could fit under NSF’s Biocomplexity Summer 2001 in Boulder. SHEBA data and Information Technology initiatives. have already made important contributions The next OAII All-Hands meeting will take place 14–16 November 2001 to global models. The sea-ice and atmo- in Salt Lake City, Utah. The agenda includes: sphere components of the CCSM have • summaries of recent results of OAII and companion programs; and been evaluated and modified partly on the • identification of gaps in knowledge of how the arctic system responds to basis of SHEBA data, through the activities and influences climate change. of the CCSM Polar Climate Working This meeting will also provide information for the 2002 ARCSS-wide All-Hands Group (see www.ccsm.ucar.edu). SHEBA meeting. Both meetings will play a crucial role in reorganizing the structure of the data are also being used in the GEWEX ARCSS Program to accommodate its growth with attention to cross-cutting the- Cloud System Study (see http://paos. matic research questions. colorado. edu/~curryja/wg5/home.html) New members of the OAII SSC are Hajo Eicken, Robie Macdonald, and Tom and the ARCMIP (see http://cires. Delworth, replacing Don Perovich, Tom Weingartner, and Andrew Weaver. colorado.edu/lynch/arcmip). For more information, see the OAII web site (http://arcss-oaii.hpl.umces.edu), For additional information, see the or contact Lou Codispoti or Jane Hawkey at the University of Maryland’s Horn SHEBA web site (http://sheba.apl. Point Laboratory (410/221-8479; fax 410/221-8490; [email protected], washington. edu) or contact Richard Moritz hawkey @hpl.umces.edu). in Seattle, WA (206/543-8023; fax 206/616- 3142; [email protected]). 7 ARCSS Program

SEARCH Research Opportunities Emerging

evelopment of the Study of D Environmental Arctic Change (SEARCH) Program has continued on

several fronts, including completion of the colder stratosphere less cold stratosphere SEARCH Science Plan, preparation of

interagency plans for SEARCH-related warm, wet activities in 2001 and 2002, and develop- cold ment of relations between SEARCH and cold dry cold international and national programs. STORMS

weaker SSC Activities stronger trade trade winds The SEARCH Science Steering Com- winds mittee (SSC) met in July and December 2000 to make organizational changes and work on the Science Plan (see http://psc. apl.washington.edu/search/index.html). The SEARCH SSC membership now includes Vera Alexander (University of Alaska), Lou Codispoti (Horn Point The Arctic Oscillation (AO) is the dominant pattern of atmospheric variability of the Northern Hemisphere. The left Laboratory, Maryland), Tom Delworth panel shows conditions associated with a high AO index, while the right shows the low index state. The AO index, which (Geophysical Fluid Dynamics Laboratory, is highly correlated with surface air temperatures over the hemisphere, has been rising since the mid-1960s. Developing a further understanding of the AO as an arctic-wide phenomenon of decadal and/or global change is a major objective of New Jersey), Bob Dickson (Centre for the SEARCH program (figures courtesy of D. Thompson, M. Wallace, and K. Dewar). Environment, Fisheries, and Aquaculture Science, U.K.), Hajo Eicken (University of Alaska), Jackie Grebmeier (University of (CLIVAR) has formally approved making tic Ocean Fluxes (ASOF; see page 23) Tennessee), Jack Kruse (University of SEARCH an element of CLIVAR. A meeting in Norway in September 2000. Massachusetts and University of Alaska), CLIVAR-SEARCH Working Group is ASOF efforts to monitor the fluxes Jamie Morison (University of Washing- being formed, and a description of through the major straits connecting the ton), Jim Overland (Pacific Marine Envi- SEARCH has been included in the Arctic Ocean to the Atlantic and Pacific ronmental Laboratory, Washington), CLIVAR implementation plan. will contribute to SEARCH objectives Jonathan Overpeck (University of Ari- An NSF award for the SEARCH related to understanding the controls on zona), Peter Schlosser (Lamont-Doherty Biocomplexity Incubation activity will aid global thermohaline circulation. Earth Observatory, New York), Mark SEARCH planning efforts in the areas of In October 2000, Mark Serreze and Serreze (University of Colorado), and John biology and human dimensions. A steering Jamie Morison attended the Arctic Cli- Walsh (University of Illinois). group met in January 2001 to plan the mate System/Climate in the Cryosphere first of two workshops focusing on rela- (ACSYS/CliC) meeting in Kiel, Germany. Interagency Working Group tionships among the changing arctic ACSYS/CliC, backed by the World Cli- The SEARCH Interagency Working environment, ecosystems, and society. In mate Research Program, shares many goals Group (IWG; see Witness Spring 2000) addition to members of the SEARCH with SEARCH, vis a vis the relation of the has been meeting monthly to develop SSC, the steering group includes Terry arctic environment to global change. cooperative agency arrangements for Chapin (University of Alaska), Glen Cota While ACSYS/CliC is more general, it has SEARCH research in FY 2001 and 2002. (Old Dominion University), and Pat a focus on the cryosphere and shares with Because overall budgets are essentially Wheeler (Oregon State University). SEARCH the need for long-term observa- fixed for these years, the agreements focus tions. SEARCH and ACSYS/CliC have on coordinating existing research activities, Links to International Programs agreed to establish an agreement to coop- with some funds earmarked for new plan- Mark Serreze and Jamie Morison erate to avoid duplication of effort, while ning activities. The IWG meeting in Janu- attended the September 2000 Arctic ensuring that the important facets of ary 2000 focused on an interagency plan Hydrology workshop in Santa Barbara, change in the Arctic are observed. for new research in 2003. ARCUS pub- California. The hydrology research plan For more information, see the lished a SEARCH brochure for the IWG. emerging from this effort will complement SEARCH web site (http://psc.apl. SEARCH activities and provided material washington.edu/search), or contact Jamie Links to National Programs/Initiatives for the SEARCH Science Plan. Morison in Seattle, WA (206/543-1394; The U.S. component of the Climate Several members of the SEARCH SSC fax 206/616-3142; morison@apl. Variability and Predictability Program and IWG attended the Arctic and Subarc- washington.edu). 8 ARCSS Program

SBI Phase I Data will Guide Phase II Field Work

he overall goal of the Western Arctic SBI Principal Investigators convened in the food web that would result from TShelf-Basin Interactions (SBI) project an open meeting in February 2001 in ice cover and hydrographic changes is to improve understanding of the Albuquerque, New Mexico (see http://utk- affecting remineralization of organic physical and biogeochemical connections biogw.bio.utk.edu/SBI.nsf), just before matter, changes in recycling efficiency, among the arctic shelves, slopes, and the American Society of Limnology and and biogeochemical fluxes. deep basins that could be influenced by Oceanography meeting. The SBI Phase II Field Implementation global change. More than 70 people attended the Plan outlines a combination of time-series SBI is moving into the final year of second international SBI pan-arctic meet- moorings and seasonal hydrobiochemical retrospective, modeling, and opportunistic ing in Callaway Gardens, Georgia, in surveys in support of the major seasonal sampling studies in the Chukchi and November 2000. The meeting included: biogeochemical, biological, and physical Beaufort seas. Results of SBI Phase I that • short science presentations of topics process studies, as well as modeling efforts, will direct the Phase II field effort include: relevant to the overall goals of SBI; at appropriate time and space scales. • Spatial and temporal gradients in water • group discussion on cross-cutting Mesoscale, interdisciplinary survey, and column chlorophyll, nutrients, zoo- themes for pan-arctic SBI issues and process studies conducted across the shelf plankton, and benthic fauna indicate logistical needs; and and slope regions during various seasons seasonally high standing stock values • discussion of current and future national will be critical for understanding bio- in spatially concentrated regions which and international SBI studies. geochemical and physical processes occur- may be impacted by varying processes The meeting agenda and abstracts are ring over time and space scales relevant to associated with changing ice conditions. posted on the SBI web site. interpreting annual and interannual • Identified sources and pathways for An Announcement of Opportunity changes in the system. the transfer of organic matter from the (AO) for SBI Phase II field work on the The SBI II field program will include western shelves to arctic basins include outer shelf-slope of the Chukchi and four process-oriented cruises in May/June dissolved organic carbon from rivers, Beaufort seas as well as the Bering Strait and July/August 2002 and 2004. Alternate transformations of shelf-derived carbon region was released in early 2001 (see fig- years, 2003 and 2005, will include by sediments and subsequent release ure and www.nsf.gov/cgi-bin/getpub? reduced field programs for critical time- into halocline waters, and shelf-derived nsf0178). Proposals are due 30 May 2001. dependent measurements essential for particulate and dissolved organic carbon Through integrated field and modeling interpreting processes relevant to shelf- advected from shelf to basin. efforts, Phase II will investigate the effects basin interactions and ecosystem response. • Likely key physical processes for shelf- of global change on production, cycling, Annual mooring turn-around/survey basin exchange include local transport and shelf-slope exchange of biogenic cruises will occur in September. across the shelf, eddies, currents along matter, both seasonally and spatially. Five For more information, see the SBI the slope boundary, and transport study objectives include understanding: web site (http://utk-biogw.bio.utk.edu/ through canyons. • the relative importance of various SBI.nsf), or contact SBI Project Office • Paleoceanographic studies of cores physical processes in the transport, Director Jackie Grebmeier in Knoxville, indicate significant variability in carbon transformation, and fate of biogenic TN (865/974-2592; fax 865/974-3067; productivity and deposition at the outer matter, water masses, and tracers [email protected]). slope region during the past 1,000 to through the Bering Strait, across the Western Arctic Shelf-Basin 10,000 years, indicating changes in shelf, and into the basin interior; Interactions (SBI) Study Site SBI mooring Network Single Arctic Ocean seawater and pack-ice conditions. • physical processes and circulation Multiple Cooperative • Modeling indicates that dense water is anomalies on the shelf and/or slope that SBI Transect lines 14 0 Process/Core ˚ W carried primarily by small-scale eddies, support high local concentrations of Cooperative 16 80 18 0 3000m ˚ W ˚ steered by currents and bathymetry, benthic and pelagic biota; 1000m Beaufort Sea 75˚N across the shelf and slope of the • water column and ice primary produc- 300m East Siberian Chukchi Sea. Models also suggest past tivity in relation to the biomass and Sea 100m

and future shifts in ice/ocean conditions diversity of primary and secondary Barrow coincident with varying sea-level consumers in both the water column Chukchi Sea pressure associated with Arctic and benthos; ALA Alask a, U.S.A.

