AFS Resources and Hydrology Writing Teams Meeting

The Resources Team and the Hydrology Team of the Arctic Freshwater Synthesis Targeted Activity will meet from the 14-16 September 2014. The purpose of the meeting is to make progress on the drafts of their separate chapters of the AFS, as well as to strengthen the integration of the two components and avoid duplication. The meeting will be hosted in Tromsø, Norway at the Norwegian Polar Institute and is sponsored by CliC and the Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Participants

Jenny Baeseman, CliC Office
Oddbjørn Bruland, Norwegian University of Science and Technology
Yonas Dibike, Environment Canada (attending remotely)
Irina Fedorova, AARI, Otto-Schmidt Laboratory
Gwenaelle Hamon, CliC Office
Larry Hinzman, University of Alaska
Arne Instanes, Instances Polar AS
Richard Janowicz, Yukon Government
Knut Sand, Market Nordic Hydrology
Vasily Kokorev, State Hydrological Institute, Russia
Terry Prowse, Environment Canada
Olga Semenova, State Hydrological Institute, St. Petersburg
Sveta Stuefer, University of Alaska (attending remotely)
Ming-Ko Woo, McMaster University

Agenda – DRAFT

Saturday, September 13

Arrival and transfer to a hotel

Sunday, September 14

Joint Session (Room 5010-5012 on the 5th floor)

– Moderator: Ming-Ko Woo

9:00 – 9:10 Welcome
9:15 – 9:30 Round table introduction to get acquainted
9:30 – 9:45 Introduction, the second draft meeting objectives for Terrestrial Hydrology (TH) and Resource (R) components
– Terry Prowse (TBC)
9:45 – 10:30 Summary from TH and R component leads
– Ming-Ko Woo and Arne Instanes
10:30 – 11:00 Break
Terrestrial Hydrology component (TH) (Room 5010-5012 on the 5th floor)

– Moderators: Terry Prowse (TBC) and Ming-Ko Woo

11:00-11:15 Presentation of the first-order draft (Ming-Ko Woo)
11:15-11:30 Aims and objectives for the TH second-order draft writing
– Terry Prowse (TBC)

11:30-13:00

15 minute summary from each team member –ideas for the second-order draft:
Terry Prowse (river/lake ice)
Irina Fedorova (permafrost hydrology)
Larry Hinzman (frozen ground and northern hydrology)
Olga Semenova (northern basin and process modeling)
Sveta Stuefer (large rivers) – teleconference
Yonas Dibike (large scale modeling) – teleconference (?)
13:00-14:30 Lunch
14:30 – 16:30 TH cross discussion (each member collaborates with each other on topics WITHIN our team)
–  14:30 – 15:00

Terry and Larry
Irina, Sveta, and Ming-Ko
Olga and Yonas

–  15:00 – 15:30 Terry and Irina
Larry, Olga and Sveta
Yonas and Ming-Ko
–  15:30 – 16:00 Terry, Sveta and Yonas
Irina and Olga
Larry and Ming-Ko
–  16:00 – 16:30 Terry, Olga, and Ming-Ko
Irina and Sveta
Larry and Yonas
16:30 – 16:45 TH Joint discussion
16:45 – 17:00 Break
Resource (R) component works on our plan (Room 6012-6013 on the 6th floor)

-Moderator: Arne Instanes

11:00 – 13:00

Discussion

13:00 – 14:30

Lunch

14:30 – 16:45

Discussion

16:45 – 17:00

Break

Joint Session (Room 5010-5012 on the 5th floor)
17:15-17:30 Summary of TH and R component
-Ming-Ko Woo and Arne Instanes
18:00 Joint Dinner hosted by Jenny Baeseman
– Directions provided at meeting

