Documents

SCAR XXXI IP19: Report on the Organization of the XXXI SCAR Meetings and Open Science Conference, 2010

SCAR XXXI IP20: Report on SCAR Communications and Publications

Executive Summary

Title: Communications and Publications

Authors: R. Badhe, M. Sparrow, C. Kennicutt

Relevant URLs or references to other reports

(obsolete link)

Report 25 (Communications Plan)

Introduction/ Background:

Through communication, SCAR increases the visibility of the organization and its activities; develop cooperation with partners; mobilize resources; effectively link the Secretariat staff with SCAR’s Executive Committee, scientific activities, and other Antarctic organizations; ensure that all SCAR members are aware of opportunities to participate in SCAR; and establish SCAR as the preferred source of scientific information for policy makers, scientists and journalists looking for information with respect to scientific issues in the Antarctic region.

Partners: Other organizations with an interest in disseminating information on Antarctica (COMNAP, CCAMLR etc.)

Budget Implications: A standard publication budget of $2000; additional requests (e.g. ACCE, SOOS, Strategic plan) are made as required.

SCAR XXXI IP22: Status of National Reporting

Executive Summary

Title: Status of National Reporting

Authors: Mike Sparrow, Rosemary Nash

Relevant URLs or references to other reports: http://www.scar.org/members/annualreports/.

Introduction/ Background: The aim is to provide an indication of the research being undertaken (relevant to SCAR) and to provide an updated information and contact address for anyone requiring further information.  The Annual Report to SCAR should be submitted as soon as the Antarctic field season is over and no later than 15 May, to allow 6 weeks before either the SCAR Delegates Meeting or, in intervening years, the SCAR Executive Committee meeting takes place. The status of national reporting (as of mid-July 2010) for the last two field seasons is listed in the main body of this paper.

Recommendations/Actions and Justification: Delegates are asked to ensure that the national reports for their country are submitted to the Secretariat.

Expected Benefits/Outcomes: (if the actions are taken what outcomes are expected)

SCAR XXXI IP23: Activities of the Secretariat

Executive Summary

Title: Activities of the Secretariat

Authors: M.Sparrow, C. Summerhayes

Relevant URLs or references to other reports: http://www.scar.org/members/activityreports/

Introduction/ Background: On April 9, 2010, the previous Executive Director (C Summerhayes) retired. Following an extensive search, Dr. M. Sparrow (the previous Executive Officer) was appointed from an international field of 17 high calibre applicants to take over as ED on 1 April. A further recruiting exercise was then needed to replace the EO. Forty-five applications from 15 countries were received, and a short list of 3 candidates was interviewed on February 1. The successful candidate was Dr Renuka Badhe. Renuka is from India, and holds dual Indian (OCI) and British citizenship. She has a Masters degree in Environmental Policy and a PhD in Antarctic Marine Biology, and has recently been working with the IUCN on climate change and species in polar regions.

Quarterly activity reports are available from https://www.scar.org/secretariat-about/quarterly-reports/ (updated link)

Important Issues or Factors: 2010 represents a changeover period for the Secretariat. Part of the new Secretariat’s workload includes training, particularly for the new EO.

Budget Implications: Total salary costs are lower for the new Secretariat, though for 2010 there was a period of overlap for Colin Summerhayes and Mike Sparrow.

SCAR XXXI IP25: Progress Against Actions from XXX SCAR

Executive Summary

Title: Progress against Past Actions

Authors: Mike Sparrow, Colin Summerhayes

Introduction/ Background:  The combined action list acts as an implementation plan for the Secretariat to ensure as far as possible that SCAR is working towards its goals, as outlined in the Strategic Plan.