Oscillation events. • the relative importance of top-down RUSSIA Bering • The observed interannual variability in vs. bottom-up controls in regulating 65˚ N Strait Nome monthly mean winter density in the pelagic-benthic coupling, biotic Bering Strait corresponds to a variability complexity, and the partitioning of Bering Sea of the equilibrium depth of the Pacific carbon between lower and higher Dark blue indicates the SBI intense study area, with water within the Arctic Ocean halocline trophic levels; and upstream/downstream regions in lighter blue (figure of 80 m. • model predictions of potential changes courtesy SBI project office). 9 Arctic Social Sciences Program

Tree Rings Improve Dating of Inuit Sites in Labrador

rchaeologists who are studying the has extended TRL’s records for the region This collaborative research is co-spon- Aconvergence of environment, history, back more than 100 years to AD 1459. sored by the NSF Arctic Social Sciences and culture among the Labrador Inuit are Nearly all of the trees analyzed to date Program and the Paleoclimate Program. working to overcome the limitations of died between 1870 and 1890. Additional funds are provided by the Arc- data sets with widely different time scales. The archaeologists’ work includes tic Studies Program, Bowdoin College. An increased awareness of the richness of surveying the ethnohistorical literature for For more information, contact Susan Labrador’s detailed ethnohistorical descriptions of intensive wood harvesting. Kaplan in Brunswick, ME (207/725-3289; records, and recent advances that have This research is calling attention to the fax 207/725-3499; [email protected]), yielded North Atlantic paleoenviron- potential value of documenting wood- or Rosanne D’Arrigo and Brendan Buckley mental records at an annual resolution, collecting practices in Nain, a Labrador in Palisades, NY (845/365-8617; fax 845/ now afford archaeologists the opportunity community where harvesting of wood is 365-8152; [email protected]; to use both ecological and social data on still an important seasonal activity. [email protected]). the same time scale. Research in Labrador, however, is severely hampered by the paucity of well-dated archaeological sites. Archaeologists from the Arctic Studies Yup’ik Interviews Feature Women Center at Bowdoin College and dendro- chronologists from the Tree Ring Labora- n June 1997, a Yup’ik woman from • their contributions within their natal tory (TRL) at the Lamont-Doherty Earth IGambell on St. Lawrence Island, and marriage families, and in the larger Observatory are now collaborating to: Alaska, spoke cheerfully about her life community; and • improve the ability of archaeologists as her hunter sons tramped in and out of • their work with men—in the work to date their sites, and another part of the house. Lucianna (not place, as family members engaged in • extend the paleoenvironmental record. her real name), then in her 50s, described subsistence work, and as their husband’s The researchers are applying the science herself as one of the last in the community work partners. of tree-ring analysis to the dating of wood to have had an arranged marriage, alluded Jolles, often working with elder Elinor from Inuit sod house sites in Labrador. modestly to her work as a community Oozeva as her research partner, audio- In Summer 2000, archaeologists and health aide, and spoke enthusiastically taped narrative life history interviews that dendrochronologists, working together about the formative years of her marriage, are free-ranging and woven through with in the field, returned with a profoundly her family, and her domestic tasks. traditional stories. The result is a series of altered and enriched sense of the landscape Carol Jolles (Indiana University- intimate descriptions of life in the village and its history. Archaeological work and Purdue University) interviewed Lucianna from the late 1930s through the 1990s. conversations with Inuit and settlers also and more than 10 others as part of Earlier, Jolles had found that, regardless of yielded insights into ways that humans a project funded by the Arctic Social Sci- the level of their engagement in commu- have used wood along the coast, and how ences Program to compare Yup’ik women nity life, women tended to concentrate on intensive harvesting may have affected the and families from Gambell, Alaska and the years before marriage when they were northern range of the tree line. a related community in Sireniki, Russia. learning about subsistence tasks from their More than 80 samples were collected Because narratives of women’s lives mothers and grandmothers. Only with from living trees (by coring), dead trees had barely penetrated the domain of encouragement did they describe their and stumps, and sod house walls. Analysis Yup’ik life histories, Jolles focused on: lives after marriage more fully. Jolles urged of disks from 25 trees at the DEG site, in • the training of women for a variety the women, for instance, to complement inner Napaktok Bay (11 samples thus far) of tasks; their narratives with detailed drawings of all the homes in which they had lived, a process which elicited further descriptions, many of which document the moderniza- Arctic Social Sciences Program tion of family life and the community. As the research concludes, transcripts he NSF Arctic Social Sciences Program supports research on the dynamic will be returned to the individuals who cultures, economies, and social organization of northern populations, often in T were interviewed. The most complete and close collaboration with northern residents. Approximately 40 ASSP-funded projects dynamic life histories will also be edited are now studying prehistoric, historic, or modern arctic worlds. Many projects focus for community use. on the relationships between humans and environment. For more information, contact Carol For more information, see the ASSP web site (www.nsf.gov/od/opp/arctic/social. Zane Jolles in Indianapolis, IN (317/278- htm), or contact Program Manager Fae Korsmo in Arlington, VA (703/292-8029; 2307; fax 317/274-2347; cjolles@iupui. fax 703/292-9082; [email protected]). edu). 10 Arctic Social Sciences Program

Aleut Responses to Catastrophic Environmental Change

he Aleut have lived on one of the above modern sea level marks the marine Tworld’s most dynamic landscapes for limit; this was deposited more than 9,000 at least 10,000 years. In some of the largest years ago. Subsequent shorelines are docu- villages ever recorded for hunter-gatherer mented at 16 m (6,000 to 9,000 years societies, they intensively used marine old), 5–6 m (2,100 years old), and 2–3 m resources, developing a complex social and (500 to 1,000 years old). political fabric that is well preserved in the Izembek Lagoon is a 200 km2 archaeological record. These factors make embayment on the Bering Sea margin of the southern Bering Sea and greater North the study area that supports a large portion Pacific region one of the most important of Alaska’s migratory waterfowl. It was View from the 2000 to 4000 year old Aleut village of areas for studying human-landscape inter- formed less than 400 years ago with the Adamagan east to the field camp, Big Lagoon, actions in northern regions. The NSF Arc- deposition of a narrow barrier dune sys- Morzhovoi Bay, and Mt. Frosty (photo by R. Holmer). tic Social Sciences Program first funded tem, illustrating how rapidly changes in the Lower Alaska Peninsula Project near-shore sedimentation can affect coastal much like punctuated equilibrium in evo- (LAPP) in 1996 to investigate the poten- evolution. Over the past 12,000 years, vol- lutionary theory, or self-organized critical- tial for using geographic information sys- canic eruptions also influenced terrestrial ity in complex systems research. The tems (GIS), remotely sensed images, and and coastal sedimentation rate and prob- researchers have, therefore, modeled the aerial photography to support archaeologi- ably controlled vegetation patterns and potential interactions of natural events cal and geomorphological reconnaissance succession both locally and regionally. (e.g., earthquakes, tsunami, volcanic erup- of the southern Bering Sea region. The Maschner and Jordan are now conducting tions, rapid climate change) and social project uses multidisciplinary approaches palynological work on peat bogs in the transformations (e.g., migration, warfare, and integrated, cross-disciplinary hypoth- project area to better understand postgla- disease, technological innovation, demo- eses to investigate both environmental and cial climate and vegetation change. graphic changes). They have, for instance, social change. The Aleuts established massive villages documented evidence of a large earth- Principal investigators Herb Maschner in the south Bering Sea region during the quake that caused subsidence of the west- (Idaho State University) and Jim Jordan last 5,000 years, some covering nearly a ern Alaska Peninsula approximately 2,100 (Antioch New England Graduate School) square kilometer with 500 to 900 surface years ago. GIS modeling indicates that this began by creating a spatial database of the depressions. AMS radiocarbon dating probably inundated sockeye salmon rear- western end of the Alaska Peninsula that indicates that some villages may have ing lakes on coastal lowlands of the penin- included Landsat images, black and white supported nearly 1,000 people. The site sula and established a channel between the and color infrared aerial photographs, survey, together with analysis of bird, fish, Bering Sea and the Pacific Ocean at the and topographic and hydrographic data. and mammal remains and investigation of head of Morzhovoi Bay. At this time, A 1:63,360-scale digital elevation model household organization, point to major residents abandoned villages that had been (DEM) was generated and refined with shifts in demography, subsistence, and established on salmon streams and concen- low-altitude photography. settlement location throughout this period. trated at a few massive villages that were By 1998, Maschner and Jordan had By integrating settlement and subsis- strategically located to intercept migrating completed an archaeological survey of the tence data into the GIS and adjusting it salmon and sea mammals. project area, including the Bering Sea for changing sea levels and associated The village of Adamagan (see photo) shoreline, Izembek and Moffet lagoons, intertidal zones, Maschner and Jordan is the focus of the current four-year grant, and the north end of Morzhovoi and Cold were able to predict the locations of most which supports investigations of prehis- bays on the Pacific margin of the western village sites for a given time period. toric adaptations to rapid environmental Alaska Peninsula. Jordan also completed Coastal geomorphology and environmen- change in the southern Bering Sea. The a study of the coastal geomorphology of tal change have played important roles in result of this work will refine models of the region, while project member Tina the distribution of prehistoric settlements. human-landscape interactions in the past Dochat investigated the glacial history. Human impacts on the landscape are and, more broadly, will provide a better Glaciers receded from the region being investigated through studies of plant understanding of the effects of rapid and approximately 12,000 to 13,000 years ago. and small mammal communities at large gradual environmental change on the Since then, isostatic rebound (regional village sites. Faunal analysis has generated ecology of southern Beringia. rebound of the earth’s crust relieved of the a large and important paleoecological For more information, contact Herb weight of glaciers), global sea-level rise, database for fish, birds, and mammals Maschner in Pocatello, ID (208/282- earthquakes, volcanism, and climate have in the region. 2745; fax 208/282-4944; maschner@isu. shaped the coastal landscape. Four paleo- Episodic and dramatic cultural change edu) and Jim Jordan in Putney, VT (802/ shorelines are presently recognized in the in the southern Bering Sea region has been 869-2060; fax 603/357-0718; region. A barrier beach uplifted 25 m followed by long periods of relative stasis, [email protected]). 11 Arctic Natural Sciences Program

Physical Properties and Permeability of First-Year Sea Ice

he dynamics and thermodynamics of of the ice sheet (see figure). In addition Tsea ice are key variables in polar eco- to the usual salinity, density, grain size, systems. Global change modeling and fabric measurements, specialized requires an adequate understanding of the observations include: mechanical, electromagnetic, optical, and • the permeability measurements and thermal properties of sea ice, as well as its associated detailed observations of capacity to transfer solutes through the ice drainage pathways; sheet, to support biological activity, and • sets of orthogonal micrographs (which to entrain and transport contaminants. yield size distributions of small-scale The manner in which sea ice forms pro- inclusions in three dimensions); duces a characteristic microstructure and • detailed observations of drainage a unique and complex flaw structure, pathways and their impact on the three- both of which exert major influences on dimensional thermal regime; and all of these characteristics and processes. • vertical sections through the entire In late 1999, NSF’s Arctic Natural thickness of the ice sheet. Sciences Program funded David Cole The latter provide an unparalleled view of (Cold Regions Research and Engineering larger-scale features such as brine drainage Laboratory), and Lewis Shapiro and Hajo networks and horizontal banding. A meth- Eicken (University of Alaska Fairbanks) odology has recently been developed for to study the Microstructural Features and The figure shows a full-thickness slab of first-year sea ice measuring the in situ permeability at vari- Brine Drainage Networks in First-Year taken from the Chukchi Sea (left), a vertical thin section ous depths within the ice sheet. These showing the transition from granular to columnar ice Sea Ice. The researchers are investigating near the top of the sheet (top right), and a vertical micro- measurements are complemented with the very small-scale processes that occur graph (bottom right). The micrograph shows some inter- direct optical examination of the flaw during the formation and weathering of esting brine inclusions found at the granular/columnar structure that supports the brine flux. transition. The index marks on the full thickness slab are sea ice which exert a powerful influence at 0.1 m intervals, the large-scale divisions on the thin Cole, Shapiro, Eicken, and UAF grad- on polar and ultimately global environ- section photograph are 10 -2 m, and the scale divisions on uate student Karoline Frey are conducting -4 ments. Their three-year project focuses on the micrograph are 10 m (figure by D. Cole). several field trips per year to track the the field collections of quantitative data evolving properties of land-fast ice sheets on the flaw structure of the ice, the direction of flow. As a result, large at sites near Barrow, Alaska. One site theoretical considerations, and modeling. areas of aligned ice develop, and the indi- approximately 1 km from the old Naval Research on the deformation and frac- vidual crystal anisotropy is reflected in the Arctic Research Laboratory (see Witness ture of sea ice shows a clear relationship large-scale mechanical, electromagnetic, Spring/Autumn 1999) and another in between the details of its microstructure and optical properties of the ice. Further- nearby Elson Lagoon are instrumented to and its larger-scale behavior. The flaw more, because brine in the ice is mobile, monitor the thermal regime during the structure, which consists primarily of the flaw structure evolves as the brine growth and melt seasons; under-ice liquid brine inclusions, affects: responds to temperature changes. Features currents are measured periodically. • the permeability of the ice, affected in this way must be quantified as a The researchers have benefited greatly • its ability to absorb and propagate function of time and temperature history. from support provided by the Barrow Arc- energy, Features of interest to Cole, Shapiro, and tic Science Consortium (BASC; see page • its capacity to host biological activity, Eicken include: 25). In addition to serving as a base for and • details of the crystal structure (grain size field operations (e.g., providing office • its capacity to entrain and transport variations, brine plane spacing, and space and field equipment), BASC’s per- contaminants. c-axis fabric development in relation to sonnel have been available to collect data Sea-ice sheets typically consist of crys- under-ice currents); throughout the year and to relay informa- tals with their c-axis—that is, the axis of • the size and shape distributions of tion on the ice conditions which is key hexagonal symmetry—oriented horizon- brine and gas inclusions; to optimizing the timing of principal tally. Freezing proceeds dendritically, • brine drainage networks in three investigators’ field trips. trapping liquid brine along specific planes dimensions; and For more information, contact David within each crystal. This produces crystals • changes in permeability through Cole in Hanover, NH (603/646-4217; fax that are “anisotropic”—they exhibit prop- the year, and related impacts on heat 603/646-4640; [email protected]. erties with very different values when and mass transfer through the ice. mil) and Lewis Shapiro and Hajo Eicken measured along different axes. Under-ice The small-scale inclusions and brine in Fairbanks, AK (907/474-7558; fax 907/ currents give a growth advantage to drainage features range in size from 474-7290; [email protected]; hajo.eicken crystals with their c-axis aligned with approximately 10-4 m to the full thickness @gi.alaska.edu). 12 Arctic Natural Sciences Program