Monday, September 15

Joint Session (Room 5010-5012 on the 5th floor)
9:00-9:15 Objectives for TH and R components joint discussion
– Terry Prowse (TBC)
9:15-9:45 Team presentations with questions for other component
– Ming-Ko Woo and Arne Instanes
9:45-10:30 Small presentations (5 min each) of TH members for R needs
10:30-11:00 Small presentations (5 min each) of R members for TH needs
11:00-11:30 Break
11:30-12:30 TH and R discussion (cross member teams discussion)
12:30-13:00 Discussion within TH and R groups for summarising of cross discussion results
13:00-13:30 Summary from co-leads of TH and R components
– Ming-Ko Woo and Arne Instanes
13:30-14:30 Lunch– Room 2006 (next to the cafeteria (kantine)) on the 2nd floor
14:30-15:30 General discussion between two teams
– Moderator: Terry Prowse (TBC)
15:30-16:00 Break
16:00-17:45 Teams meeting (TH and R components separately) to chart out the process of preparing the second-order draft
– Moderators: Ming-Ko Woo for TH and Arne Instanes for R
17:45-18:00 Summary
19:00 Working Dinner with Sushi at the Polar Institute (6th floor common area)
Resource (R) component meeting continues (Room 6012-6013 on the 6th floor)

-Moderator: Arne Instanes

9:00 – 13:00

Discussion

13:00 – 14:30

Lunch

 

Joining the Meeting Online – *Note- this meeting is only open to writing team members*

For the online meeting, we will use the GoToMeeting Platform (www.gotomeeting.com). If you have not used this system before, we suggest logging on ~10 minutes before the start of the call – a small plugin will need to be downloaded from the web and installed on your computer the first time you use it (after that you should not need to reinstall the plug in). You have the ability to test your audio to make sure we can hear you, etc. There is a chat box that you can use to ask questions, chat to other online participants, etc. You will be able to hear the presenter and see the slides. You can also share webcams if you would like, but this is only advisable with high bandwidth. A headset is recommended to reduce feedback, but it is not necessary if you are in a quiet space and are able to control the volume on your computer and pay attention to muting yourself when not speaking. Please be sure to mute your line (by clicking the green microphone icon) when you are not speaking to reduce background noise. If for some reason you cannot hear or speak, you should check under Audio on the side panel to make sure Mic and Speakers is checked, and not telephone (if you are using the built-in audio). If that does not work, its probably something with your computer settings – check your volume on both the computer and headset, make sure your computer has a mic that works, etc. … if you can’t get it to work, just use the telephone number.

If you are a presenter, the organizer can give you the ability to share your computer screen. This means that you can give a presentation from your own computer and use whatever platform you normally do (ie PC, Mac, Keynote, PowerPoint, etc*).

*Please note that a PC or Mac is required (Android or Apple mobile devices can also be used). Unfortunately gotomeeting does not work with LINUX based machines. More information about system requirements can be found here: http://support.citrixonline.com/GoToMeeting/all_files/GTM010003

To join the meeting, simply click on the link below for the date of the meeting and follow the instructions.

Sunday, Sep 14, 2014 from 8:00 – 18:00 CET

https://global.gotomeeting.com/join/454973797

If for some reason you cannot use your computer / microphone, you can also dial in to one of the numbers below. Long distance changes may apply.

Canada: +1 (647) 497-9351
France: +33 (0) 182 880 459
Norway: +47 21 03 58 98
Sweden: +46 (0) 313 613 557
United States: +1 (619) 550-0006

Access Code: 454-973-797

Monday, Sep 15, 2014 from 8:00 – 18:00 CET

https://global.gotomeeting.com/join/427286533

If for some reason you cannot use your computer / microphone, you can also dial in to one of the numbers below. Long distance changes may apply.

Canada: +1 (647) 497-9372
France: +33 (0) 170 950 586
Sweden: +46 (0) 852 500 182
Norway: +47 23 96 01 18
United States: +1 (213) 493-0618

Access Code: 427-286-533

end of agenda

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Local Information

Tromsø is situated at almost 70 degrees north, far above the Arctic Circle. It is a lively, humorous and beautiful city packed with culture and history, and surrounded by mountains, fjords and islands. Please click below to find more useful information.

