ISSA (International Symposium on Snow and Avalanches) 2009: Processes & effects of global climatic change
International Glaciological Society is organizing "International Symposium on Snow & Avalanches: Processes and Effects of Global Climate Change" from 06-10 April, 2009 at Snow & Avalanche Study Establishment (SASE), Manali, Himachal Pradesh (India).The symposium is aimed at bringing together researchers, practitioners, academia and industry on a common platform to discuss the recent advances and challenges in the field of snow science and avalanche mitigation. Leading experts from all over the globe are delivering talks on the relevant topics. Extensive deliberations by the participants both through poster and oral presentations are expected under various sessions. There will also be study tours and excursions to snowy forests of Pir Panjal range and other places of interest at the end of the symposium for the adventure and nature lovers.A parallel trade exhibition during the symposium proceedings shall be organized by industry partners to showcase the latest products and developments in the field of cold region science.
Theme
In recent times a change in the snowfall pattern has been observed all across the globe. Some experts attribute these changes to global climate changes. There is a need to carry out coordinated research to assess the possible implications of global climate change over local snowfall pattern, mountain weather and avalanche activity as very little attention has been paid to this aspect so far. This gains more importance in the wake of speculations that significant temperature and precipitation pattern variations may take place globally in near future. Hence the symposium focus will be on fundamental processes related to snow and avalanches, and on the effect of global climate change and possible adaption/mitigation measures
Topics
The suggested topics include:
Theme
In recent times a change in the snowfall pattern has been observed all across the globe. Some experts attribute these changes to global climate changes. There is a need to carry out coordinated research to assess the possible implications of global climate change over local snowfall pattern, mountain weather and avalanche activity as very little attention has been paid to this aspect so far. This gains more importance in the wake of speculations that significant temperature and precipitation pattern variations may take place globally in near future. Hence the symposium focus will be on fundamental processes related to snow and avalanches, and on the effect of global climate change and possible adaption/mitigation measures
Topics
The suggested topics include:
1. Snow avalanches, including: Avalanche forecasting; Avalanche dynamics; Avalanche control and engineering
2. Snowpack, including:Snowpack properties and process modeling; Snowpack stability and spatial variability
3. Snow, including: Snow metamorphism, Snow hydrology; Snow and climate change: threat perception; Snow in the Himalayans; Snow, glacier mapping and global climate change
4.Observations and instrumentation, including:Observation networks in snowbound regions; Cold region instrumentation and measurement networks; Remote sensing applications of snow; glaciers and mountain hazards
5. Mountain meteorology6. Global connections between cryospheric regions