Matanuska Glacier Adds Ice and Debris at its Base

cientists have long understood that tion, and meteorological conditions. They While this explanation solves a long- Sglaciers grow by addition of snow on have also conducted summer and winter standing puzzle about debris-rich basal ice their upper surfaces. What few anticipated drilling, dye-injection studies, and geo- and summer terraces at the Matanuska, it is that glaciers also can grow low in their physical investigations aimed at determin- also provides insights well beyond this one ablation areas by addition of ice to ing ice thickness, subglacial topography, valley in Alaska. Other work has shown their bases. the extent and thickness of freeze-on ice that, in many regions, glaciers are the most In research funded by the NSF Arctic and sediment, and the nature and develop- important erosive agents and producers of Natural Sciences Program, Ed Evenson ment of the subglacial hydrologic system. globally significant sediment and chemical (Lehigh University), Dan Lawson (Cold The thermodynamics of freeze-on fluxes. The beautiful strings of lakes left in Regions Research and Engineering require high water discharge and a slope of many glacial valleys show that glaciers Laboratory [CRREL]), Grahame Larson the ground beneath the glacier bed that is commonly erode overdeepenings with (Michigan State University), Richard sufficiently steep and contrary to the slope adverse slopes, such as the one beneath the Alley (Pennsylvania State University), and of the glacier surface. Under these condi- Matanuska Glacier. Theory and observa- many students have demonstrated the tions, basal water is forced to flow upward. tion thus indicate that, in altering the land occurrence of glaciohydraulic supercool- As pressure decreases, the melting tempera- surface, many or even most glaciers at ing and basal freeze-on at the Matanuska ture rises, and supercooling, freeze-on, times experience Matanuska-type basal Glacier in Alaska. At a year-round facility and associated debris entrainment occur. supercooling and freeze-on of debris-laden maintained at the glacier by CRREL in Interesting observations at the ice. This phenomenon may help explain conjunction with the three universities, Matanuska Glacier include: how Laurentide glaciers entrained and the researchers have been gathering data • Supercooling and freeze-on occur in the moved the voluminous debris found in on ice velocity, water and sediment dis- summer when air temperatures remain the Heinrich layers of the North charge, water and ice-isotopic composi- constantly above freezing. Atlantic, and it may have operated in • Ice grows beneath the glacier as well as many of the over-deepened basins of the in front of it, producing debris-rich basal Laurentide and Scandinavian ice sheets, sequences and large terraces each sum- contributing to their deposits. mer that usually melt only when basal The next phase of research focuses on: meltwater discharge decreases in the Fall. • determining the thickness and distribu- • Thermometers suspended in water tion of basal freeze-on ice using shallow emerging from beneath the glacier geophysical techniques, in conjunction record slightly subfreezing temperatures, with Greg Baker (SUNY at Buffalo); and are often ice-covered when removed. • dating the basal ice more accurately • Debris-rich basal ice sequences several using 3H/He, in conjunction with meters thick have accreted to the bottom Thure Cerling (University of Utah); Although freeze-on was long suspected at the Matanuska Glacier in south-central Alaska, it was first proved with of the glacier in the past 50 years. • determining the geometry and evolution the discovery of bomb-produced tritium in the sediment- • Debris content of up to 50% by weight of the subglacial drainage system using laden basal ice. In a March 2000 field conference is common in the basal ice sequences. dye injection into boreholes; sponsored by NSF and the Geological Society of America, ANS researchers brought 21 scientists from around the • Supercooling is occurring at the Mala- • identifying other glaciers exhibiting globe to see first-hand the evidence for basal freeze-on spina and Bering glaciers in Alaska, at this freeze-on behavior; and and debris entrainment (photo by Ed Evenson). several Icelandic glaciers, and elsewhere. • assessing the importance of this freeze- on behavior in understanding glacial dynamics, glacial erosion and sedimen- tation, mountain-belt evolution, and global biogeochemical cycling. Arctic Natural Sciences Program For more information, contact Ed Evenson in Bethlehem, PA (610/758- he NSF Arctic Natural Sciences Program supports disciplinary research in the 3659; fax 610/758-3677; ebe0@lehigh. atmospheric sciences, biological sciences, earth sciences, glaciology, and ocean- T edu), Dan Lawson in Ft. Richardson, AK ography. The program also coordinates arctic research with the NSF Directorates for (907/384-0510; fax 907/384-0519; Geosciences and Biological Sciences, and helps facilitate multidisciplinary, cross- [email protected]), Grahame disciplinary, and polar projects funded by the Office of Polar Programs (OPP). Larson in East Lansing, MI (517/353- For more information, see the ANS web site (www.nsf.gov/od/opp/arctic/ 9485; fax 517/353-8787; larsong@pilot. natural.htm), or contact Program Directors Neil Swanberg and Jane Dionne in msu.edu), or Richard Alley in University Arlington, VA (703/292-8029; fax 703/292-9082; [email protected]; jdionne@ Park, PA (814/863-1700; fax 814/865- nsf.gov). 3191; [email protected]). 13 Arctic Natural Sciences Program

Clouds in Arctic Stratosphere Catalyze Ozone Loss

he second layer of the Earth’s atmo- Natural Sciences Program has funded point. Because there is so little water vapor Tsphere, the stratosphere, contains Terry Deshler (University of Wyoming) to in the stratosphere, the ice point is quite high concentrations of UV-absorbing collaborate with scientists from Germany, low—below -80° C. Since temperatures in ozone. In much of the stratosphere, which France, Italy, and Denmark to investigate the arctic stratosphere are rarely this low, extends from approximately 10 to 50 km the nature of PSCs. They are asking: the composition of many observed PSCs above the surface of the Earth (depending • What is the chemical composition remained a mystery. upon latitude, season, and weather), tem- of these cloud particles? To address some of the uncertainties perature changes little with altitude, the • Are the particles liquid or solid? regarding PSCs, scientists from five coun- air is dry and stable, and clouds do not • What temperatures are required for tries combined their instruments onto one form. The stratosphere over polar regions, the different particle types to form? balloon gondola to provide a comprehen- however, deviates slightly from this pic- • How large are the particles? sive PSC observation. Support for this col- ture. Because of the extreme cold, clouds • How much surface area is available laboration was provided by the European do form occasionally, and these clouds set for the conversion of chlorine to an Commission; the German, French, Italian, the stage for chlorine-catalyzed ozone loss active form? and Danish national agencies for scientific as Spring arrives. Today we know that PSC particles can research; and the NSF Arctic Natural Sci-

These clouds, called polar stratospheric be ice, mixtures of nitric acid (HNO3) and ences Program. The instrumented gondola

clouds (PSCs), are unusual because they: water (H2O), or hydrates of nitric acid and was first flown at the end of January 2000, • exhibit the colors of mother-of-pearl, water. Hydrates are solid particles with at which time two flights were made (see • occur in the stratosphere at tempera- fixed molecular ratios for water and the photo). Measurements included: tures above that at which ice forms— other molecule (e.g., solid nitric acid • particle composition using a particle the ice point, and trihydrate [NAT] is one molecule of nitric mass spectrometer (German), • provide the surfaces for a reaction that acid and three of water). • optical properties using backscatter- converts anthropogenic chlorine from Initial theoretical work in the 1980s sondes (Italian and Danish), a benign to a reactive state. suggested that PSCs were composed of • water vapor mixing ratio using a frost PSCs, through the chemical reactions nitric acid and water. Laboratory simula- point hygrometer (French), and they support, are precursors to the annual tions then demonstrated that the solid tri- • aerosol size distributions using optical destruction of polar ozone (see feature hydrate, NAT, was stable at stratospheric particle counters (U.S.). story) and are required for it to proceed. pressures and temperatures. Thus, PSCs These measurements have provided the To better understand the phenomenon that occurred above the ice point were most complete characterization of a single of ozone depletion, the NSF Arctic thought to be NAT. PSC to date. Similar measurements are By the early planned to continue during the arctic 1990s, however, winters of 2001 and 2002. additional work cast Although much of the data are still doubt on this under analysis, the composition measure- hypothesis. Field ments show clearly that at least some of observations indi- the PSC particles were NAT. These mea- cated that PSCs surements are the first direct evidence that were often com- these solid particles occur in the strato- posed of liquid sphere as well as in laboratory simulations. droplets rather than For more information, see Voigt et al., solid hydrates. 2000, or contact Terry Deshler in Laboratory experi- Laramie, WY (307/766-2006; fax 307/ ments indicated 766-2635; [email protected]). that NAT would not form initially Reference until the tempera- Voigt, C., J. Schreiner, A. Kohlmann, ture was several P. Zink, K. Mauersberger, N. Larsen, degrees below the T. Deshler, C. Kröger, J. Rosen, A. ice point, even Adriani, F. Cairo, G. Di Donfrancesco, though, once M. Viterbini, J. Ovarlez, H. Ovarlez, formed, NAT will C. David, and A. Dörnbrack. 2000. To address some of the uncertainties regarding polar stratospheric clouds (visible not evaporate until Nitric acid trihydrate (NAT) in polar overhead), scientists from Germany, France, Italy, Denmark, and the U.S. launched a balloon gondola with their combined instruments twice near Kiruna, Sweden in the temperature is stratospheric cloud particles. Science 290 January 2000 (photo by Darin Toohey, University of Colorado). 6° C above the ice (5497): 1756-1758. 14 Arctic Natural Sciences Program

