Changing tundra has global impact

ALLENDALE, Mich. -- Changes in Arctic tundra vegetation, a shift north in the tree line boundary, and global warming studies have scientists predicting significant changes in the near future. A free lecture, "Global Linkages: The Significance of a Changing Tundra," by Robert Hollister, Grand Valley State University assistant professor of biology, will describe current understanding of the role of tundra vegetation, how it is expected to change, and why it matters to the rest of the world.

The polar science lecture will be on Thursday, November 8, 7-9 p.m., in 101 Loutit Lecture Hall, Padnos Hall, GVSU Allendale Campus. Refreshments to follow presentation.

Hollister was awarded a three-year grant from The National Science Foundation. His work is in association with International Tundra Experiment, a network of researchers doing similar work throughout the polar and alpine regions of the world. The research is also in association with International Polar Year, a scientific program organized through the International Council for Science and the World Meteorological Organization. The program will focus on the Arctic and Antarctic from March 2007-09, involving more than 200 projects with thousands of scientists from more than 60 nations. It is also an unprecedented opportunity to demonstrate, follow and become involved with cutting edge science in real-time.

The Global Impact Lecture Series, sponsored by the Regional Math and Science Center at Grand Valley, the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, and the Michigan Space Grant Consortium, is one of a year-long series of events at Grand Valley during International Polar Year. The community, teachers, and students are invited to join in this worldwide celebration of the 125th anniversary of the first polar year and the 50th anniversary of the International Geophysical Year.

The International Polar Year activities will focus on advancing understanding of how the Earth's Polar Regions impact global climate systems, exploring real world scientific advancements in many science disciplines, and increasing the enthusiasm of students for future careers in science and engineering. All lectures are free and appropriate for students in middle grades through adults.

For more information on this and other events at Grand Valley in celebration of International Polar Year, call Karen Meyers in the Regional Math and Science Center at (616) 331-2515, or visit www.gvsu.edu/ipy .