Understanding the temporal and spatial variability of arctic ecosystem responses to climate-related changes is critical for identifying the thresholds that lead to alternative steady states in their structure and functioning. In particular, regime transitions have direct consequences on arctic ecosystem resource management and on how arctic biota influence biogeochemical cycling and feedback to climate processes. Knowledge on the responses of arctic ecosystems to the mosaic of natural and human-induced environmental changes at high northern latitudes cannot be gained by only one discipline alone. Moreover, the inter-connectivity of arctic physical components (e.g., land, ocean, sea ice, and atmosphere) requires a holistic approach, including a time-frame that spans multiple scales.

The objective of this session is to bridge across traditional disciplines in order to provide a multifaceted perspective on how arctic ecosystems respond to past, present, and/or future climate change. Paleo-record studies, observational investigations, process-oriented experiments, data syntheses, and modeling analyses are all welcomed. Contributions that integrate multidisciplinary datasets (e.g. ecology, physiology, geochemistry, remote sensing, biogeography) are particularly encouraged.

Organizers also seek contributions that lie within the scientific framework of the Arctic in Rapid Transition (ART) Initiative, a new international program endorsed by the Arctic Ocean Sciences Board that aims at studying changes and feedbacks among the physical and biogeochemical components of the Arctic Ocean and their ultimate impacts on biological productivity (http://aosb.arcticportal.org/art.html).

Abstract submission deadline: Monday, 20 December 2010.

To submit an abstract, please go to:
http://www.assw2011.org/submission_abstracts.php.

For further information on the session, please contact:
Karen Frey
Email: KFrey@clarku.edu

Sung-Ho Kang
Email: shkang@kopri.re.kr

Alexandre Forest
Email: Alexandre.Forest@ete.inrs.ca