The 2017 Gordon Research Conference on Polar Marine Science "Understanding Polar Ecosystem Change Through Time Series Observations, Technological Advances, and Biophysical Coupled Modeling" brought together leading investigators in Antarctic and Arctic marine research. Using a tradition of excellence facilitated by the Gordon Research Conferences (GRC), participants presented and discuss cutting-edge interdisciplinary polar science observations, technological advancements and biophysical modeling activities associated with polar time series studies. The unique GRC format incorporated invited science talks by experts working at both poles, which are moderated by discussion leaders, and are followed by in-depth open discussion periods. We had a highlight session daily for the afternoon poster session. The format of the GRC inspires scientists from different disciplines to synthesize new ideas and to brainstorm about the ongoing status and change in the polar oceans.
In both the Antarctic and Arctic, ecosystem variables such as sea ice dynamics, atmospheric and ocean exchange, biogeochemical cycles, food web dynamics, and sediment proxies have in the past and are currently responding to climate and environmental change. How the ecosystem is responding to ongoing stressors in the marine environment and devising appropriate modeling approaches to predict future change are important foci for polar science. The 11th GRC on Polar Marine Science primarily discussed new findings and uncertainties in observing marine time series data, the use of developing technology for collecting those observations, and successes and challenges emerging from time series observations and biophysical modeling that can be used to accurately forecast future ecosystem response.
A Gordon Research Seminar (GRS) occurred the weekend prior to the 2017 Polar GRC to provide a forum for graduate students and postdoctoral scientists to present their work and interface with their peers and experts in variable disciplines. The major focus at the 2017 GRS was on innovative marine technology including autonomous and remotely operated instruments, camera systems, advanced laboratory techniques, and numerical modeling. The early career scientists presented data and discuss how these technological advances improved the physical-biological understanding of polar marine ecosystems.
Main Goals of the Meeting:
• Bring together investigators (all career levels) in Arctic and Antarctic marine research
• Discuss new findings and uncertainties associated with marine time series data, use of developing technology for collecting those observations, and to identify successes and challenges emerging from time series observations and biophysical modeling that can be used to accurately forecast future ecosystem response
• Participants to present and discuss cutting-edge interdisciplinary polar science observations, technological advancements and biophysical modeling activities associated with polar time series studies via talks and posters
• GRC format: 22 invited science talks by experts working at both poles, moderated by 7 discussion leaders, followed by in-depth open discussion periods and daily poster sessions