Download Local Map with Venue, Hotel and Suggested Restaurants as well as information on getting from the airport to the hotel.

Air Transportation

If you are traveling to Tromsø from abroad, you will most likely need to fly through Oslo. The Oslo Gardermoen Airport (OSL) is easy to navigate and security lines are generally short. Major airlines connecting from abroad to Oslo are SAS, KLM, Lufthansa, Icelandair, Air France, British Airways, TAP Portugal and United. Within Europe, you may also want to check Norwegian Airlines for direct connections to Oslo.

There are several daily flights from Oslo (OSL) to Tromsø (TOS). The flight time is 1 h. 50 min. These flights are offered through SAS, Norwegian and Wideroe. Check their webpages for flight schedules.

For your transfer in Oslo you need to pick up your baggage, go through customs, then go up one floor to the departure area to check in for your domestic flight and go through security. Distances are relatively small. There are check-in automats and fast baggage drop for most airlines.

Tromsø International Airport is situated 5 km from the town centre and is small and easy to navigate and security lines are most often quite short. Ground transportation, taxis, rental cars, and buses to the city centre are located just outside the terminal.

Transportation from Tromsø Airport to the City Centre and elsewhere

Airport Express Bus (Flybussen) operates regular buses from the airport to the city centre for NOK 70 and city bus routes 42 and 40 run from the airport to the city centre for NOK 40. There is a monitor with the bus schedule in the baggage claim area at the airport. See the airport web pages for further information and click here for city bus schedules.

Taxis are also available from a cue outside the terminal and cost about 200 NOK to the city centre. Taxis take most major credit cards and almost all taxi drivers are fluent in Norwegian and English. In the unlikely event that there is no taxi waiting, join the queue outside, make sure you are visible to the camera and a taxi will arrive shortly or call Tromsø Taxi at +47 776 03000 (if you have a Norwegian phone call 03011) or text TAXI to 2233.

Boat, Train and Car Transportation to Tromsø

HurtigrutenThe Coastal Steamer (Hurtigruten) is generally considered to be the world’s most beautiful voyage, and is an excellent way of going to Tromsø – if you have the time and the money. The Costal Steamer sails from Bergen (northbound) and Kirkenes (southbound) every day. Check Hurtigruten for more information.

Tromsø cannot be reached directly by train. The Swedish rail network (www.sj.se) operates trains to Narvik, Norway, and there are regular buses from Narvik to Tromsø (www.nor-way.no), approximately a four-hour ride.

Express buses connect Tromsø and major cities in Northern Norway, especially Narvik (appr. 4 hours), from where you can go by train to Stockholm (if you have more time than money). For schedules, check NorWay Bus Express.

Visa Information for Norway

Do you need a visa to visit Norway?

Visas are not required by visitors from the following countries* for visit up to 90 days: Albania, Andorra, Antigua & Barbuda, Argentina, Australia, Austria, Bahamas, Barbados, Belgium, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Brazil, Brunei, Bulgaria, Canada, Chile, Costa Rica, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, El Salvador, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Guatemala, Honduras, Hong Kong, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Macao, Macedonia, Malaysia, Malta, Mauritius, Mexico, Monaco, Montenegro, New Zealand, Nicaragua, Norway, Panama, Paraguay, Poland, Portugal, Romania, San Marino, Serbia, Seychelles, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, South Korea, Spain, St Kitts and Nevis, Sweden, Switzerland, Taiwan, United Kingdom, United States, Uruguay, Vatican City and Venezuela.

* Please double check with your embassy to make sure this is current information.

How do you apply for a visa?
Visa Application forms
Norwegian Embassies Worldwide
Norwegian Embassy in China
*** If you need an invitation letter from the meeting organizers to accompany your visa application, please send the info you need to have included.

