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Circumpolar Flaw Lead System Study (2007-08)

The Circumpolar Flaw Lead System study, part of the International Polar Year program, began in October 2007 and will conclude in August 2008. The study will look at how changes in the physical conditions affect biological processes in the Arctic.

Scientists worry rising temperatures will adversely affect Arctic ecosystems and also reduce the amount of ice cover in the North, leading the ocean to absorb more sunlight and contribute to more accelerated warming.

As evidence supporting global climate change grows, and more immediate impacts of Arctic “meltdown” are experienced by communities in the North, Canadian politicians and researchers are joining forces in their commitments to gain a better understanding of the potential consequences of climate change in the Arctic.

As part of the International Polar Year, the Canadian Government has funded the Circumpolar Flaw Lead System Study (CFL) through the University of Manitoba. This study will bring together over 200 scientists from 15 countries (Russia, USA, France, Denmark, Germany, Poland, Japan, Spain, Norway, Belgium, Netherlands, UK, Sweden, China and Canada) for a multi year Climate Change study in the high Arctic of Canada.

The Circumpolar Flaw Lead (CFL) System Study will use a state-of-the-art (class 12) Canadian icebreaker (CCGS Amundsen). This vessel has undergone a major refit in order for it to become a world-class research platform in one of the most remote places on earth.

As part of the CFL we will have a very exciting outreach program that will allow us to include high school students through our Schools on Board program. But also we have set aside ship berths to allow media outlets and interested parties to come up a visit us as we work at the top of the world.

Finally, we have a photojournalist covering the entire project. This will allow us to catalogue the stories and imagery of the CFL for the world to see and tell the story of the “Two Ways of Knowing”.

Please see the website for more details.

http://www.ipy-cfl.ca/index.html

Arctic Nights...

The Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (CBC) National New anchors Mr. Peter Mansbride interviews members of the NGCC Amundsen, science teams from the CFL project and the Prime Minister of Canada.

Dr. David Barber (lead scientist,CFL) concludes the piece with perspectives on the importance of climate change to people.

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