Montology In Memoriam Jack D. Ives

Jack D. Ives, a towering mountain scientist, died on September 15 at home in Ottawa, Canada. In his memory, this session aims to honor his mountain advocacy by recalling ontological structures, methods, and models of similar approaches to mountain science and studies. Mountain landscapes had been a central theme for Humboldt because of his pioneering approach to seeing them as complex, interrelated landscapes inspired by his 1802 view of the Andes from the heights of Chimborazo. Carl Troll founded the International Geographical Union Commission on High Altitude Geo-ecology in 1968, following Humboldt modes for landscape characterization, leaving a legacy in mountain research, blending ecological, geographical, and anthropological perspectives. Jack D. Ives took over the Commission’s chairmanship from Carl Troll in 1972 and stayed active until 1996. This role drew him increasingly into mountain research and studies and left an indelible mark on the promotion of interdisciplinary ecological work on mountains and sustainable development. In 1981, Ives founded the journal Mountain Research and Development and the International Mountain Society. This group worked tirelessly to raise the profile of mountains in research and policy and has promoted the idea of trans-disciplinary research collaboration to address challenges facing mountain ecosystems globally. In this session, we encourage these contributions, advocacy, and approaches to be revitalized from an integrative, cross-cutting perspective.