Accommodation

A block of rooms at the Thon Hotel Polar has been set aside for the AFS participants. The CliC office is happy to reserve this for you, just send the dates of your stay to erik@climate-cryosphere.org before 10 September. If you would like to book the room yourself, email therese.gutvik@thonhotels.no with your name, dates of your stay and the reference number 15196723.

For a map of the hotels in relation to the venue, click here: http://goo.gl/maps/Knuga. If any problems, please contact erik@climate-cryosphere.org.

Money and Currency
The Norwegian currency is Norwegian Kroner (NOK). Things can be quite expensive for foreigners, but several shops offer a tax refund receipt you can cash in at the Oslo airport on your way home.

There are several banks in the town centre as well as in the shopping malls. There are also many outside ATM machines in the town centre and at the airport that take foreign cards, but most places accept credit/debit cards. Taxis take credit cards, but buses require cash.

http://www.currencyconverter.co.uk
Weather Conditions

Tromsø is at close to 70 degrees North, the same latitude as parts of the Northern coast of Alaska. The Gulf Stream helps, but there are limits … YOU NEED TO BRING WARM CLOTHES AND GOOD FOOTWEAR, any time of year. Winter is generally mild around 0C and summers can also be quite chilly in northern Norway. A jacket for wind and rain is a must any time of year. Gloves, hat, and a scarf would also be good to have. Consider bringing long, wool underwear and a wool sweater/fleece if you want to spend a few hours outside. Remember that the weather can change quickly in Northern Norway. Winter nights are dark, with no sunshine and Summer days are long with no darkness, so bring a sun lap or sleep mask if you think you’ll have trouble adjusting.

You can check the weather forecast here.

Finding Your Way Around Tromsø

Tromsø is an easy city to navigate and most everything is centrally located. Ask your hotel desk for a city map or check out this online version to help you find what you are looking for.

Buses
The city buses will take you around the town and the immediate vicinity. A bus schedule (in Norwegian) can be found at http://www.tromskortet.no/ (click Reiseplanlegger to find exact times from specific bus stops). You will need a bus pass or cash to ride the bus (40 NOK per ride). Some common buses you may be interested in (many stop at Frederik Langes gata in the city centre):

  • Bus 20/21 to the University of Tromsø: leaves from Fr. Langes gate (F1) in the centre of the city and takes approximately 10 minutes.
  • Bus 26 to the Fjellheisen and the Cable Car: leaves from Storgata 1 and Skippergata (outside Peppe’s Pizza)
  • Buses 40 and 42 to the Airport (see above).
  • Buses 24, 26, 28, and 40 go to the major shopping area at Giæverbukta near the airport.

Taxis
You can get a taxi at several taxi stands in the centre of the city. If you want to call for a taxi (you can speak Norwegian or English), these are the numbers you need:

  • Din Taxi: +47 02045
  • Tromsø Taxi: 03011(if you have a Norwegian phone ) if not call +47 776 03000 or text TAXI to 2233.
Electricity

European OutletNorway uses the Europlug (Type C & F), which has two round prongs. Most laptops will automatically work with 220 volts (check the back of your laptop for power input markings.) That means, you’ll only need an adapter to change the shape of your power plug to fit into an outlet in Norway. These power adapters are relatively cheap.

If you bring small appliances, be careful. The shape adapter may not be enough. While basically all personal electronics in recent years will accept both voltages, some older, smaller appliances don’t work with the hefty 220v in Europe. Check if the label near the appliance’s power cord shows 100-240 v and 50-60 Hz. If it does not, you will need a “step-down transformer” (also called a converter) – these are usually not the cheap adapters you can find in an airport.

The converter will reduce the 220 volts from the outlet to provide just 110 volts for the appliance. These converters cost a little more than simple adapters. Compare prices of converters here.
Tip: Don’t bring any type of hair dryer to Norway – they can be hard to match up with a suitable converter due to their high power consumption. Instead, just check if your accommodation in Norway has one in the room, or buy a cheap one locally.

(modified from http://goscandinavia.about.com/od/norwa1/f/eleoutletnorway.htm and http://www.adaptelec.com)

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