The 2009 International Earth Science Olympiad opened in Taipei Tuesday, with contestants from 15 countries competing. It marks the first time Taiwan has hosted the annual event aimed at enhancing young students' interest in and understanding of the natural environment, climatic changes and the relationship between humans and nature. Now in its third year, the event has seen a sharp increase in the number of participating countries from six to 15, with the United Kingdom and Italy joining the competition for the first time. As Taiwan, one of the event's founding countries, secured top place in the previous two contests, it has selected four outstanding senior high school students through a rigorous screening mechanism to take part in this year's event to defend its champion status. Lin Pei-lien, head of National Central University's Department of Atmospheric Sciences who serves as the four-member Taiwan team's key instructor, said the team has undergone training in relevant fields since its formation in May, including atmospheric conditions, oceans, natural geography and global climate changes, as well as the deadly magnitude 7.3 earthquake that hit Taiwan Sept. 21, 1999 and the magnitude 7.9 earthquake that rattled China's Sichuan Province May 12, 2008. 'The students have been taken to Jinshan, Yehliu and ground zero of the 921 earthquake to observe faultlines and geological formations in those regions,' Lin said. One of the special features of this year's event is field events, Lin went on, adding that the previous two contests only focused on indoor competition. Moreover, all contestants will travel to the 921 Earthquake Museum in central Taiwan's Nantou County for a field survey and inspection. 'The four Taiwanese contestants will each team up with foreign counterparts to conduct field surveys in the 921 earthquake memorial park and then present briefings in English to vie for the `best teamwork' and `best field survey' awards,' Lin explained. All the contestants will also be taken to Taiwan's northern coastline known for its complicated geological formations. The event will conclude Sept. 21 with an award presentation ceremony, Lin said, adding that gifts featuring local characteristics will be given to the foreign contestants to help them better understand Taiwan's culture and lifestyle. 