UV Radiation Lowers Productivity of Arctic Phytoplankton

epletion of ozone in the stratosphere Dand associated increases in ultraviolet radiation (UVR) are greatest at high lati- tudes. While extensive studies during the past 15 years have investigated the effects of UVR on marine plankton in the Ant- arctic, few studies have addressed the effects in the Arctic. Findings cannot be extrapolated from one region to the other, since both oceanographic conditions and the composition of plankton species differ considerably. The NSF Arctic Natural Sciences Program has funded field research on the effects of UVR on plankton in the waters around the Lofoten Islands of northern Norway, in collaboration with the European Union-sponsored program “The Influence of UVR and Climate Condi- tions on Fish Stocks: A Case Study of the Northeast Arctic Cod.” Osmund Holm- Hansen (Scripps Institution of Oceanogra- R/V Jan Mayen outside the entrance to Austnesfjorden, one of the main spawning sites for cod in the Lofoten Island area phy) joined Hans Christian Eilertsen of arctic Norway (photo by H.C. Eilertsen). (University of Tromsø, Norway) and oth- ers aboard Norwegian research vessels in diatoms Chaetoceros socialis, C. debilis, progresses. Ongoing studies and field Spring-Summer 2000. The major focus of Thalassiosira nordenskioeldii, and the plans for 2001 will focus on: the combined research was to evaluate the haptophycean Phaeocystis pouchetii). • the degree to which UVR-induced potential impact of increased UVR on the • Clear sky conditions correlated with damage can be repaired or reversed food reservoirs available to grazing zoo- high frequencies of malformed Calanus by metabolic processes; plankton and to commercially important finmarchicus nauplii and acute mortality • the relative importance of direct DNA fishery resources. Because the Lofoten Is- in cod eggs and larvae maintained damage by UV-B radiation compared to land area harbors the world’s highest con- within a few meters of the surface. photodynamic effects of photoproducts centrations of spawning arctic cod (Gadus • Bloom conditions in March 2000 exhib- (e.g., reactive oxygen species) that may morhua), a thorough understanding is ited high chlorophyll-a concentrations be generated by UV-A radiation; needed of the dynamics of the food chain (up to 10 mg/m3) evenly distributed • the importance of mycosporine-like that supports cod in this area, including from the surface to >30 m depth. By amino acids as protective UVR screens; the effects of UVR on arctic plankton. May-June 2000, bloom conditions • seasonal changes in column ozone levels In general, the sensitivity of phyto- exhibited low chlorophyll-a concentra- and impact of associated increases in plankton to UVR is related to the light tions (1–2 mg/m3) and depleted nutrients UV-B radiation on phytoplankton from conditions experienced by the cells prior in the upper mixed layer (~20 m depth). late winter to midsummer, particularly to the experimental incubation period. • Phytoplankton were more sensitive to as it affects the food resources of grazing Photosynthetic rates of phytoplankton UVR in March than in the May–June zooplankton and fish larvae; sampled from a deeply mixed (>50 m) wa- period, with UV-A (320–400 nm) ac- • differential sensitivity of phytoplankton ter column are inhibited by very low levels counting for more of the inhibition than species to UVR and the ensuing impact of UVR radiation (<1 Watt/m2). By com- UV-B (280–320 nm) radiation. on food web dynamics; and parison, photosynthetic rates of Antarctic • In situ incubations of experimental • ecosystem effects of UVR (phytoplank- phytoplankton are generally inhibited samples from the relatively shallow up- ton-zooplankton-fish larvae-benthos). when UVR reaches ~10 to 15 Watts/m2. per mixed layer (20 m) during the May– For more information, contact Data from two cruises in 2000 lead to June period showed no detectable effect Osmund Holm-Hansen in La Jolla, CA the following observations: of UVR below 4 m depth. (858/534-2339; fax 858/534-7313; • The ozone layer was substantially These results are interpreted as photo- [email protected]), or Hans Chris- thicker in March than in May. acclimation of the phytoplankton to tian Eilertsen in Tromsø, Norway (+47/ • Phytoplankton stocks were comparable elevated UVR as summer, with its long 7764-4540; fax +47/7764-6020; at all samplings (i.e., typical Spring days and higher incident radiation, [email protected]). 15 Arctic Research Support and Logistics

VECO Polar Resources Provides Arctic Logistics

t the end of November 2000, VECO (ARLSS). VPR support for scientists scientific logistics project management APolar Resources (VPR) completed its in Greenland, Alaska, Canada, and near group whose personnel have experience first year as NSF’s contractor for Arctic the North Pole in 2000 has included: with the NSF Office of Polar Programs Research Logistics Support Services • installing a wireless Local Area Antarctic Program. In collaboration with Network (LAN) with full-time internet arctic researchers, other logistics providers, connectivity at Summit Camp, and local organizations, VPR offers field Greenland; camp engineering services, construction • operating a camp for about 20 and operations support, aircraft support, researchers at Council (see photo); and use of field equipment (e.g., vehicles, tents, • providing extensive aircraft support for power systems, radios, satellite telephones), researchers working in remote and services for engineering and installing locations in Alaska. radiated media field communications sys- VPR is currently supporting a winter-over tems. team of four at the Summit Camp and Until October 1999, the Snow and Ice planning for the second contract year. Research Group at the University of Plans for 2001 include: Nebraska-Lincoln operated the Polar Ice • further enhancements to the Arctic Coring Office (PICO) under contract to Program’s field communications OPP. Under this contract, PICO provided capabilities; both science support and ice coring and • expansion of VPR’s range of support to drilling services. Under the new contract, include several Russia-based projects; ice coring services will be provided by the • development of a field safety program; University of Wisconsin-Madison (www. • major enhancements to VPR’s web site. ssec.wisc.edu/A3RI/icds/). The VPR team is comprised of VECO, For more information, see the VECO Near Council on the Seward Peninsula of Alaska, Mark an Alaska-based engineering and construc- web site (www.veco.com/vpr), or contact Begnaud and Larry Levine (background) erect a Weatherport in June 2000 for scientists supporting the tion company; SRI International, a techni- VECO Project Manager Jill Ferris in Integrated Sounding System (ISS) for the National cal scientific communications and research Englewood, CO (720/344-5619; fax 720/ Center for Atmospheric Research (photo by Jay Burnside). company; and Polar Field Services, Inc., a 344-6514; [email protected]).

Logistics Working Group Reviews Community Input

he Arctic Research Support and developing the updated report. A draft • planning the conduct of research, TLogistics Working Group (RSLWG) will be available for community • viewing current research in a given area, is supported by NSF to update and expand review in early Fall 2001 and published in including maps and publications, and upon the accomplishments of the first late Spring 2002. • making support and collaboration con- ARCUS Logistics Working Group, spon- Additional discussions at the Septem- tacts for both science and logistics. sored by the U.S. Arctic Research Com- ber meeting included: ALIAS, still under development, will be mission (see page 20) and NSF. • logistics issues related to emerging an interactive, database-driven site, allow- The major task for the RSLWG is to research initiatives, ing users to conduct complex criteria- update the 1997 report, Logistics Recom- • other relevant arctic planning and logis- based searches to gather information on mendations for an Improved U.S. Arctic tics efforts, and research sites and logistics resources. Users, Research Capability, by gathering informa- • progress on the improved Arctic Logis- including researchers, research site manag- tion and recommendations from the arctic tics Information and Support (ALIAS) ers, and logistics providers, will be able to research community. web site. submit updated site and resource informa- The RSLWG met at Lamont-Doherty ALIAS (www.arcus.org/alias) serves as tion to ALIAS through an online survey. Earth Observatory in September 2000 to a primary access point to help the research For more information, see the ARCUS advance the development of the new community acquire support and logistics web site (www.arcus.org/rslwg/) or contact report based on the results of an on-line information for the Arctic. When fully RSLWG co-chairs Peter Schlosser (845/ community survey and discussions at an implemented, ALIAS will be a compre- 365-8707; fax 845/365-8155; arctic logistics town meeting held in May hensive information source for: [email protected]) and Terry 2000 (see Witness Spring 2000). • assessing the feasibility of working in Tucker (603/646-4268; fax 603/646- Working group members are currently a particular area, 4644; [email protected]). 16 Arctic Research Support and Logistics

Arctic Modeling Focuses on Collaborative Efforts

odeling of the arctic atmosphere, on a massively parallel supercomputer. has been most restrictive for individual, Mocean, ice, and terrestrial systems There are approximately 20 parallel university-based arctic modelers, who has progressed significantly over the past supercomputers in U.S. centers that can often rely on graduate-level researchers. decade, driven in part by the movement to perform these experiments. The Arctic Some arctic modelers have made use of address research questions that appear to Region Climate System Model (ARCSyM) new atmosphere, ocean, and ice models be keyed to global and interdisciplinary requires 600 hours for a single-year simu- developed for (or adapted to) parallel dynamics, such as: lation on a more common high-end work- computers by groups associated with the • Why is the arctic sea ice thinning station. To adequately address the most larger computing centers (e.g., Los Alamos and shrinking? pressing climate issues, significantly more National Laboratory, Argonne National • What is causing the warmer Atlantic- computer resources will be required than Laboratory, the National Center for layer water in the Arctic Ocean? are presently available to the arctic Atmospheric Research). • How will the regional climate, perma- modeling community. Progress in arctic modeling will con- frost, and vegetation in the Arctic Supercomputing centers in the United tinue as these new parallel architectures respond to predicted global warming? States (largely within the Departments of mature and are made accessible to a wider To ensure continuing progress in arctic Energy and Defense) have increased their community that is expanding its expertise. modeling, several recent workshops high- computing power tenfold in the past five For more information, contact John light the need for collaboration between years by acquiring large parallel computer Weatherly in Hanover, NH (603/646- observational programs (e.g., field work, systems. Adapting models to use parallel 4741; fax 603/646-4644; weather@crrel. remote sensing) and the state-of-the-art computers, however, requires considerable usace.army.mil). modeling efforts that are applying the field time and special programming skills. This data to simulations: • Arctic Regional Climate Model Intercomparison Project (ARCMIP) investigators met in September 2000 GIS Workshop Targets Improvements at the University of Alaska Fairbanks. They will perform high-resolution in Circumpolar Data Sharing atmospheric simulations and compare their results, in hopes of improving he rapidly evolving capabilities of Improved spatial data sharing will their models. TGeographic Information Systems benefit researchers by facilitating new • Sea Ice Model Intercomparison Project (GIS) provide broad new approaches to interdisciplinary collaborations, innovative (SIMIP) investigators also met in Sep- spatially related research questions. The analyses, and enhanced outreach. Work- tember 2000 in Fairbanks. They will Arctic Research Support and Logistics Pro- shop participants agreed that a cooperative compare thermodynamic ice model gram (see Witness Spring 2000) sponsored effort among agencies, researchers, techni- simulations with observed data to ARCUS to host an Arctic GIS Workshop cal experts, and nations will be needed to improve their models. in Seattle, Washington in January 2001, develop a geographic information infra- • Investigators involved with Phase 3 of to gather input from the arctic research structure (GII) supporting arctic research NSF’s Surface Heat and Energy Budget and GIS technology communities. More by consistently documenting metadata, of the Arctic (SHEBA) program (see than 100 international researchers from a using internationally accepted data stan- page 7) met in October 2000 in Boul- variety of scientific disciplines, representa- dards, and making data accessible to other der, Colorado. In order to improve arc- tives of state and federal agencies, and GIS users. The data standards already in place tic climate simulations, they are address- professionals met to assess current issues through the Federal Geographic Data ing collaboration between the scientists and discuss and prepare recommendations Committee (FGDC) and the experience at the field camp and the modelers who to improve the use of GIS in support of of individuals and agencies cooperating in will use the data for model validation arctic research. this effort will contribute to establishing and forcing. SHEBA investigators col- Little of the existing georeferenced data an extensive GII for arctic research. lected, and are making available, one for the Arctic is widely available to aca- A summary of the workshop recom- terabyte of data from the field, from demic and agency researchers, planners, mendations is available on the ARCUS satellites, and from analyses. and the public, and even less is usable for web site (www.arcus.org/gis/index.html). Progress in arctic modeling has manipulation and analysis. Recent A more detailed report will be developed, increased the demand for computational advances in GIS technology, software, and circulated to the arctic research and GIS resources. For instance, the 18 km- internet compatibility make it feasible to professional communities for comment, resolution arctic ice-ocean model from the share georeferenced data and associated and published later this year. For more Naval Postgraduate School requires 2,400 metadata over the internet to allow map information, contact Renée Crain at processor-hours for a 100-year simulation viewing, data manipulation, and analyses. ARCUS ([email protected]). 17 Arctic Research Support and Logistics

Research Site Registration is Underway at Barrow

he 7,466-acre Barrow Environmental using post-corrected differential GPS, and researchers affiliated with the BEO, TObservatory (BEO) and neighboring marked 223 of these with individually • project and site information, and lands and waters encompass hundreds of labeled survey caps. These registered sites • publications resulting from research. research sites used for past and present include approximately 150 International This web-accessible database will be linked studies, including ecological, geomorphic, Tundra Experiment (ITEX; see page 6) to a GIS resource and an archive of cryospheric, atmospheric, and archaeo- experimental and control chambers and resources (e.g., aerial photography, topog- logical research. The Barrow Arctic Sci- 30 ARCSS/CALM (Circumpolar Active raphy, soils, vegetation, wildlife). ence Consortium (BASC) is now catalog- Layer Monitoring) plots. Additional sites The Ukpeagvik Iñupiat Corporation ing this history of research and developing (e.g., from other federal and North Slope (the Barrow village corporation) estab- a long-term master plan to guide the Borough projects) are also being added to lished the BEO in 1992 for the purpose of future scientific use of the BEO. the database. The arctic community will protecting an area for long-term research The BEO Science Management Com- be asked to review the inventory of sites (see Witness Autumn 1997). BASC man- mittee (SMC), in collaboration with the and suggest additions. ages the preserve under a cooperative Arctic Ecology Laboratory at Michigan To enhance the operational efficiency, agreement with NSF. State University (MSU), has begun to integrative management, and research For more information, see locate and mark significant research sites potential of the BEO, a new metadata- www.arcus.org/basc/index.html or contact within and close to the BEO. In Summer base of past and present research activity BEO SMC Chair Jerry Brown in Woods 2000, MSU wildlife student Frank Lepera in the vicinity includes: Hole, MA (508/457-4982; fax 508/457- located 323 research sites from 23 projects • contact and professional details of 4982; [email protected]).

