Arctic freshwater is the focus tonight, and presentations on climate change, seals and beach stuff later this month and in March will be held at the University of Texas at Austin Marine Science Institute.

The programs are part of the Public Lecture Series held at the university's Visitor Center on Cotter Street. They are free and open to the public.

Doors open at 6:30 p.m., and lectures will begin at 7 p.m.

Dr. Jim McClelland will speak on "Changes in the Arctic Freshwater System: Responses and Feedbacks to Global Climate" tonight, Thursday, Feb. 8.

McClelland says, "Widespread and profound changes have been observed in the Arctic during recent decades. These changes include melting of ice stocks on land and sea, increases in river discharge, and shifting precipitation patterns.

Computer models suggest that increasing flow of freshwater into the northern North Atlantic Ocean have the potential to rapidly alter global climate through effects on ocean circulation.

"The predicted changes in climate would have significant social and economic implications. For example, rapid changes in temperature and rainfall patterns would present unique challenges to agricultural practices that have developed within a relatively stable climate regime over the past 8000 years."

McClelland will review the observed changes in freshwater sources to the northern North Atlantic Ocean, including contributions from the Arctic, and discuss these results and how they contribute to computer models for predicting the global climate.

McClelland is an assistant professor at UTMSI. His research interests are land-sea coupling, coastal ecosystem dynamics and biogeochemistry.

To learn more about his research visit: http://www.utmsi.utexas.edu/ staff/mcclelland.htm.

On Thursday, Feb. 15, "Christmas with Seals on Bird Island, South Georgia Island" will be presented by Kiersten Madden.

Dr. Wayne Gardner, Dr. Tamara Pease, Dr. Dong-Ha Min, Dr. Jim McClelland and Dr. Ken Dunton will speak on "Special Panel: Ask a Scientist - Climate Change" on Thursday, Feb. 22. Dr. Lee Fuiman will moderate the session.

Leading up to and after this open discussion, the 90 minute movie, "An Inconvenient Truth: A Global Warning", by Al Gore will be shown at UTMSI. The institute is using this movie as a model for the lecture. It will be shown on Monday, Feb. 12, and Tuesdays, Feb. 20 and 27.

Tony Amos will speak on Thursday, March 8, on "More Than You May Ever Want To Know About 'StuffWashing Up On The Beach".

Dr. Lee Fuiman will speak on "Underwater Behavior of Antarctica Seals" Thursday, March 15.