SCAR XXXI IP26: The Southern Ocean Observing System (SOOS)

Executive Summary

Title: The Southern Ocean Observing System

Authors: Mike Sparrow (Steve Rintoul, Colin Summerhayes, Mike Meredith, Eileen Hofmann, Kevin Speer, Ed Urban, Victoria Wadley – co-editors of SOOS plan)

Relevant URLs or references to other reports: The full Southern Ocean Observing System will be put on the SCAR website for consultation after the Delegates Meeting. The draft is now available at http://www.scar.org/soos/

Introduction/ Background: The Southern Ocean plays unique and critical roles for both the physical Earth system and its overall ecology, by both driving global weather and climate and harbouring unique and diverse biological communities. The development of a Southern Ocean Observing System (SOOS) meets the initial requirements of ATCM Resolution 3 (2007), which welcomed and supported “the proposal by SCAR to establish a multi-disciplinary pan-Antarctic observing system, which will, in collaboration with others, coordinate long-term monitoring and sustained observation in the Antarctic”. It is one of the key recommendations from the Antarctic Climate Change and the Environment Report (Turner et al., 2009). The SOOS is also a significant legacy of the recent International Polar Year.

Recommendations/Actions and Justification: Recommended Action: Secretariat will circulate to Nat Coms and Delegates copy of the latest version of the full SOOS plan for comment as part of the overall consultation process; comments to be received no later than the 1^st of October.

Expected Benefits/Outcomes:  Improved coordination of Southern Ocean interdisciplinary observations in the Southern Ocean region, including a more efficient use of available resources.

Partners: The design of a SOOS was led by a partnership of organisations: SCAR, the Scientific Committee on Oceanic Research (SCOR), The Census of Antarctic Marine Life (CAML), the Global Ocean Observing System (GOOS), the World Climate Research Programme (WCRP) and the Partnership for Observations of the Global Ocean (POGO). Other groups such as IAATO and COMNAP have provided significant feedback. The US NOAA programme also provided funds for holding SOOS workshops to further the SOOS design plan.

Budget Implications: Continuation of the SCAR/SCOR Oceanography Expert Group. $3000 towards hard copy publication of final version of report.

SCAR XXXI IP27: Ice Sheet Mass Balance and Sea Level (ISMASS): A Science Plan

Executive Summary

Title: Ice Sheet Mass Balance and Sea Level (ISMASS): A Science Plan

Authors: C. J. van der Veen and ISMASS

Introduction/ Background: The importance of ice sheet modeling efforts has been magnified by recent reports suggesting that sea level rise remains the most poorly constrained and potentially catastrophic impact of climate change.

Important Issues or Factors: First, three scientific questions of great significance are posed. Englacial processes and the closely related numerical schemes for addressing them will be pivotal to advancement on the questions, but the other three component processes will play a role as well. The questions are:

1. Will climate change lead to irreversible (non-linear, rapid) ice-sheet response?
2. Does a rapid change lead to a large mass change?
3. Are observed rapid changes “natural variability” or responses to warming?

In this contribution, the scientific background for each of the questions is presented. This is followed with a “roadmap” for studying the questions that is consistent with the best available data.

Recommendations/Actions and Justification: The SSGs and Delegates (along with potential partners such as ISMASS) need to evaluate how to take this initiative forward, for example should ISMASS be a potential future SRP?

Expected Benefits/Outcomes: The ISMASS document has been prepared to coordinate and focus scientific inquiry in the coming years

Partners: IASC are interested in cosponsoring the ISMASS initiative

SCAR XXXI WP01: Agenda

SCAR XXXI WP02: Annotated Agenda

SCAR XXXI WP03: List of Documents

SCAR XXXI WP04: Timetable

SCAR XXXI WP05: Application for Monaco for Associate Membership of SCAR

(SCAR Circular no 783)

Executive Summary

Title: Application for Monaco for Associate Membership

Authors: Monaco

Relevant URLs or references to other reports: SCAR circular letter 783

Introduction/ Background: The papers for this application were distributed with SCAR Circular Letter 783.  The Observer from Monaco will present the application for Associate Membership of SCAR.

Recommendations/Actions and Justification: Delegates to read supporting material from Monaco and to decide if Monaco should be invited to become an Associate Member of SCAR

Expected Benefits/Outcomes: Having Monaco, a country that has shown a keen interest in Antarctic activities, as a member of SCAT

Budget Implications:  Associate Membership fees from Monaco (currently $5000/year)

SCAR XXXI WP06: SCAR Strategic Plan 2011-2016: Antarctic Science and Policy Advice in a Changing World

(Rev. 5.1 23 July 2010)

Executive Summary

Title: SCAR Strategic Plan 2011-2016: Antarctic Science and Policy Advice in a Changing World

Authors: SCAR

Relevant URLs or references to other reports: not applicable

Introduction/ Background: The SCAR Strategic Plan aims to foster a sense of dedication and commitment in SCAR members to ensure realization of the organization’s vision, mission and goals. Regular, consultative strategic planning is undertaken to guide the organization. This Plan is a roadmap for SCAR from 2011-2016.