AICC Sees the USCGC Healy through Successful Trials

ctivities of the Arctic Icebreaker Coor- • the XBT system; Healy’s commissioning ceremony took Adinating Committee (AICC) during • the science data network; place in August 2000 in Seattle. The Spring and Summer 2000 were dominated • the uncontaminated seawater system; AICC is now working to advise NSF and by the cold water science systems testing • the thermosalinograph and fluorometer; the Coast Guard regarding arctic science for the new U.S. Coast Guard Cutter • scientific towing with a MOCNESS missions on the three Coast Guard ice- Healy. Jack Bash and John Freitag of the multiple opening and closing net and breakers (Healy, Polar Star, and Polar Sea), University-National Oceanographic Labo- environmental sampling system; especially regarding the panoply of logistic ratory system (UNOLS; see Witness Spring • the CTD/rosette system; considerations that are much clearer to the 2000) coordinated the efforts of UNOLS • winch control systems; AICC now that testing is completed. The technical specialists to evaluate each pri- • laboratory environmental controls; 2001 field season will include the first mary science system on the ship. Ice trials • communications systems; paid-science cruises for the vessel. in April and May 2000 between Canada • scientific mooring deployment and Ship costs for the use of Healy (and the and Greenland put the Healy through recovery; and two polar-class icebreakers) are no longer increasingly heavy icebreaking. The vessel • coring and dredging capabilities. contained in NSF proposal budgets. Ship- met or exceeded icebreaking specifications; Most science systems proved ready for use use requirements must be made clear in there is not excessive milling of the ice by on funded science cruises. Plans were accompanying documentation (e.g., Form the props, and the vessel is responsive and made to address the few deficient systems 831, and NSF/OPP’s logistical support maneuvers well in the ice. and test them with science oversight be- form for arctic research). NSF proposals The cold-water science systems tests fore funded science cruises begin in 2001. to use the icebreakers should be submitted in May-July 2000 were especially valuable All of Healy’s passengers have come by 15 February of the year preceding the because of the enthusiastic joint participa- away impressed with the professionalism, proposed cruise. tion of the Coast Guard personnel who support, interest, and friendliness of the Lisa Clough succeeded James Swift as will be supporting the systems, technical entire ship’s company. Five teachers from AICC Chair in January 2001. experts from the UNOLS community, NSF’s Teachers Experiencing Antarctica For more information, contact Lisa and seagoing scientists. Tests included: and the Arctic (TEA) program thoroughly Clough at East Carolina University in • science acoustic equipment (e.g., enriched the test cruises. They brought the Greenville, NC (252/328-1834; fax 252/ SeaBeam 2112 swath mapping system, ice trials and science systems tests to the 328-4178; [email protected]), or the ADCPs, Bathy2000 and Knudsen public, via the internet, with accuracy, UNOLS Office ([email protected]). bathymetry systems); breadth, humor, and insight (see page 26). 18 NSF News

President Bush Requests 1.3% Increase for NSF Budget

lthough NSF received a 13% increase Congressional Actions whether future NSF budget increases are Ain its budget in FY 2001, President Several recent actions by Congress warranted. Results of the review, which is Bush’s FY 2002 NSF budget request is indicate that the final FY 2002 budgets for underway and involves a variety of differ- $4.5 billion, just $56 million or 1.3% the basic science agencies may increase ent studies, will be factored into the above FY 2001. The expected rate of over the President’s proposed budget. By a preparation of the FY 2003 budget. The inflation for FY 2002 is 2.6%, an effective bipartisan voice vote, the Senate on April 5 staffs of NSF and the Office of Manage- decrease in the NSF budget of 1.3%. The approved an amendment to the Senate ment and Budget (OMB) will have pre- Research and Related Activities account Budget Resolution (H.R. 83), which liminary results for review by Fall 2001. would decline 0.5%, with a major cut would increase the funding for some basic A random survey of academic institu- (17.5%) in Integrative Activities, includ- science agencies by $1.44 billion. This vote tions and individual investigators that ing Major Research Instrumentation. is an important indication of what have received NSF grants will begin in The proposed budget for the Office of Congress may do later this year when it June. The survey, considered by NSF and Polar Programs totals $276.57 million, considers the FY 2002 appropriations bills. OMB staff to be key to future NSF fund- increasing 1.2% over FY 2001. The U.S. Senate Amendment 211 was sponsored ing increases, is expected to result in the Polar Research Programs budget would by seven senators led by Christopher Bond recommendation that average NSF grant increase 1.5%, or $3.17 million, from (R-MO) and Barbara Mikulski (D-MD) size and duration be increased. $210.8 to $213.97 million, including: and would increase funding for: Details of the OMB/NSF review can • the Arctic Research Program would • NSF by $674 million, be found in the “General Science, Space, increase 6.4%, from $31.14 to $33.14 • DOE by $469 million, and and Technology” section of the main bud- million; • NASA by $518 million. get document, under the heading “Man- • the Arctic Research Support and Logis- The amendment would increase the agement Reforms” (pages 33–35). Follow- tics budget would remain level at NSF budget by 15.3%, keeping the agency ing are some excerpts: $23.96 million; on track for the proposed doubling of its • For 2003, the Administration will • the Arctic Research Commission budget budget by 2005, supported by a bipartisan undertake a budgetary review to deter- would increase 1.4%, from $1.00 to group of 41 senators last year. mine how best to support the NSF’s $1.02 million; In related action in the House of budget in a sustained manner over time. • the Antarctic Research Grants Program Representatives, 13 Republican and • With the assistance of U.S. academic budget would increase 2.1%, from Democratic members of the Science research institutions, NSF will develop $36.5 to $37.25 million; Committee wrote to Appropriations metrics to measure the efficiency of the • the budget for Operations and Science Committee Chairman Bill Young (R-FL), research process and determine the Support would increase 0.3%, from asking him to consider making funding for ‘right’ grant size and duration for the $118.2 to $118.61 million. the science agencies a high priority, various types of research the agency The budget document describes two especially that for NSF. Budget funds. FY 2002 priorities for the Arctic Research Committee member Rush Holt (D-NJ) • NSF will develop a plan for costing, Program: attempted to increase general science approval, and oversight of major facility • the Study of Environmental Arctic funding in the House Budget Resolution projects, and also will enhance its capa- Change (SEARCH) program (see page but was unsuccessful, as the House voted bility to estimate costs and provide 8), and along party lines. Rep. Eddie Bernice oversight of project development and • support for merit reviewed oceano- Johnson (D-TX), the ranking minority construction. graphic research using the U.S. Coast member on the Research Subcommittee, • NSF will develop a five-year strategic Guard Cutter Healy (see page 18). introduced legislation on April 4 to plan for the work force and information The budget request proposes to authorize the doubling of the NSF budget technology needs of the agency in time expand NSF’s education activities, includ- over the period 2001–05. This bill (H.R. for consideration of the 2003 budget. ing the President’s new Math and Science 1472) provides for a 15% annual increase For more information, see the Partnership Initiative, funded at $200 for NSF from FY 2002–05. The Johnson following web sites: NSF (www.nsf.gov), million. The bulk of this funding ($110 bill, which has 16 Democratic cosponsors the American Association for the Advance- million) would be redirected from existing from the House Science Committee, was ment of Science (www.aaas.org/spp/ NSF education programs. The budget for referred to that committee for further R&D), the American Institute of Physics Education and Human Resources (EHR) consideration. (www.aip.org/gov), the Association of would increase by 11% overall. In this American Universities (www.aau.edu), the budget scenario, graduate student stipends Administration Reviewing NSF Needs OMB (www.whitehouse.gov/omb/budget/ will increase from an average of $18,000 The Administration intends to review fy2002/budget.html), or the U.S. per year to $20,500 per year for the aca- the needs and opportunities facing NSF Congress (http://thomas.loc.gov). demic year 2002–03. over the next five years to determine 19 U.S. Arctic Research Commission

U.S. Arctic Research Commission Plans Visit to ANWR

he 2001 edition of the U.S. Arctic cuss issues including improved coordi- • discussed opportunities for arctic logis- TResearch Commission (USARC) nation in fisheries research, fish and tics cooperation with staff from the Report on Goals and Objectives 2001 was wildlife research needs, and distance Canadian Polar Continental Shelf published in January and will be available education; Project (see Witness Spring 1998), the soon on the USARC web site. The three • La Jolla, California in January for a Canadian Department of Fisheries and major goals outlined in the report are: tour of the U.S.S. Salt Lake City, a Los Oceans, and the Office of Polar Programs. • support for the SEARCH Program (see Angeles class submarine, and discussions The Commission plans to visit the Arc- page 8), to enhance the study of change of how to carry forward SCICEX research tic National Wildlife Refuge (ANWR) in in the Arctic, (see Witness Spring/Autumn 1999). early June. They will visit Svalbard and • a multiagency integrated research pro- • Iqaluit, Nunavut, Canada, prior to Arc- Tromsø, Norway following a meeting in gram for the Bering Sea (see Witness tic Science Summit Week (see page 22), Arlington, Virginia on June 22. Spring 1998), and including the USARC’s first meeting For more information, see the USARC • a two-part health of arctic residents pro- with the Canadian Polar Commission web site (http://www.uaa.alaska. edu/enri/ gram, including principal causes of mor- (see Witness Spring 2000). arc_web/archome.htm), or contact bidity and mortality and environmental The Commission also: USARC Executive Director Garry Brass in health concerns and recommendations. • conducted a workshop, in collaboration Arlington, VA (800-AURORAB or 703/ In 2001, the Commission met in: with the Navy, on Navy responses to 525-0111; fax 703/525-0114; • Dillingham, Alaska in November to dis- decreased ice cover in the Arctic, and [email protected]).

