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IPY stands for "International Polar Year." IPYs are periods of time during which a lot of scientific attention is focused on the polar regions--both the Arctic in the far north and the Antarctic in the far south. The fourth IPY began March 1, 2007 and will actually run for two years, until March 1, 2009. This will give scientists the chance to work in both polar regions over two summers and two winters.
Why is it important to study these areas? Scientists already know that the polar regions play an important role in the Earth's climate, and therefore in our environment, ecosystems and human society as well. But they are just beginning to find out how and why. During this IPY, many different kinds of scientists from many different countries will work together to learn more about the polar regions, how those regions are changing, and how they interact with the rest of the Earth. It will be an exciting time!
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