TARN: Transdisciplinary Andean Research Network

What is TARN?

The Transdisciplinary Andean Research Network (TARN) was co-founded and is co-directed by Mark Carey and his colleagues working in Peru: Michel Baraer, Jeff BuryAdam French, Bryan Mark, Jeff McKenzie, and Kenneth Young.

Mission

To understand the intersecting issues of climate change, glacier retreat, hydrological resources, water use, societal adaptation, and glacial hazards in the Andes, focusing in particular on the Cordillera Blanca and Santa River watershed. The interdisciplinary group has teamed up to bring fresh, innovative perspectives to these processes—generating conclusions that come from rigorous interactions and stimulating cross-disciplinary collaboration.

TARN in Action

Members of TARN had a strong presence at the Foro Internacional de Glaciares (International Glacier Forum) in Huaraz, Peru, July 1-4, 2013. Every member played a key role by giving lectures, exhibiting posters, and participating in various planning and organizational meetings directed toward the future of glacier-related research, policies, and climate change adaptation measures. The Foro has posted PDFs of presentations on its website.

ARN Research Trip 2013

TARN researchers in the Cordillera Blanca, Peru, 2013. Photo by Mark Carey

Part of the “TARN Trip Peru 2013” was also to teach and mentor students from the various institutions involved. Each team member had an accompanying group of undergraduate students, Master’s, and Ph.D. students with the TARN team, too. The lead PIs of the project believe strongly in bringing students into the field, exposing them to all the various types of research conducted, and teaching them how to do hydrological and glaciological research alongside historical archive research and social science interviews in human geography. As part of the group in Peru for three weeks, students also saw how TARN works across disciplines—the challenges as well as successes and breakthroughs. You can read students’ blog posts from the TARN Trip Peru 2013.