Important Issues or Factors: SCAR’s current strategic plan is from 2004-2010 and the new plan covers three biennial cycles from 2011-2016

Recommendations/Actions and Justification: Review, comment, and conditional approval of the Plan subject to revision.

Expected Benefits/Outcomes: The Plan provides a strategic roadmap for SCAR for the next 6 years. The Strategic Plan guides collective decision-making about priorities and resource allocation.

Partners: See the Plan section on Partnerships. The Plan will also be circulated for wide comment to SCAR partners.

Budget Implications: The Plan provides guidance for the allocation of resources in concert with organizational mission and goals.

SCAR XXXI WP07: Report of the SCAR Standing Scientific Group on Geosciences (SSG-GS)

Executive Summary

Title: Report of SSG GeoSciences

Authors: Alessandro Capra (SSG-GS CO) Phil O’Brien (SSG-GS Deputy CO)

Relevant URLs or references to other reports: SSG-GS report on SCAR web site.

Introduction/ Background:  Scientific activity of GeoSciences covers a wide range of actions on Geophysics, Geodesy, Geology fields. The principal actions that will be done should be understood through the AG and EG 2010-12 structure approved, that is the following: Action Groups: SAVANT (Cold Seeps and Hydrothermal Vents in the Antarctic); Multibeam Data Acquisition (New Proposal); Joint AG (GS and LS) GWSWF – GPS weather and space forecast – Chair G. De Franceschi (ITA).   Expert Groups: GIANT (Geodetic Infrastructure of Antarctica); EGPPE (EG on Permafrost and Periglacial Environment); IBCSO (International Bathymetric Chart of Southern Oceans); ADMAP (Antarctic Digital Magnetic Maps).

Important Issues or Factors: Concerning National Representatives Reports on Geoscience activities, an internal recommendation has been done to enhance communication within the Geoscience Antarctic Community, SSG-GS, and to inform all Antarctic Geosciences researchers on National initiatives. Concerning the GPS weather WSWF AG is finding interesting synergies between ICESTAR LS EG and with the GIANT and POLENET groups of GS; this is a positive effect of the cross-SSG meetings initiative. Concerning the establishment of a new AG on Multibeam Data Acquisition, the SSG-GS approved the establishment of an Action Group to identify data needs and best practice protocols for mapping of Last Glacial cycle grounding zones using multibeam bathymetry. Concerning IBCSO EG, SSG-GS strongly approve the continuation of EG activity but it needs therefore that Secretariat explore with AWI possibility of continuing the provision of a post, either with sole funding from AWI or with joint funding from AWI and other interested institutions or transfer IBCSO to another institution. Concerning a new PPG proposal, the SSG-GS recommends the action described in the following point.

Recommendations/Actions and Justification: The Geoscience Science Standing Group recommends that the Solid Earth Response and Influences on Cryospheric Evolution (SERCE) Programme Planning Group be extended in order to prepare a full Programme Implementation Plan for presentation to SCAR in 2012 for approval as a full SCAR Programme.

Expected Benefits/Outcomes: The programme will be designed to synthesize and interpret the extensive new data sets obtained during IPY by the international Polar Earth Observing Network (POLENET) geophysical sensor deployment.  PPG plan to promote communication and coordination with other international groups investigating polar ice mass change, glacial isostatic adjustment, and ice sheet contributions to global sea level rise.

Partners: POLENET IPY programme; ISMASS -LS group; SOOS; ACE SRP; UNAVCO (USA); IRIS (USA).

Budget Implications: 17000 US dollars for 2011 and for 2012 GS budget including SERCE PPG budget.

