A celebration will be held be for alumni and friends with past connections to the University of Colorado at Boulder's Institute of Arctic and Alpine Research the weekend of Sept. 14 to Sept. 16 to mark the institute's 50th anniversary.
A weekend program of science, fun and renewing old friendships is planned for alumni, supporters and friends of INSTAAR. Although the event is not open to the public, those who have had connections with INSTAAR and are interested in the celebration should contact Vicky Nelson at the institute at (303) 492-7909.
In April 1951 Professor John W. Marr and colleagues formally established the first research institute at CU-Boulder to advance high altitude and high latitude environmental research, said INSTAAR Director James Syvitski. In the 50 years since its founding, INSTAAR has expanded beyond its initial emphasis on biology and geology to include human dimensions, paleo-environments and hydrological research around the world.
The focus of research at INSTAAR has provided a better understanding of the influence of natural and human-induced changes on environmental systems, said Syvitski. Ongoing studies include field and lab research and modeling.
Currently three groups are addressing the research agenda of INSTAAR. Members of the Ecosystems Group study questions of biogeochemical and ecological importance, including the influence of atmospheric pollution in the mountains near Boulder.
The Geophysics Group uses applications of modern mathematical, physical and chemical knowledge to increase its understanding of Earth-system processes, particularly glacial and ocean-sedimentary processes.
Members of the Past Global Change Group are involved in reconstruction of past environmental and climate dynamics to better understand the current environment and possible changes facing people in a warming world, Syvitski said.
In addition, INSTAAR has several world-class research facilities, including the Mountain Research Station, dedicated to the advancement of environmental science in mountain environments, which has its origins in a field station started in 1898 near Tolland, west of Boulder. Another facility is the Center for Geochronological Research, providing new tools and equipment to improve the understanding of processes controlling environmental change and the rates at which those processes act.
INSTAAR also recently obtained one of CU's premier supercomputers, the Environmental and Computation and Imaging Facility, which provides researchers with increased power and connections to global databases.
INSTAAR has served as an important focus for student education throughout its history. Nearly 300 students have received doctorates, master's degrees or both through their association with the institute. Together, these students with their supervisors and fellow scientists have contributed roughly 2,500 reviewed scientific journal articles, books and conference proceedings.
The Mountain Research Station near Ward, Colo., has provided field courses for students for 80 years in the Colorado Front Range, drawing students and researchers from around the world.