Polar Research Board

Enhancing NASA’s Contributions to Polar Science: New PRB Report Available

or scientists who study climate change, a committee of the National Research • better publicize the availability of data Fthe Arctic and Antarctic are prime Council’s Polar Research Board (PRB). sets, make them as user-friendly as pos- laboratories. Data that document change After approximately a year of study and sible, and provide web links to sites that range from the thickness and movement of deliberations, including a survey of more offer additional relevant information. entire ice sheets and glaciers, to the timing than 100 polar scientists who use polar This study was requested and spon- of cloud cover, distribution of precipita- geophysical data in their day-to-day sored by NASA’s High Latitudes Office. tion, concentrations of atmospheric gases, research, the committee: Authors include John Walsh, Chair past weather patterns, ocean temperatures, • identified gaps between the data (University of Illinois), Judith Curry sea levels, and salinity patterns. To track available and data needed; and (University of Colorado, Boulder), Mark changes, such data must be gathered over • made specific recommendations for Fahnestock (University of Maryland), periods of years. Observations at the poles, additional air, water, and land measure- David McGuire (University of Alaska however, are extremely difficult to make— ments that NASA should collect to Fairbanks), William Rossow (Goddard these are among the most remote, harsh, enhance existing records. Institute for Space Studies), Michael Steele and inhospitable environs on the planet. In addition, the committee made the (University of Washington), Charles The National Atmospheric and Space following recommendations: Vorosmarty (University of New Hamp- Administration (NASA) is responsible for • in some cases, aircraft, automated shire), and Mahlon Kennicutt (Texas a number of satellites and remote sensing underwater vehicles, and ground-based A&M University). The report is available programs that measure conditions in the technologies may be more appropriate in limited quantities from the PRB in pre- earth’s polar environments. NASA com- than satellites for collecting data; publication format. The published volume piles its raw data into polar geophysical • make available NASA’s data-set will be available in May 2001 from data sets that are available to scientists archives, some of which extend back National Academy Press (800/624-6242; studying these regions. How these data as far as 20 years; www.nap.edu) for $31. sets can be made more useful to scientists • make a greater effort, for comparative For more information, contact PRB is the subject of a new report—Enhancing purposes, to integrate NASA data sets Director Chris Elfring in Washington, DC NASA’s Contributions to Polar Science: A with data collected in other parts of (202/334-3479; fax 202/334-1477; Review of Polar Geophysical Data Sets, from the world; and [email protected]). 20 Arctic Policy

Finland Assumes Chair of Arctic Council for Two Years

.S. Under Secretary of State for U.S. Concludes Chair; New Agenda Set to address the problem; and UGlobal Affairs Frank Loy chaired Accomplishments of the Arctic Council • how to improve cooperation between the second biennial meeting of the Arctic during the U.S. chairmanship include: the Arctic Council and the many Council in October 2000 in Barrow, • finalization of a framework document for organizations and initiatives with marking the culmination of the two-year the Council’s Sustainable Development a northern focus. period of U.S. leadership of the Council Program, The North Slope community, includ- and the beginning of the Finnish chair- • progress on the U.S.-led projects on ing school classes, observed the Council manship. Participants included: telemedicine and cultural and eco- proceedings and joined in an evening • Ministers from the eight arctic member tourism, panel discussion on contaminants and states of the Council; • progress on the Canadian-led project on the impact on human health in the • presidents of the four arctic indigenous the Future of Children and Youth in the arctic environment. peoples’ organizations that have Arctic, and Permanent Participant status on the • progress on the Denmark/Greenland-led Priorities of the Finnish Chair Council—the Aleut International Survey of Living Conditions in the Finland now assumes the chair of the Association, the Inuit Circumpolar Arctic. Arctic Council until October 2002. Finn- Conference, the Russian Association of The United States also contributed to the ish Minister of Justice Johannes Koskinen Indigenous Peoples of the North, and Council’s Human Health Effects Program outlined his country’s priorities as chair, the Saami Council; and in the Arctic Monitoring and Assessment emphasizing increased contacts with • representatives of the Council’s Program and helped fund a new assessment international bodies such as the United accredited Observers. of contaminants in the food supply of Rus- Nations and the European Union. sian indigenous communities in the Arctic. Finland will also work toward active New Participants, Observers Welcomed The October 2000 Ministerial meeting political implementation of conclusions The Barrow delegates approved two set the Arctic Council agenda for 2000–02. drawn from technical reports of the Arctic new Permanent Participants—the Arctic Topping the agenda is the Arctic Climate Council working groups, specifically on Athabaskan Council and the Gwich’in Impact Assessment (see page 22), a issues such as climate change, long-range Council International; both indigenous comprehensive study of the impact of transportation of contaminants, and groups have U.S. and Canadian members. climate change in the Arctic. The Council UV radiation. France joined Germany, the Netherlands, will also pursue a number of projects under Finland plans to evaluate the structure Poland, and the United Kingdom as an the newly established Arctic Council of the Arctic Council and its working Observer country. The ministers also Action Plan to Eliminate Pollution of the groups, expand the use of information approved eleven new Observer organiza- Arctic (ACAP; see Witness Spring 2000), technology (such as in the University of tions, bringing the total number of including: the Arctic and telemedicine projects), and Observers to 21. The eleven new Observer • the second phase of a project to reduce promote eco-tourism. The Finns will also organizations are: PCB use in Russia, and concentrate on transportation infrastruc- • the North Atlantic Marine Mammal • a plan to reduce mercury releases from ture, capacity building, gender equality, Commission, arctic states. and in the words of Justice Minister • the Nordic Council of Ministers, The Ministers also approved proposals Koskinen, “bringing capital closer to • the Advisory Committee on the to develop an International Circumpolar the Arctic Circle . . . without forgetting Protection of the Sea, Surveillance system for infectious diseases the need to increase sensitivity toward • the Association of World Reindeer and to initiate projects on sustainable rein- indigenous affairs.” Herders, deer husbandry and development in north- The next meeting of the Senior Arctic • the Circumpolar Conservation Union, ern timberline forests. The Ministers rec- Officials (SAO) will take place in • the International Arctic Social Science ommended that the Council pay particular Rovaniemi, Finland, 10–13 June 2001. Association, attention to proposals from the Permanent Future SAO meetings will be held in • the International Federation of Red Participants directed at improving human Helsinki in November 2001 and Oulu Cross and Red Crescent Societies, health in indigenous communities. in April 2002. The next Ministerial-level • the International Union for Ministers held a series of roundtable meeting will be held in September 2002 Circumpolar Health, discussions on: in Inari (Saariselkä). • the International Union for the • the impact of climate variability on For more information, see the Arctic Conservation of Nature, arctic communities and ecosystems; Council web site (www.arctic-council. • the Standing Committee of Parliamen- • health, education, and economic org), or contact Hale VanKoughnett at tarians of the Arctic Region, and opportunities of arctic communities; the Department of State in Washington, • the World Wide Fund for Nature. • the threat of contaminants in the Arctic DC (202/647-4972; fax 202/647-4353; and opportunities for collective action [email protected]). 21 International News

International Arctic Coastal Dynamics Drafts Science Plan

n October 2000, the International 200,000-km circumarctic coastal margin, The IASC Council will consider the IArctic Science Committee (IASC) where permafrost and sea ice play key plan for approval at its April 2001 meeting sponsored an international Arctic Coastal roles, under the influence of environmen- (see article this page). The ACD Steering Dynamics (ACD) workshop in Potsdam, tal changes and geologic controls. Committee is pursuing coordination with Germany. Eleven participants from The plan consists of two interrelated related programs and seeking funds. Canada, Germany, Norway, Russia, and components: For more information, see the ACD the United States reviewed results from • a series of coordinated activities to assess web page (www.awi-potsdam.de/www- the November 1999 workshop held in and synthesize existing information; and pot/geo/acd.html), or contact Jerry Brown Woods Hole, Massachusetts (see Witness • proposed focused research projects and in Woods Hole, MA (508/457-4982; fax Spring 2000) and developed a phased five- long-term observations. 508/457-4982; [email protected]) or year Science and Implementation Plan. The This research will serve as a basis for Volker Rachold in Potsdam, Germany overall objective of the plan is to improve generating and updating maps and models (+49/331-288-2144; fax +49/331-288- understanding of the dynamics of the for predicting coastal sensitivity. 2137; [email protected]).

Lead Authors Outline Arctic Climate Impact Assessment

he Arctic Council is conducting an authors appointed for each of the assess- Radiation—Modeling and Scenarios for Tinternational Arctic Climate Impact ment chapters. The report outline and the Arctic Region Assessment (ACIA) to evaluate and syn- lead authors are as follows: Physical and Biological Systems and thesize knowledge on climate variability, The Arctic System—Gunter Weller (U.S.) Their Response to Climate Change— climate change, increased ultraviolet radia- The Arctic as Part of the Global Climate John Walsh (U.S.), Terry Callaghan (Swe- tion, and their consequences (see Witness System—Gordon McBean (Canada), den), Jim Reist (Canada), and Harald Spring 2000). The aim is to provide useful Petteri Taalas (Finland), Erland Källén Loeng (Norway). and reliable information to the govern- (Sweden), Vladimir Kattsov (Russia), and • The Cryosphere and Hydrological ments, organizations, and peoples of the Betsy Weatherhead (U.S.). Variability Arctic on policy options to meet such • The Climate System and the Roles of • Terrestrial and Freshwater Ecosystems changes. Ozone and UV Processes on the Arctic • Arctic Freshwater Ecosystems At an October 2000 workshop in and the Planet • Oceanic and Marine Ecosystems Seattle, Washington, the ACIA Steering • Past and Present Changes of Climate Impacts of Climate and UV Changes on Committee prepared an extended outline and UV Radiation Humans and Their Activities—Henry for the assessment with the help of lead • Future Changes of Climate and UV Huntington (U.S.), David Klein (U.S.), Mark Nuttal (U.K.), Glenn Juday (U.S.), Arne Instanes (Norway), Jim Berner (U.S.), and fisheries lead author Hjalmar IASC Convenes Arctic Science Summit Week Vilhjalmsson (Iceland). • Indigenous Perspectives on Climate he International Arctic Science Committee (IASC) again invited all arctic Change science organizations to hold their organizational meetings at the annual T • Wildlife and Conservation Issues Arctic Science Summit Week, 22-29 April 2001, in Iqaluit, Nunavut, the capital of • Subsistence Hunting, Fishing, Herding, Canada’s newest territory. The purpose of the summit, held each year in late April, is and Gathering to provide opportunities for coordination, collaboration, and cooperation in all areas of • Fisheries and Aquaculture arctic science and to combine science and management meetings to optimize travel and • Forests, Land Management, and time. The summit is comprised of a series of meetings of circumarctic organizations, Agriculture and Land Use structured around a Joint Science Day. The focus of the third annual ASSW Science • Engineered Structures Day was “Science and Technology for Sustainable Communities,” focusing on both • Human Health terrestrial and marine resources. The Science Day and other venues provided opportu- Contributing authors for each chapter will nities for researchers, students, and others to discuss issues of common concern. be identified in the near future. The ACIA The first ASSW took place in April 1999 in Tromsø, Norway; the second in is scheduled to be completed by 2004. Cambridge, UK (see Witness Spring 2000). For more information, contact For more information, see the IASC web site (www.iasc.no/) or contact IASC Gunter Weller in Fairbanks, AK (907/ Executive Secretary Odd Rogne in Oslo, Norway (+47/2295-9900 fax +47/2295- 474-7371, fax 907/474-6722; 9901; [email protected]). [email protected]). 22 International News

Sverdrup Symposium Focuses on Arctic/Subarctic Oceans

pproximately 70 international scien- A workshop on Arctic/Sub-Arctic sites. The workshop established the ASOF Atists assembled for the H.U. Sverdrup Ocean Fluxes (ASOF) followed the International Science Steering Group, Symposium at the Polar Environmental Sverdrup Symposium. The ASOF pro- chaired by Bob Dickson of the U.K. The Centre in Tromsø, Norway in September gram is an international effort to measure Steering Group is purposely organized 2000. The Norwegian Polar Institute climatically important oceanic exchanges into two groups—ASOF-West and ASOF- (NPI) and the Fram Committee hosted between the arctic and subarctic seas (see East. Members of ASOF-West include the symposium commemorating the Maud Witness Spring 2000). Working groups Peter Rhines (Deputy Chair), John expedition to the Arctic, which concluded addressed the following topics: Calder, Eddy Carmack, Tom Haine, Mark 75 years ago. Professor H.U. Sverdrup, • ocean fluxes, Johnson, Craig Lee, Cecilie Mauritzen, who later became director of Scripps • shelf-basin interactions, Mike McCartney, Rich Pawlowicz, Simon Institution of Oceanography and of the • deep sea processes, Prinsenberg, Sergey Pryamikov, Tom Pyle, Norwegian Polar Institute (see Member • sea ice, and Peter Schlosser, and a to-be-determined Insert), was responsible for the scientific • paleoclimate. representative from Japan. Members of aspects of the Maud expedition. Participants also discussed methods and ASOF-East are Jens Meincke (Deputy The symposium provided a current platforms for measurements (e.g., satellites, Chair), Harry Bryden, Eberhard Fahrbach, assessment of the role of ocean/sea-ice/ available ice-going vessels, new technolo- Bogi Hansen, Edmond H. Hansen, Peter atmosphere interaction in polar and sub- gies) and ways of achieving international Haugan, Michael Karcher, Harald Loeng, polar climates. Presentations included: funding cooperation. Jochem Marotzke, Bill Turrell, Ian Vassie, • mixing and exchange processes, The workshop was organized by Olav and Richard Wood. • fluxes, Orheim of Norway; the workshop report For more information, see the NPI • deep water formation, and is available on the ASOF sections of the web site (www.npolar.no), or contact Olav • shelf processes. NPI (www.asof.npolar.no) and the Uni- Orheim in Tromsø (+47/7775-0620; fax The proceedings will be published in Polar versity of Washington (http://psc.apl. +47/7775-0501; olav.orheim@ Research in late 2001. washington.edu/search/ASOF.html) web npolar.no).

