Models are perhaps more crucial to understanding polar systems than elsewhere in the world ocean because logistical constraints severely limit the ability of purely field-based research to address complex problems. Conversely, field data are crucial at some level of detail for meaningful parameterization and validation of models. Presence of the pack ice cover contributes an additional level of complexity within the context of an ocean-ice-atmosphere system. The significant, occasionally dramatic, system changes that have been observed over timescales from weeks to decades underscore the need for focussed integration of model and field results over a range of disciplines.

Knowledge of the functional interrelationships of the physical, chemical and biological dynamics is rapidly advancing in polar marine sciences. Such studies share a common goal aimed at increasing understanding of the nature and complexity of polar systems. These very important efforts and their findings, in combination with models developed to describe the complexity of these system interrelationships and/or models developed to elucidate properties not easily determined in the field, provide the opportunities to understand and integrate the structure and controls of polar marine dynamics across a wide spectrum of time and space scales. As the robustness of such interrelationships are tested, the polar marine community will be better able to accurately predict the consequences when regulatory forcing conditions are changed.

The Gordon Research Conferences in Polar Marine Science provide high latitude ocean scientists with a forum for open discussion of current challenges to our understanding of polar marine systems. The ensuing open exchange of ideas provides us the opportunity to integrate various aspects of these complex systems and to identify significant new topics for focus. The first two Conferences have dealt with sea ice dynamics and the role that carbon plays in the high latitude oceans. This year's meeting focuses on the following topics: Air-Sea Ice-Ocean Interactions; Biogeochemistry and Physical Processes In the Upper Ocean; Physical-Biological Control of Marine Production; and System Dynamics Structuring Community Assemblages.

Nominating Committee: Stephen F. Ackley, Mitsuo Fukuchi, Christiane Lancelot, Louis Legendre, Victoria Lytle, Robin Muench, Barbara Prezelin, Cornelius Sullivan.