18 March 2009

Festivities are taking place around the world this month to celebrate Polar Oceans, part of the work of the International Polar Year (IPY).

The Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission (IOC) launched a virtual balloon yesterday to join in the fun.

Since its launch in 2007, every three months IPY celebrates International Polar Days to highlight different areas of polar research. This month the focus is on oceans and marine life. Hosts countries for activities include: Scotland, Canada, Mexico, USA, Greenland, Italy, Brazil, Malaysia, the UK and Portugal. Catch Canada’s representative to the IOC Assembly, Wendy Watson-Wright live today online as she hosts a webcast on polar activities starting at 1:30 pm EST (UTC 1730). On Friday participants in Paris, France, will be treated to a live discussion with polar scientists in Alaska, the Bering Sea, and the Laptev Sea. On 25 March, classrooms around the world are invited to join a PolarTrec expedition to both poles. Flyers for other suggestions on how to get involved are available online.

Previous Polar Days have highlighted the science on Sea Ice, Ice Sheets, Changing Earth, Land and Life, People, and research Above the Polar Regions.

For more information visit:
Polar Oceans – links to events and flyers
History of International Polar Days