Shedding Light on the Physical, Biogeochemical and Human Dimensions of Connectivity in Changing Polar Seas

Building on the tradition of excellence of the GRC Conference Series, the 2019 GRC on Polar Marine Science "Shedding Light on the Physical, Biogeochemical and Human Dimensions of Connectivity in Changing Polar Seas" will bring together leading investigators to present and discuss cutting edge research on both polar oceans. The unique GRC format, with invited speakers and discussion leaders, provides an avenue for scientists from different fields to brainstorm and create synergy across disciplines. Conference themes are explored in greater detail during the highly dynamic poster sessions. One-minute oral summaries of posters allow presenters to efficiently address the entire group, paving the way for enhanced interactions during the sessions. A GRC "Power Hour" will be held to help address the challenges women face in science and support the professional growth of women in our communities by providing an open forum for discussion and mentoring.

Spatial and temporal connections within polar oceans and between these oceans, adjacent seas, land and the atmosphere are at the heart of variability and change in the Arctic and Southern oceans. Exploring and understanding these connections can provide powerful insights into the past, present and future state of polar marine ecosystems, including the local and regional aspects of ocean circulation, sea ice dynamics, biogeochemical fluxes, biodiversity, harvestable living resources and human well-being. Because the Arctic and Southern oceans are nexuses that collect and redistribute organisms, chemical constituents, freshwater and heat, their transformations are also expected to affect lower-latitude "downstream" ocean areas at a variety of scales. The 12th GRC will emphasize the multiple facets of connectivity through the presentation of new observations and findings, conceptual frameworks and numerical simulations that explore functional relationships between different components of the polar marine system or the linkages between polar oceans and the broader environment.

A Gordon Research Seminar (GRS) will occur the weekend prior to the 2019 Polar GRC to provide a forum for graduate students and postdoctoral scientists to connect with their peers, present their work, and interact with mentors while exploring one of the GRC's themes. The major focus at the 2019 GRS will be on "Linking Marine Science Disciplines to Enhance Our Understanding of Polar Oceans". Partial financial support will be offered in priority to graduate students and postdoctoral fellows attending both the GRC and the preceding GRS.