ISS-SEEA
The Second International SUMMER SCHOOL
on the Study of EXTREME ENVIRONMENTS
through Integrated Approaches​
Program
Day 1:
Are our seas going to become extreme?
Day 1 will be a welcome, an introduction to several discussion points. Extreme environments are considered almost incompatible with life because they are characterized by the total absence of light, high pressures, and extremely hot or cold temperatures. But in recent times, these habitats have sent us numerous signals, especially the sensitive aquatic environments. Many factors may be making living conditions extreme in a rapid manner. Phenomena such as global warming, ocean acidification, the dispersal of more or less persistent pollutants, and the accumulation of waste and plastics in the world's oceans, rivers and lakes are becoming increasingly alarming. Researchers are trying to interpret the effects of these events and identify appropriate mitigation measures.
Day 2:
Ecology in the deep sea
The deep sea represents a peculiar ecosystem characterized by unique environmental parameters. Deep sea organisms usually face a range of environmental and ecological conditions (light scarcity or absence, high pressures, low oxygen levels, low temperatures, absence of phytoplankton, food scarcity, interspecific competition), which over time have adaptively shaped behaviors and the species themselves. In the morning of Day 2, the first session “Deep-sea organisms: challenges and adaptations” will begin with a lecture on the ecology and adaptations of deep-sea fish, followed by a practical part devoted to the analysis of deep-sea fish samples and their observation in the laboratory. In the afternoon, a second lecture will be focused on the ecology of deep-sea cephalopods, as a key component in the marine trophic web, and is of great interest because of the multiple adaptations and still limited knowledge about these species. New talks will be devoted to the impact of marine litter on deep-sea organisms and habitats, bioluminescence and ecology of deep marine seamount systems.
Day 3:
Cold Environments
On Day 3, it will be possible to explore issues related to cold environments, including the Polar ones. The polar environments constitute a reality as remote as it is fascinating. Both the Arctic and Antarctica, due to the peculiar conditions (i.e., low temperatures, dryness, solar radiation), are the subject of numerous studies focused on the exploration of less-known environments, on enriching the knowledge of the adaptations of cold-loving organisms, and on the possibility of discoveries useful in biotechnological fields. This edition of the Summer School will introduce new issues related to bioacoustics, heavy metal biogeochemical cycles, and astrobiology in cold habitats. The students will learn how the potential applications of modeling approaches are crucial for the conservation and management of these delicate ecosystems.
Day 4:
Hydrothermal vents, anoxic basin, meromictic lakes
The final day is devoted to the exploration of further extreme environments, all characterized by very different conditions, but with intriguing research insights. Special focus will be addressed to the marine hydrothermal systems, which have attracted the interest of researchers due to their enormous ecological and biotechnological relevance. These acidified habitats are useful natural laboratories to predict the effects of global environmental changes and as optimal sources for the isolation of thermophilic and hyperthermophilic microbes, with biotechnological potential. These environments will be treated together with other underexplored ecosystems, such as anoxic basins and meromictic lakes. Lake Faro, a unique ecosystem located in the Capo Peloro area in Messina, will be taken as an example to describe the peculiarities of these habitats.
Day 5:
Optional Excursion
Extend your ISS-SEEA experience with an optional day at Faro Lake (Messina). Participate in sampling activities, learn sensor monitoring, and visit a mussel farm. This offers practical learning in a unique local setting. Indicate your interest during registration!
STAY TUNED for the detailed progam