SCAR XXXI WP07b: Report on IBCSO Status

Executive Summary

Title: Report on IBCSO Status

Author: H.-W. Schencke (AWI) and C. Summerhayes

Relevant URLs or references to other reports: http://www.ibcso.org/, https://www.scar.org/about-us/governance/ (updated link)

Introduction/ Background: In 2004 SCAR agreed to make the International Bathymetric Chart of the Southern Ocean (IBCSO) project an Expert Group under the SSG-GS. The IBCSO will lead to an upgrade of the bathymetric chart of the Southern Ocean as an aid to biologists (for habitat mapping), to geologists (for identifying clues to seafloor processes), and to physical oceanographers (by defining the sills controlling exchange of water between deep basins, as a key component for numerical ocean modeling). The chart will contribute to the General Bathymetric Chart of the Oceans sponsored by IOC (UNESCO) and the International Hydrographic Office.

Important Issues or Factors: IBSCO required the activity of a full time contract staff member of AWI. Funding for that post recently came to an end following the development of all of the IBCSO infrastructure and the compilation of large amounts of bathymetric data submitted by 11 SCAR nations. Far more such data exists and needs to be integrated into the database by an appropriate expert for the project to be completed.

Recommendations/Actions and Justification: It is recommended that efforts be made to either persuade AWI to continue to fund the position under the direction of Dr H.-W. Schencke, or to find shared sponsorship to cover the cost of the IBCSO post at AWI under his direction, until the project is completed. The SCAR Secretariat could be asked to work with AWI to find a solution to staffing problems concerning the future success and completion of SCAR’s IBCSO project within a reasonable time-frame.

Expected Benefits/Outcomes: The outcome of the project – a map of the Southern Ocean floor – is entirely consistent with SCAR’s aim to support the broadest possible range of top quality science in a pan-Antarctic way. This is a collective endeavour requiring the sharing of resources by operating agencies owning bathymetric data in a way that leads to an end result of benefit to all SCAR ocean scientists. Bathymetry is in addition a key ingredient of SCAR’s SOOS programme. IBCSO is the offshore equivalent of BEDMAP, SCAR’s programme to establish the under-ice shape of the continent.

Partners: IOC and the IHO. The outcome of the project will also be of considerable interest to SCOR.

Budget Implications: Funding of the post should be primarily external by the interested national agencies, but could be supported with some seed-money from SCAR central funds as a means of attracting further sponsorship.

SCAR XXXI WP08: Report of the SCAR Standing Scientific Group – Life Sciences (SSG-LS)

Executive Summary

Title: Report of the SCAR Standing Scientific Group – Life Sciences (SSG-LS), XXXI SCAR, 30 July – 2 August 2010, Buenos Aires, Argentina

Author: Kathleen Conlan, Chief Officer

Relevant URLs or references to other reports: https://www.scar.org/science/lsg/home/ (updated link)

Important Issues or Factors:

1. With the planned end of the SCAR Scientific Research Programme “Evolution and Biodiversity in the Antarctic” (EBA) in 2013, the SSG-LS has separately endorsed each of the following new proposed Programme Planning Groups (PPGs) for Delegate approval:

• State of the Antarctic Ecosystem (AntEco)
• Antarctic Ecosystems: Adaptations, Thresholds and Resilience (AntETR)

2. The SSG-LS ran the highly successful SCAR X Biology Symposium with 113 oral and 122 poster presentations given under the six sub-themes of EBA. A special issue of “Polar Science” will be published shortly.  New initiatives were a special session for APECS (Association of Polar Early Career Scientists), awards for the early career scientist presentations and an outreach session.
3. South Africa and Spain offered to host the SCAR XI Biology Symposium in 2013. By closed ballot, Spain was selected.  This Symposium will showcase the accomplishments of EBA and set the stage for the two new SRPs (if approved).
4. Members of the SSG-LS were co-authors of the ACCE Report, showing that Antarctic life is clearly showing climate change effects and predicting the scenario for the next 100 years.
5. The EG-CPR has produced the Southern Ocean Zooplankton Atlas which will enable monitoring and prediction of zooplankton changes. The EG-CPR will be a core program of SOOS and provide a link to CCAMLR.
6. The EG-Birds and Marine Mammals is establishing links with CCAMLR and SOOS through its top predator tracking database.
7. The EG-Human Biology and Medicine is small but scientifically active. It wishes a closer link of SCAR with COMNAP in respect to research into human biology and medicine.
8. The IPY programme Census of Antarctic Marine Life will end this year (2010). It will synthesize its achievements in a special science publication and a video.  It has been highly successful and has left a large legacy.
9. The SSG-LS will sponsor a workshop on King George Island to establish the scope of current and future research and develop a strategic plan for handling future collaborative efforts there.
10. The SSG-LS is forming two additional cross-linkages (in addition to its two current cross-linkages with the SSG-PS and GS): (1) ATHENA, an Expert Group to steward subglacial lake exploration and (2) a cross-Action group with the SSG-PS on Ocean Acidification. Further cross-linkages with both PS and GS will be established through its two proposed PPGs.
11. Subsidiary group funding requests are in excess of expected allocation by 39% in 2011 and 51% in 2012, an indication that the SSG-LS may have difficulty completing its tasks.