NSF Pursues Initiative to Coordinate Arctic Measurements

he NSF Office of Polar Programs is SEARCH (see page 8) will likely use simi- Norwegian Polar Institute, is an environ- Tassessing community interest and lar approaches for ocean observatories. mental research network of 17 research pursuing discussions toward developing a For CEON to become a reality, coun- stations in Northern Europe. Circumarctic Environmental Observatory tries with arctic interests would have to For more information, contact Arctic Network (CEON) to maximize sharing of involve their own stations and contribute Science Section Head Tom Pyle at NSF in and access to scientific observations in the to maintaining or reopening selected Rus- Arlington, VA (703/292-8029; fax 703/ data-poor arctic environment. The CEON sian stations. Both the U.S. National Oce- 292-9082; [email protected]). initiative would be an agreement to mea- anic and Atmospheric Administration and sure the same things, at the same time, in NSF are interested in such joint research the same way—as much as possible—and station programs. Germany has already Cherskii Toolik to use the internet to share results in near made significant contributions to the infra- Barrow real time. The measured variables would structure of the Arctic and Antarctic Re- Tuktoyaktuk be defined by scientists; station managers search Institute in St. Petersburg. and agency officials would be involved NSF has asked ARCUS to work with only in implementation and funding. the international arctic research commu- Resolute

The proposed CEON network focuses nity to assess interest through an online Thule on terrestrial sites (see figure), because survey process and discussions at several Ny-Ålesund many such research stations already exist arctic meetings and to coordinate the U.S. Longyearbyen Summit and because the Forum of Arctic Research community’s contributions to CEON’s Kangerlussuaq Zackenberg Tromsø Kevo Operators (FARO; see Witness Spring/ development. There is strong interest in Kilpisjärvi Abisko Autumn 1999) working group recom- collaborating with ENVINET, the Euro- mended restricting initial efforts to land pean Network for Arctic-Alpine Multidis- stations. The CEON approach, in con- ciplinary Research. ENVINET (www. Potential sites for a Circumarctic Environmental cept, also applies to ocean observatories. npolar.no/envinet/index.html), funded by Observatory Network (illustration prepared by S. Programs such as ASOF (see above) and the European Union and managed by the Mitchell). 23 International News

Geography Shapes Ways of Knowing

n October 2000, the Scott Polar political regions of the Arctic to better concepts of the region) into its analysis of IResearch Institute (SPRI) formed a new understand the cultural basis of: knowledge claims and development issues. research group to examine socio-technical • research ethics, Historical precedents can be used to changes in the Arctic and Antarctica. The • processes of cross-cultural consensus understand new controversies over topics new Science and Development Group building, and as diverse as the Icelandic human genome aspires to examine how the interface • the long-term prospects for sustainable project or the conservation of Lake Vostok between social and natural science management of research environments. in Antarctica. structures both: The roles that mapping and communica- For more information, contact Michael • methods of inquiry, and tions technologies—including remote Bravo in Cambridge, UK (+44/1223- • the terms in which the polar regions sensing imagery—play in development are 336561; fax +44/1223-336549; mb124@ are broadly conceived. considered pivotal to understanding the cus.cam.ac.uk). Researchers at the Science and Devel- changing political configurations and opment Group have strong disciplinary regimes of environmental management. allegiances to geography, history of sci- The group incorporates historical ence, and anthropology. They are pursu- studies (e.g., the history of fieldwork in the ing comparative studies of scientific and natural and social sciences, the formation technological practices in different of scientific disciplines, geographical

Education News

NSF Renews Funding for Alaska Rural Systemic Initiative

n September 2000, NSF funded the IAlaska Rural Systemic Initiative (AKRSI) for a second five-year set of initiatives. This work, which is also supported by the Alaska Federation of Natives, began in November 2000 with guidance from Elders and support from communities, educators, and organizations across the region. In Phase II, each of Alaska’s five cultural regions will have an opportunity to implement five initiatives that were very successful in Phase I: • Elders and Cultural Camps, emphasiz- ing the Academy of Elders; • Indigenous Science Knowledge Base, emphasizing the Cultural Atlas; • Culturally Aligned Curriculum, emphasizing Cultural Standards; • Native Ways of Knowing/Teaching, emphasizing Parent Involvement; and • Village Science Applications, emphasizing Alaska Native Science and Engineering Society camps. For more information, see the Alaska Native Knowledge Network web site (www.ankn.uaf.edu) or contact Sean Topkok in Fairbanks, AK (907/474-5897; In Phase II of AKRSI, each of Alaska’s five cultural regions will have an opportunity to implement five initiatives that fax 907/474-5615; [email protected]). were very successful in the project’s first five years (illustration by Paula Elmes with Ray Barnhardt). 24 Publications Education News

Science Writers Tour Barrow Research Sites

n September 2000, the Barrow Arctic American Arctic. The organization recog- For more information, contact BASC IScience Consortium (BASC) hosted 29 nizes that “press coverage of arctic science President Richard Glenn and Executive journalists from across the U.S. on a three- projects and science issues is an important Director Glenn Sheehan in Barrow, AK day Barrow Science Communicators Tour. way to increase recognition for the North (888/627-5724 or 907/852-4881; fax The tour, cosponsored by BASC (see among potential researchers in the United 907/852-4882; [email protected]). Witness Spring/Autumn 1999) and the States and around the world.” Alaska Press Women, preceded a conven- tion of the National Federation of Press Women in Anchorage, Alaska. NSF pro- vided airfare between Anchorage and Bar- row, and ARCUS provided financial and CIRES Group gets K–12 Teachers logistical support. Most of the participants were science into the Field writers with interests ranging from wildlife biology to languages, Native knowledge, ince 1996, the Cooperative Institute The value of her field experience was health, and domestic construction. BASC Sfor Research in Environmental Sci- not just personal growth for Koehler. Her scheduled tours and presentations that ences (CIRES) in Boulder, Colorado has deepened understanding of how science covered the broad spectrum of research included an outreach group that organizes works has inspired her to take her students taking place in Barrow, as well as opportu- Earth science education programs for outside to do their own field studies. She nities to interview local specialists and teachers using a “place-based” approach. says she sees more links between Earth’s engage local high-school students. The Here, learning is through inquiry about many systems, applies for more grants for writers toured: the immediate environment, and teachers equipment and projects, and trades ideas • the U.S. Department of Energy’s and scientists work together in the field. with a nationwide network of creative Atmospheric Radiation Measurement One of the projects run by the CIRES science teachers. site (see Witness Autumn 1998); Outreach Program is Earthworks, an The CIRES outreach group has • NOAA’s Climate Monitoring and inquiry-based professional development learned much about what helps to involve Diagnostics Laboratory facility; workshop for science teachers. Secondary scientists effectively in outreach: • the Naval Arctic Research Laboratory science teachers work with scientists to • social responsibility—an interest in (see Witness Autumn 1997); develop and conduct a week-long research public or local education—and personal • the San Diego State University research project on the water, air, soils, or living enjoyment are scientists’ main motiva- aircraft that is used to measure atmo- organisms at the workshop’s mountain tions to participate in outreach; spheric carbon and energy fluxes; site. According to Program Director Susan • outreach roles for scientists—visiting • the Iñupiat Heritage Center; Buhr, “teachers gain experience with scien- classrooms, mentoring, communicating • Ipalook Elementary School and its Solar tific inquiry themselves, so they are better online—must make efficient use of System (see Witness Autumn 1998); prepared to go back and do real inquiry their time; • the North Slope Borough (NSB) with their students.” • personal connections help CIRES staff Department of Wildlife Management After her week at Earthworks, Cathi match scientists with appropriate and Arctic Research Facility; Koehler (Manchester, CT) took her high- opportunities; and • NSB Search and Rescue Facility; and school earth science classes outside to • visible support from others in the • the Barrow Utilities and Electric Coop- study their soils, and then she took her science community encourages new erative underground utilidor, which own scientific curiosity to new extremes— scientists to participate in outreach. delivers water in permafrost conditions. to the summit of the Greenland ice sheet. CIRES is a joint research institute of Presentations introduced the writers to The CIRES outreach group introduced the University of Colorado and the icebreaker science; wildlife contaminants Koehler to CIRES researcher Koni Steffen National Oceanographic and Atmospheric research; beluga whaling, telemetry, and and graduate student Nicolas Cullen, and Administration’s Boulder labs, whose age estimation; snowy owl research; the helped them apply for funding from affiliated researchers study topics from use of satellite imagery to monitor sea ice; NSF’s Teachers Experiencing Antarctica environmental chemistry to geophysics. the use of optical signals to monitor func- and the Arctic Program (TEA; see page For more information, or for an tional changes in the arctic ecosystem; 26). Koehler worked with the scientists for Earthworks application, see the CIRES Iñupiat language and culture; and the reli- a month at Summit, digging snow pits and web site (http://cires.colorado.edu/~k12/), ance of North Slope science on Iñupiat monitoring clouds, sometimes in bitter or contact Tamara Palmer in Boulder, CO traditional knowledge. arctic winds, to study the movement of (303/492-5670; fax 303/492-1149; k12@ One of BASC’s goals is to draw more energy, moisture, and reactive chemicals cires.colorado.edu). researchers and research projects to the between surface snow and the atmosphere. 25 Education News

