The International Glaciological Society will hold an International Symposium on ‘Cryosphere and Biosphere’ in 2018 in Kyoto, Japan. 

The cryosphere is now acknowledged as a unique biome that, in spite of the cold and harsh conditions, is inhabited by a diverse range of micro- and macro-organisms. The presence and activity of organisms within the cryosphere also demands attention from glaciologists with interests in the physical and chemical properties of snow or ice. This is because melting and the crystallization of snow and ice are enhanced or even induced by the presence and activity of organisms. This symposium will therefore provide an opportunity for glaciologists and biologists to meet and discuss the various phenomena associated with life in the cold.

The goals of this symposium are:

1. to provide a forum for presenting the current knowledge of life and ecosystems in the cryosphere;
2. to discuss the important gaps in our understanding of interactions between biological activity and physical/chemical phenomena in the cryosphere, from molecular to system level; and
3. to encourage participants to form a new scientific community, discussing the state and direction of glacial biology or bio-glaciology.

The second circular is now online. 

Full details, including abstract submission and registration, are available on the Symposium website.