Recommendations/Actions, Justification and Outcomes:

1. The SSG-LS asks that the Delegates recommend to National Committees that they urge their national funding agencies to consider contributing to the SCAR Marine Biodiversity Information Network (SCAR-MarBIN) funding for the period 2011-2015. This will enable SCAR to continue to efficiently contribute data and expertise, enable SCAR-MarBIN to be the main biodiversity data provider to SOOS, and enable SCAR to be actively associated with emerging initiatives.
2. The SSG-LS asks that the Delegates advise that SCAR adopt the revised Code of Conduct for Use of Animals for Scientific Purposes in Antarctica and requests that National Committees support the paper when it is submitted to the ATCM by SCAR in 2011. Recognising that animals are sentient beings and need to be treated ethically when involved in scientific experiments, this revised Code of Conduct will conform to good practice.
3. The SSG-LS asks that SCAR reconsider the scheduling of the biennial Open Science Conference in the face of growing concerns over carbon release by participant travel and the known impacts of excess carbon on the Antarctic environment.
4. The SSG-LS asks that SCAR consider ways in which to increase its allocations, given the large discrepancy between funds requested and allocated.

SCAR XXXI WP09: Report of the SCAR Standing Scientific Group on Physical Sciences (SSG-PS)

Executive Summary

Title: SCAR Standing Scientific Group on Physical Sciences (SSG-PS), Report to the Delegates, SCAR XXXI Aug. 9th, 2010

Authors:  M. Candidi, D. Bromwich, T. van Ommen

Relevant URLs or references to other reports:

Introduction/ Background:

No comments were raised at the SSG/PS business meeting on the content of the Strategic Plan. SSG/PS was invited to send comments to SCAR. No major change to the structure of the SSGs was deemed necessary. The structure and cadence of the OSC were addressed; no consensus was reached on possible improvements.

The achievements of the current SRPs were noted; appreciation was expressed for the developments; AGCS is looking at future updates of the ACCE report; ICESTAR is coming to a termination as an SRP, after achieving the major objectives, especially with respect to the establishment of several VOs. The AAA program raises wide expectation for the results to be achieved. Some ideas for future SRPs were proposed to SSG/PS: ATHENA, to proceed on sub-glacial lakes, after SALE; ocean acidification; GPS studies of the ionosphere; ISMASS.

Important Issues or Factors:

The present roster of Expert/Action groups was analysed:

• The importance of the ISMASS program was underlined; its leadership shall be extended to C. Hulbe and Francisco…. to ensure connection with IASC so that ISMASS develops into a fully bipolar group with the IASC Working Group on Glaciology.
• Bellerby presented the Ocean Acidification theme; the formation of a new Action group on the subject, joint with LS, was approved. The new group may consider developing into an SRP, as suggested by the cross-SSG meetings.
• SSG/PS approves the idea that the ECA action group should develop into a joint group with LS, to include biological aspects of Antarctic contamination.
• PCPBEA: SSG/PS notes the positive developments and encourages further action.
• IPICS plans extention of the scope of the Greenland NEEM project to encompass the last interglacial period in ice cores from both hemispheres. The potential for a new high-resolution Antarctic record at comparable resolution with the NEEM core over a similar period is being considered.
• The WSWF Action group is finding synergies with the GIANT and POLENET groups of GS; ICESTAR is considering ways to interact with WSWF, generating joint scientific objectives. This is again an effect of the cross-SSG meetings initiative.
• The SOOS program of the EG Oceanography produced its implementation plan.
• The Operational Meteorology group reports that since Sept. 2009 there are two radio-sonde launches per week from Marambio; this is in part a product of the recommedations on King George Island activities.
• PACT developed the database relevant to their new definition of the chemical tropopause; the action group will be dissolved after the publication of their results.

