IARC Summer School on the Modeling of Arctic Climate

Location: International Arctic Research Center
University of Alaska
Fairbanks, Alaska, USA
Dates: May 26- June 7, 2008
Coordinators: John Walsh, Vladimir Alexeev and Elena Sparrow

Background: Arctic climate is the result of a complex interplay between the atmosphere, the ocean, sea ice and a terrestrial component in which freezing and thawing are critical to variations over a range of timescales. In view of the delicate balances between these components and their poorly documented sensitivities, it is not surprising that global climate models show the largest disagreement among themselves, and also the strongest greenhouse-induced changes, in the polar regions. Since changes in the Arctic may well have global implications, it is essential that Arctic climate simulations be enhanced in order to reduce the uncertainties in projections of climate change.

Scientific Program: The two-week summer school will bring together graduate students and young scientists, on the one hand, and specialists in Arctic climate and climate modeling, on the other hand, in order to convey to a new generation of scientists the opportunities and challenges of Arctic climate modeling. Specifically, young scientists will gain:
1) perspectives on the key issues in Arctic climate from observational, diagnostic and modeling perspectives,
2) exposure to the types of models used in addressing Arctic climate and climate change,
3) hands-on experience in the analysis of climate model output or in climate model experimentation at a level consistent with the students' expertise.

The summer school will consist of background pedagogical lectures in the mornings, and mini-projects and informal discussions in the afternoons. The mini-projects will be performed in collaboration with faculty members or lecturers, and will utilize existing databases and available models. Students will have access to personal computers and workstations for their mini-projects, on which they will give short presentations at the end of the two-week period. The first week will be spent in Fairbanks, Alaska and the second week in Barrow, Alaska in coordination with the Barrow Arctic Sciences Consortium (BASC).

Key topics to be covered in the lectures include, but are not limitedto:
Arctic climate: key characteristics and processes
Feedbacks in the Arctic system (e.g., surface albedo, clouds, water vapor, circulation)
Arctic climate variations: past, ongoing and projected
Energy balance and single-column models applied to the Arctic
Global climate models: an overview
Modeling of the sea ice and the Arctic Ocean
Modeling of frozen soil regimes, especially permafrost
Arctic ecosystems and climate change
Trace gases, aerosols and chemistry: importance for climate changes

Support: IARC will provide support for travel (economy-class airfare), on-campus lodging and meals through its funding from the National Science Foundation and BASC. IARC will also provide the facilities for the lectures, discussions and computer-based activities that comprise the program.
Application for participation and support: Graduate students and young scientists in relevant fields are encouraged to apply for participation in the summer school. Advanced undergraduate students with strong qualifications will also be considered. Applications should be sent as early as possible, but no later than February 1, to
Chris Lace
International Arctic Research Center
University of Alaska
930 Koyukuk Drive
Fairbanks, AK 99775
Phone: 907-474-7413
Email: clace@iarc.uaf.edu (Electronic submissions are encouraged)

Decisions about admission and financial support will be made by February 21, 2008 for applications received by February 1, 2008. Late applications will be considered at a later time depending on availability. Applicants should submit the following:
Statement of interest (1 page)
A short resume, including academic background
A letter of recommendation from a faculty member or supervisor