Focus

Freezing and thawing can have a profound impact on the sustainability of soils at high latitudes and elevations worldwide. Recent advancements toward a better understanding of the physical and biological processes of frozen soils affords an opportunity to document and discuss these findings within a symposium format. This symposium will identify knowledge gaps and research needs in the physics, chemistry and biology of frozen soils that will promote wise use and better management of lands.

Scientists, engineers and conservationists are invited to present papers and/or attend sessions related to the occurrence, measurement, and prediction of physical and biological processes in frozen soils. Presentations will highlight:

• climatology/distribution of frozen soils
• measurement techniques
• modeling processes
• artificial soil freezing/thawing
• bioremediation
• soil physical properties and processes
• adaptation/survival of organisms
• snow properties/dynamics
• hydrology of frozen soils
• land management impacts on soil freezing
• fate and transformations of chemicals/gases

Program

Plenary and poster sessions are planned for the three-day symposium. The symposium will commence on June 10, 1997 at the University of Alaska Fairbanks with two keynote addresses on the state of physical and ecological processes in frozen soils: Dr. Peter J. Williams, distinguished research professor at Carleton University, will speak on "The Seasonally Frozen Layer: Geotechnical Significance and Needed Research," and Dr. Keith Van Cleve, professor at the University of Alaska Fairbanks, will speak on ecosystem dynamics in seasonally frozen soils.

A one-day post-symposium tour is planned on June 13, 1997 for those interested in visiting field research sites and frozen soil features in the Fairbanks area. Participants will explore the permafrost tunnel, where ice wedges protrude the walls of the tunnel; visit field research sites; and see geomorphological features common to the discontinuous permafrost area of interior Alaska.

Call for Papers

Authors intending to offer an oral/poster presentation are required to submit an abstract (in English) of no more than one-page by May 1, 1996. Papers, whether given orally or as a poster, will be editorially reviewed and published in the Symposium proceedings.

Abstracts should include in this order: author, title, text, and corresponding author's address and telephone number. Submit abstracts (preferably by e-mail) and participation form to:

        Dr. Jerry Radke
        USDA-ARS National Soil Tilth Laboratory
        2150 Pammel Drive
        Ames, IA 50011
        Fax: 515-294-8125
        E-mail: jkradke@iastate.edu

Important Dates

• Abstract/participation form submitted: May 1, 1996
• Acceptance Notice: June 1, 1996
• Papers Due: October 1, 1996
• Papers returned for revision: January 1, 1997
• Camera-ready papers due: February 1, 1997
• Symposium: June 10-12, 1997

WWW Site

Future announcements about the symposium can be accessed through the World Wide Web. The Web site also has information about the climate of Fairbanks as well as a listing of events and activities appropriate for individual and/or family entertainment in the Fairbanks area. The URL is:

        http://www.nstl.gov/frozen

Registration

The formal conference brochure will be sent out in the fall of 1996. The brochure will contain additional programmatic information, as well as general information about travel, housing, and the Fairbanks area. Also included in the brochure will be all fees associated with the conference. It is anticipated that the registration fee will be approximately $300 (US).

Registration materials will be sent to anyone who submits an abstract. For those interested in attending the conference, but do not wish to submit an abstract, please complete the Participation Form below in order to insure that you receive the final conference brochure.

Attendee:
Affiliation:
Telephone:                       Fax:
E-mail:
Complete Mailing Address:


Information for Program (if making presentation)
Presentation Title:
First Author:
Address:


Second Author:
Address:


Third Author:
Address:


Presentation?  ___ Yes    ___ No
Preference:    ___ Oral   ___ Poster

Audio-visual equipment needed:
   ___ 35-mm slide projector
   ___ overhead projector
   ___ VCR
   ___ other_________________________


Please return this form (e-mail preferred) with the one-page abstract by
May 1, 1996 to:

        Dr. Jerry Radke, Co-chair
        USDA-ARS National Soil Tilth Laboratory
        2150 Pammel Drive
        Ames, IA 50011

        Fax: (515) 294-8125

        E-mail: jkradke@iastate.edu

Sponsors

• USDA-Agricultural Research Service
• University of Alaska
• Cold Regions Research & Engineering Laboratory
• Soil Science Society of America

Organizing Committee

Co-Chairs:
• Dr. Jerry K. Radke, National Soil Tilth Lab, USDA
• Dr. Brenton S. Sharratt, North Central Soil Conservation Research Laboratory, USDA
Program:
• Dr. Pieter H. Groenevelt, Department of Land Resource Science, University of Guelph
Publications:
• Dr. I. K. Iskandar, Cold Regions Research and Engineering Laboratory, U. S. Army
Coordinator:
• Dr. Larry D. Hinzman, Water Research Center, University of Alaska Fairbanks

For More Information

For information about the symposium program, please contact:
        Brenton Sharratt
        phone: 612-589-3411
        email: bsharratt@mail.mrsars.usda.gov

or
        Jerry Radke
        phone: 515-294-0213
        email: jkradke@iastate.edu

For information about symposium logistics, please contact:
        Conferences and Special Events
        phone: 907-474-7800
        email: fyci@aurora.alaska.edu