Budget Implications: Estimated SCAR funding needed by SSG/PS for the next 2 years (in USD) $ 21.700 in 2011 and $ 21.700 in 2012. (Pending approval of the finance committee)

SCAR XXXI WP10: Report on SCADM 

Executive Summary

Title: SCADM Report

Authors: Kim Finney

Relevant URLs or references to other reports:  SCAR Data and Information Strategy: http://www.scar.org/publications/reports/Report_34.pdf (or IP4c), SCAR DIMS Implementation Plan: http://scadm.scar.org/0files/SCAR_DIMS_Implementation_PlanV2.pdf

Introduction/ Background: The committee in SCAR responsible for all aspects of data and information management is the Standing Committee on Antarctic Data management (SCADM). At its 2009 business meeting, the SCAR Executive endorsed the SCAR Data and Information Strategy (DIMS), which was drafted by SCADM and an ad-hoc working group, consisting of representatives from the Science Standing Groups and the SCAR Executive. Following endorsement of the Strategy, the Chief Officer of SCADM, developed and promulgated a SCAR Implementation Plan designed to unpack key aspects of the Strategy, after consulting both SCADM and SCAGI members at a joint SCAGI/SCADM meeting held in Amsterdam in September 2009 and Science Standing Group members in Cambridge (early 2010). This report outlines the key recommendations made in the DIMS, lists the tasks in the DIMS Implementation Plan, introduces the need for a SCAR Data Policy and provides a progress report on where SCAR currently sits in terms of DIMS Implementation.

Important Issues or Factors: The SCAR DIMS can only be implemented if SCAR members commit to undertaking actions identified in the Implementation Plan and agree to follow the principles in the draft SCAR Data Policy. SCADM is primarily an information sharing body, with only a few members having established National Antarctic Data Centres with the capacity to take on the long-term stewardship of data. In the main these Centres operate independently and not as part of a SCAR system of interoperable repositories. The goal of developing an Antarctic Data Management System will only be realized through national contributions and active collaboration. Currently, national commitment to implementing the DIMS is low. There are a few members “carrying” the rest of the community in terms of SCAR data management support. This model is not sustainable.

Recommendations/Actions and Justification: Delegates should consider how their nation can contribute to DIMS implementation, or alternatively determine whether the current terms of reference for SCADM should be modified to better reflect its role as an information sharing forum only, rather than a group charged by SCAR with delivering data management infrastructure and services.

Expected Benefits/Outcomes: Improved SCAR data management infrastructure and practices. Alternatively, better alignment between member’s expectations of SCADM with respect to data management functions and SCADM’s ability to deliver on its terms of reference.

Partners: Potential DIMS Implementation partners include: Polar Information Commons, GCMD, WMO, IASC, Creative Commons, Science Commons, Global Biodiversity Information Facility, IODE.

Budget Implications: GCMD receives $10K p/a for its support on metadata matters (i.e. supplies AMD system and a part-time liaison officer).

SCAR XXXI WP11: Report on the King George Island Action Group

Executive Summary

Title: Report on the king George Island Action Group

Authors: Sergio Marenssi

Relevant URLs or references to other reports:  https://www.scar.org/science/psg/home/ (updated link)

Introduction/ Background:

King George (25 de Mayo, Rey Jorge or Waterloo) Island holds the highest density of research stations (nine) in a single place of the whole Antarctica.  It provides to SCAR the best opportunity to strengthen the individual scientific capacity by means of a holistic international collaboration programme. Ideally it would include the shared use of research facilities and equipment, standardized measurements and observations, interchange of data and of course the development of multinational research projects on the island and surrounding areas.

The King George Island Action Group (KGI-AG) was formally established during the XXX SCAR Delegates Meeting in Moscow after a previous informal meeting held in Saint Petersburg in the previous week.

The approved TOR´s are on the SCAR webpage (obsolete link).

