The polar regions are central to the ongoing health of our planet and are at the heart of climate change research. On Wednesday, January 13 the Winter Enrichment Program dedicates a special day to polar research with lectures, a keynote and an amazing interactive exhibition. Be sure to be involved at WEP on polar day!
Here’s a closer look at our polar day events:
KAUST Polar Lecture Series
With Susana Agusti, Xose Moran and Maria Cortes
Join KAUST and International polar experts for an afternoon of lectures focused on the state of the polar caps and what the implications of their future might be. Prof. Susana Agusti will look at the effects of ozone on the Polar caps, Dr. Xose Moran will explore what reduction in plankton size means for the future of our planet and Maria Cortes will present the effects of glacier discharge on a high arctic fjord under climate change pressure.
Dangerous Climate Change in the Arctic: Why should we care?
A Brown Bag lunchtime lecture with Carlos Duarte
The Arctic is the region of the world most affected and vulnerable to climate change. Although often considered to be an isolated, remote region, the Arctic is a region with a central role in regulating biosphere process as well as an area of strong strategic importance. Dr. Carlos Duarte will provide evidence that the changes in the Arctic represent a case for dangerous climate change.
Cool phytoplankton research in Antartica
With Anne Carlijn Alderkamp
In this lecture, marine microbiologist and biological oceanographer Anne Carlijn Alderkamp looks at her research on how the physiological properties of marine microorganisms affect the marine biogeochemical cycles. This knowledge is crucial in predicting the potential effects of global warming on the magnitude of the oceanic carbon uptake in the future.
Climate Change through the eyes of a Polar Explorer
A Keynote Lecture with Vijay Shah
Explorer Vijay Shah will deliver a keynote lecture on his expeditions to the Arctic and travels across the globe reflecting on first hand experience of how climate change is affecting the world. From thinning sea ice, to shifting patterns of polar bears, to impassable torrents of unprecedented glacial melt; climate change is affecting the very nature of what can be safely explored.
On the Trail of the Glaciers
An Interactive Experience
‘On the Trail of the Glaciers’ is a remarkable photographic-scientific project led by Fabiano Ventura, comparing archived and contemporary photographs to analyze the impacts of climate change on the world’s largest glaciers. Thanks to a recent engagement with video artist Paolo Scoppola, an interactive video installation entitled “Walking Through Time” has been created using the work of this project. Through this installation you’ll experience the unique sensory experience of witnessing the phenomenon of glaciers retreating over time as you walk.
For times, locations, registration and for more details on these and many other events, visit wep.acadox.com
We’ll see you at WEP 2016!
The Enrichment Team
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If you have questions related to WEP 2015, please contact the Office of Enrichment at contactwep@kaust.edu.sa
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