Teachers Convey Technical and Human Aspects of Science

he National Science Education Stan- others, they facilitated Tdards emphasize the importance of good relations on board providing inquiry-based experiences for the ship with a great deal students, demonstrating that science is a of insight and good human endeavor, and underscoring the humor.” relevance of science to society. The center- Teacher Sandra Kolb piece of NSF’s Teachers Experiencing worked with Terry Tucker Antarctica and the Arctic (TEA) Program (Cold Regions Research is actual field work that engages K–12 and Engineering Labora- teachers in cutting-edge research in the tory [CRREL]) on the polar regions (see Witness Spring 1998). Healy. She writes, “My The TEA Program aims to: roles and responsibilities • immerse teachers in a research were not only to support experience as a component of their Terry’s team in their continued professional development; research but also to trans- Teacher Tim Buckley (ahead) and CRREL researcher Terry Tucker (behind) • offer research experiences that inform late this experience into worked side by side on the Polar Sea in 1998. Kelly Falkner, the Arctic Ice- breaker Coordinating Committee’s liaison with the TEA program for the Healy teaching practices, so that science daily journals for the TEA ship trials in 2000, wrote, “The teachers’ help was invaluable to the complex investigations in the classroom model web site. I worked with array of engineering and science goals that comprised the testing program. The the real process of science; students, teachers, and the very positive impact of these educators on the Healy... has led both Coast Guard personnel and scientists to recommend that teacher involvement be considered for • carry the polar research experience public daily, addressing all future arctic icebreaker missions” (photo by Aaron Putnam). into classrooms in rich, engaging, and their questions and educa- innovative ways that underscore the tional activities by e-mail. My TEA web enormous respect for the efforts that she relevance of science to society and page continues to be accessed by schools, and teachers like her make to pursue pro- individuals; and and I present locally and nationally in fessional development opportunities that • cultivate a collaborative Polar Learning classrooms and for teacher workshops. enhance their teaching strategies and Community of teachers, students, The TEA challenge for me is facilitating enrich students’ learning experiences. administrators, researchers, and others, the implementation of enduring instruc- I have learned much about K–12 educa- to build on the research experience. tional techniques that are based on inquiry tion in general, and science education in and ‘learning science by doing science.’” particular, and have a new appreciation for What Do Researchers and Teachers Say? AICC Chair Lisa Clough (East Caro- the challenges that teachers face on a daily Kelly Falkner (Oregon State Univer- lina University, Greenville, NC) has also basis. Scientific researchers have much to sity, Corvallis) was the Arctic Icebreaker worked with TEAs aboard Coast Guard offer teachers and vice versa. I recommend Coordinating Committee’s (AICC) liaison icebreakers. She writes, “I have benefited working with a teacher (or teachers) for with the TEA Program for the new U.S. from the perspectives that teachers bring a mutually beneficial and professionally Coast Guard Cutter icebreaker Healy ship to my project (not to mention the extra and personally fulfilling experience.” trials (see page 18). She hosted two TEAs hands). I can’t tell you how many crew TEA is a partnership between teachers, on board and had this to say about her family members were thrilled to be able researchers, students, school districts, and experience: “Early in the planning phases to go to the TEA web page and find out communities. The program is sponsored for ice testing of the Healy, the AICC rec- what’s going on during a cruise. The by NSF’s Division of Elementary, Second- ommended that an educational outreach teachers intuitively know how to explain ary, and Informal Education in the component be included. This materialized the intricacies of science to the crew. In Directorate of Education and Human in the form of NSF support for five teach- addition, several crew members want to Resources and the NSF Office of Polar ers to participate in various aspects of test- explore a teaching career when they retire, Programs. It is facilitated by Rice Univer- ing the vessel. All of the teachers lent assis- and the teachers can give them a feel for sity, CRREL, and the American Museum tance to the on-board science activities what that’s really going to require.” of Natural History. while maintaining a web-based journal Martin Jeffries (University of Alaska For more information, see the TEA (see http://tea.rice.edu/tea_meetteachers. Fairbanks) has been working with TEAs Program web site (http://tea.rice.edu), html#thearctic). By all accounts—from since Marge Porter (Woodstock, CT) first or contact Deb Meese (603/646-4594; the Coast Guard to the scientists to stu- joined his research team in Antarctica six fax 603/646-4644; [email protected]. dents and the general public—the teach- years ago. Since then, Porter has obtained army.mil) and NSF Arctic Social Sciences ers’ involvement was extremely successful. additional funding to continue her work Program Director and Science Education Not only were they able to effectively learn with Jeffries studying ice growth and heat Liaison Fae Korsmo (703/292-8029; fax about and communicate the excitement of flow at frozen ponds at Poker Flat, Alaska. 703/292-9082; [email protected]). polar science to their classrooms and Of his experience, Jeffries says, “I have 26 Calendar

May 16–20 Fourth International Congress of Arctic Social Sciences (ICASS IV), “The Power of Traditions: Identities, Politics, and Social Sciences.” Quebec City, Canada. Contact the Organizing Committee in Quebec City (418/656-7596; fax 418/656-3023; ARCUS [email protected]) or Peter Johnson in Ottawa (613/562-5800 ext 1061; fax 613/ 3535 College Road, Suite 101 562-5145; [email protected]). Fairbanks, Alaska 99709 USA May 23–25 ARCUS 13th Annual Meeting and Arctic Forum. Arlington, VA. Contact Phone: 907/474-1600 Diane Wallace in Fairbanks, AK (907/474-1600; fax 907/474-1604; [email protected]; Fax: 907/474-1604 www.arcus.org/annual_meeting_01/index.html). [email protected] www.arcus.org May 28–31 Impact of Climate Change and UV in the Russian Arctic: Arctic Climate Impact Assessment (ACIA) Workshop. St. Petersburg, Russia. Contact Odd Rogne at Executive Director the International Arctic Science Committee Secretariat in Oslo, Norway (+47/2295- Wendy K. Warnick 9900; fax:+47/2295-9901; [email protected]; www.iasc.no) or Gunter Weller in Fairbanks, ARCUS is a nonprofit organization AK (907/474-7371; fax 907/474-7290; [email protected]). consisting of institutions organized June 6–8 International Symposium on Climate Change and Variability in Northern and operated for educational, Europe—Proxy Data, Instrumental Records, Climate Models, and Interactions. Turku, professional, or scientific purposes. Finland. Contact Mia Ronks (+358/2333-6009; fax +358/2333-5730; [email protected]; ARCUS was established by its member http://figare.utu.fi). institutions in 1988 with the primary mission of strengthening arctic research July 10–13 Global Change Open Science Conference. Amsterdam, Netherlands. Con- to meet national needs. ARCUS activi- tact the IGBP Secretariat in Stockholm, Sweden (+46/816-6448; fax +46/816-6405; ties are funded through a cooperative [email protected]; www.sciconf.igbp.kva.se). agreement with NSF; by DOE and July 16–20 Detecting Environmental Change: Science and Society. London, U.K. AFN; and by membership dues. Contact Catherine Stickley in London (+44/20-7679-5562; fax +44/20-7679-7565; Witness the Arctic is published [email protected]; www.nmw.ac.uk/change2001). biannually by ARCUS. Any opinions, August 19–23 Symposium on Ice Cores and Climate. International Glaciological Soci- findings, conclusions, or recommenda- ety. Kangerlussuaq, Greenland. Contact the Secretary General in Cambridge, U.K. tions expressed in this publication do (+44/1223-355974; fax +44/1223-336543; [email protected]). not necessarily reflect the views of NSF. August 19–21 Seventh Circumpolar University Co-Operation Conference. Tromsø, Submit suggestions for the Summer Norway. Contact the Roald Amundsen Centre for Arctic Research in Tromsø (+47/77- 2001 newsletter by 15 June 2001. 64-5241; fax +47/7767-6672; [email protected]; www.arctic.uit.no/cua/). Managing Editor: Wendy Warnick Editor/Designer: Marty Peale September 19–22 52nd AAAS Arctic Science Conference. Anchorage, AK. Contact Don Editors: Alison York, Sue Mitchell Spalinger (907/267-2190; [email protected]; http://hosting.uaa. Copy Editor: Diane Wallace alaska.edu/afdes/AAAS2001). Contributors: M. Aletta-Ranttila, R. Alley, P.A. Anderson, R. Barnhardt, S. Bishop, For more information, check the Calendar on the ARCUS web site (www.arcus.org/misc/fr_calendar.html). G. Brass, M. Bravo, J. Brown, S. Buhr, J. Burnside, C. Cahill, F.S. Chapin III, L. Clough, L. Codispoti, D. Cole, L. Cooper, R. D’Arrigo, T. Deshler, J. Dionne, R. Dichtl, Publications B. Dickson, L. Duffy, M. Edwards, H. Eicken, H.C. Eilertsen, C. Elfring, P. Elmes, E. Evenson, J. Ferris, D. Garcia-Novick, R. Glenn, Emergency Prevention, Preparedness and Response Working Group (EPPR). 1998. Field H. Goldman, J. Grebmeier, O. Holm-Hansen, R. Holmer, G.S. Jacklin, C.Z. Jolles, J. Jordan, Guide for Oil Spill Response in Arctic Waters. Environment Canada, Yellowknife, NT S.A. Kaplan, B. Kearney, F. Korsmo, J. Kruse, Canada, 348 pages. $45 CAD. Contact David Tilden (867/669-4728; fax 867/873- G. Larson, S. Laursen, D. Lawson, M. Ledbetter, 8185; [email protected]; http://arctic-council.org). H. Maschner, D. Meese, J. Moore, J. Morison, R. Moritz, S. Nillsen, O. Orheim, A. Putnam, Arctic Environmental Sensitivity Atlas System (CD-ROM). Environment Canada, T. Pyle, V. Rachold, O. Rogne, V. Romanovsky, K. Scott, L. Shapiro, G. Sheehan, S. Stephenson, Yellowknife, NT Canada. $45 CAD. Contact David Tilden (867/669-4728; fax 867/ N. Swanberg, J. Swift, D. Toohey, S. Vanamo, 873-8185; [email protected]; www.mb.ec.gc.ca/pollution/spills/ed00s00.en.html). H. VanKoughnett, M. Walker, E. Weatherhead, J. Weatherly, A. Weaver, P. Webber, G. Weller Stein, R. (ed.) 2000. Circum-Arctic River Discharge and its Geological Record. 2000. wit.ness (wit nis) n. 1.a. One who has heard or Special issue of International Journal of Earth Sciences 89(3). Contact Ruediger Stein seen something. b. One who furnishes evidence. (+49/471-4831-1576; fax +49/471-4831-1580; [email protected]; 2. Anything that serves as evidence; a sign. 3. An attestation to a fact, statement, or event. —v. tr. http://e-net.awi-bremerhaven.de/GEO/APARD/NewsLetter4/APARD-NL-4.html). 1. To be present at or have personal knowledge Enhancing NASA’s Contributions to Polar Science: A Review of Polar Geophysical Data Sets. of. 2. To provide or serve as evidence of. 3. To testify to; bear witness. —intr. To furnish or 2001. National Research Council, Polar Research Board. National Academy Press ($31; serve as evidence; testify. [Middle English 800/624-6242; www.nap.edu). witnes(se), Old English witnes, witness, knowledge, from wit, knowledge, wit.] 27 A Note From the ARCUS Executive Director

e have taken several important steps researchers working in the Arctic and the presentations. The 2001 Arctic Forum will Wover the past year to improve our diversity of their research. The abstracts focus on interactions between physical and ability to serve the arctic research commu- of the winning and honorable mention biological systems in the Arctic and will be nity and would like to update you on student papers and a listing of all the 2001 held 24 and 25 May. some of these activities. More information participants can be found on the ARCUS is available at www.arcus.org. web site. The 2001 winners are: ARCUS Main Office Moves Interdisciplinary Research: Valerie The ARCUS office has a new address: ARCUS Washington, DC Office Barber, University of Alaska Fairbanks. 3535 College Road, Suite 101 For several years, both the member Social Sciences: Dyanna Riedlinger, Fairbanks, AK 99709-3710 institutions of ARCUS and the agencies University of Manitoba, Winnipeg. Phone 907/474-1600 engaged in arctic research have encouraged Life Sciences: Tim Karels, University Fax 907/474-1604 ARCUS to develop a presence in Wash- of Toronto at Scarborough. Email and web addresses remain the same. ington, DC to facilitate communication Physical Sciences: Luke Copland, with agencies, other federal entities, and University of Alberta, Edmonton. relevant scientific organizations. In The winners have been invited to September 2000, Suzanne Bishop opened present their work at the Arctic Forum and the Washington, DC office of ARCUS, will receive a $500 honorarium. The representing the organization and its announcement and entry information for members to agency representatives and the Sixth Annual ARCUS Award for Arc- Inside Congress on a wide variety of issues affect- tic Research Excellence (2002) will be dis- ing arctic research. Suzanne, who has tributed to the community in late summer ARCSS Program 3 extensive experience in academic public 2001. We hope that you will look for it Arctic Social Sciences Program 10 relations, is available to assist arctic and encourage young researchers to Arctic Natural Sciences Program 12 researchers in their efforts to advance submit papers to the competition. Arctic Logistics 16 arctic research issues at the federal level NSF News 19 (703/979-7461; fax 703/979-7460; ARCUS Annual Meeting U.S. Arctic Research Commission 20 [email protected]). The ARCUS 13th Annual Meeting will Polar Research Board 20 be held at the Sheraton Crystal City in Arctic Policy 21 Award for Arctic Research Excellence Arlington, VA on 23–25 May 2001. A International News 22 The winners of the Fifth Annual highlight of the Annual Meeting is the Education News 24 ARCUS Award for Arctic Research interdisciplinary Arctic Forum, a science Calendar and Publications 27 Excellence reflect the quality of young symposium that includes oral and poster

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