The SCAR President prepared a document about King George Island science during the 2009 COMNAP Meeting in Punta Arenas.  At the same venue S. Marenssi and COMNAP Vice-President Christo Pimpirev chaired an open discussion session with a good number of attendees among COMNAP representatives.

During the end of 2009 austral summer the SCAR President visited several stations at KGI and discussed this initiative with the scientists.

There were no progress in core TOR´s numbers iv, vi and vii during the present inter-sessional period.

Important Issues or Factors: The level of involvement in this group, based on the responses received from its members, was low.  It may have been a lack of time of the CO for the group to push this initiative forward and/or a lack of real interest in the actions proposed for this AG.

It is necessary to explore the interest of SCAR members in this group, its actions and aims.

Recommendations/Actions and Justification: Delegates should consider whether to maintain this AG, reinforcing its mandate and encouraging broad participation or to disband the AG.  Delegates may review the list of members and propose changes as needed.  Delegates should encourage all members interested in KGI science to provide input on the approved TORs and to activate the cooperation with COMNAP regarding this issue.

Expected Benefits/Outcomes: Scientific programmes in the region would contribute more effectively to SCAR scientific initiatives.  National members will benefit by reducing operational costs, at same time their research projects would benefit by means of increased international collaboration.

Partners: This is a truly cross-linkage group within SCAR.  The group may also benefit by including  representatives from COMNAP.

Budget Implications: There are not funds requested.  At this stage all work can be done by e-mail and meetings being scheduled during biennial SCAR meetings.

SCAR XXXI WP13: Report on Antarctic Climate Evolution (ACE)

Executive Summary

Title: SCAR SRP Antarctic Climate Evolution (ACE)

Authors: C. Escutia and R. DeConto (ACE co-chairs)

Relevant URLs or references to other reports:

http://antarcticclimate.blogspot.com

http://www.csam.montclair.edu/earth/eesweb/scar_ace

(note: two obsolete links removed)

Introduction/ Background: ACE represents the interests of a large land and marine geoscience research community focusing in deciphering the record of the onset and the response of the Antarctic ice sheets to past climate changes across a range of time scales. ACE coordinates the integration between geophysical and geological records of past ice sheet behavior and coupled ice sheet models. The Programme has a planned lifetime of 2005-2013.

Important Issues or Factors: Since ACE’s last Report to Delegates in SCAR OSC 2008 and the very positive review of ACE by SCAR in 2008/9, ACE has continued to be very active in its primary coordination role, catalyzing interactions amongst the SCAR and scientists from the climate, ocean and ice coring communities. This was mainly achieved through the First ACE Symposium in Granada (Spain, September 2009). Delivery ACE aims for its final 2-3 year period are: 1) coordinate new subcommittees focused in processes to address gaps in our knowledge about the role of Antarctic ice sheets in the global climate system, as identified during the 1^st ACE Symposium. Subcommittees are tasked with synthesizing the state of the art of our knowledge and defining the future questions and challenges that are critical for providing science-based advise to major scientific programs (i.e., IODP) and policy makers (i.e., IPCC); 2) submit of a series of coordinated drilling proposals (ANDRIL and IODP) in key areas around Antarctica and the Southern Ocean that can address the formulated questions; and 3) play an active and central role in the development of proposals to SCAR for the successor of SCAR ACE. In addition, ACE will continue to be active in proposing dedicated sessions in all international meetings, including 2011 ISAES and 2012 SCAR OSC, in publications of its results in the open literature as it has been done in the past.

Recommendations/Actions and Justification: (what actions are you requesting of the Delegates and why they should agree) 1) approval of ACE actions and progress to date; 2) support for ACE plans for the remaining life of the Programme; 3) Input from Delegates on ACE plans based on the new SCAR Strategic Plan (2011-2012).

Expected Benefits/Outcomes: Significant publication output (both content and numbers), Publications and science relevant to “Big- science” programmes and policy makers, enhancement of SCAR profile

Partners: IPICS; PAGES of the IGBP; IASC on APEX; ANDRILL, SHALDRIL, IODP and ERICON-AB.

Budget Implications: Request for confirmation of SCAR science programme funding at current level for planned remainder of the Programme’s operation to 2013.