Eleven U.S. researchers will participate in a two-day U.S.-Russia seminar on Cryopedology and Global Change following the International Conference on Cryopedology in Pushchino, Russia, 10-14 November, 1992. The seminar is being organized by Dr. Chien-Lu Ping of the University of Alaska and Dr. G.V. Dobrovolsky of the Institute of Soil Science and Photosynthesis of the Russian Academy of Sciences. The specific objectives of the seminar are to (1) discuss and examine the cryogenic processes in cold soils and identify the fundamental controlling processes of permafrost and alpine soils; (2) design experiments for cryopedological research to aid the interpretation of global change, paleoecology, and resource management in the arctic and subarctic zones; (3) compare the current classification systems of cryogenic soils in the world, especially in the United States and Russia, and develop a common cross-reference system for soil-based technology transfer among the circumpolar nations; and (4) identify potential research partnerships in permafrost-dominated or cryogenic soils. This activity fulfills the program objective of advancing scientific knowledge by enabling leading researchers in the United States and the former Soviet Union to combine complementary efforts and capabilities in areas of strong mutual interest and competence in the field of basic scientific research on the basis of equality, reciprocity, and mutuality of benefit.
