SCAR XXXIII WP06: The SCAR Horizon Scan – Six Priorities for Antarctic Science

Paper:

Kennicutt II, M. C., Chown, S. L. et al. 2014. Six Priorities for Antarctic Science. Nature Comment. 512, 23-25.

Mahlon C. Kennicutt II, Steven L. Chown and colleagues outline the most pressing questions in southern polar research, and call for greater collaboration and environmental protection in the region

SCAR XXXIII WP07: Report of the SCAR Standing Scientific Group on Physical Sciences (SSG-PS)

Executive Summary

Title: SCAR Standing Scientific Group on Physical Sciences

Authors: David Bromwich (CO), Maurizio Candidi (Deputy CO), and Steven Colwell (Secretary)

Introduction/Background: Clouds and Aerosols AG is rallying the community to conduct cloud measurement campaigns. Environmental Contamination (ECA) AG hopes to change direction to establish an Antarctic Monitoring and Assessment Program. Ocean, but needs to deliver the Trace Metals report first. Acidification AG is finalizing its report and presenting the results in many international forums. Remote Sensing AG is exploring the best ways to collect penguin (and other seabirds and seals) abundance data using remote sensing methods. The ATHENA EG is winding up its activities. GRAPE EG is initiating DemoGRAPE project to provide an empirical assessment of the delay and of the corruption induced by the ionosphere on satellite signals in the Polar Regions. ICED EG has been very active in promoting research on Southern Ocean ecosystems. The ICESTAR EG has been mostly inactive. IPICS EG is promoting ice coring campaigns. ISMASS EG is facilitating research on ice sheet mass balance. Operational Meteorology EG works to improve weather forecasts for Antarctica. ASPeCT devotes its energies to elucidating the role of sea ice in the climate system. ITASE provides an umbrella for traverse and shallow ice coring activities conducted by many countries and is planning follow-on activities.

Important Issues or Factors: A new observing system is being proposed “Antarctic Near-Shore and Terrestrial Observing System (ANTOS)”. This is a cross-disciplinary project is proposed as an AG under SSG- LS but involving SSG-PS and SSG-GS. ATHENA EG is nearing the end of its activities so should be disbanded. ICESTAR EG should be disbanded because the group has been inactive for several years. ASPeCT should become an EG because it does not have a definite home within the SCAR structure at the moment. It has an expected long lifetime that fits with an EG designation. ICED EG (joint with Life Sciences) should become a co-sponsored activity of SCAR. This fits better with its change of direction. Two new AGs are proposed under SSG-PS: SERAnt (Sun Earth Relationships and Antarctica) to replace ICESTAR, and SnowAnt (Snow in Antarctica). Proposals for these two new AGs are included in Appendix 2. SSG-PS is examining ways to start to realize the Horzion Scan research priorities.

Recommendations/Actions and Justification: Number 1. SCAR requests that national programs which operate shipping in the sea ice zone participate, where possible, in the underway sea ice data collection according to the ASPeCt protocols. Number 2. SCAR encourages national programs to continue to make their meteorological data available in near real time to global weather forecast centres and to make observations from ships and aircraft where possible. Number 3. SSG-PS recommends that AAA SRP be continued for a further 4 years at the present funding level. Number 4. SCAR endorses the freely available, but non-commercial, GIS package “Quantarctica” and allows re-distribution SCAR datasets as part of Quantarctica. SCAR recommends multiple theme editors from each standing group. These editors select peer-reviewed publicly available datasets that will be included in Quantarctica.

Expected Benefits/Outcomes: Recommendations 1 and 2 encourage important data collection while number 4 facilitates data usage. Recommendation 4 recognizes the success of AAA SRP, and encourages its continuation.

Partners: ANTOS will involve all SSGs, and work with the new SRPs, plus SOOS, CEP, CCAMLR and national Antarctic programs.

Budget Implications: $27,000 is requested for each of 2015 and 2016 to support SSG-PS activities.

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

Executive Summary

Authors: G. Hosie (CO), M. Shepanek (Deputy-CO), Y. Ropert-Coudert (Secretary), J. Xavier (Acting Secretary), B. Danis, B. Raymond, M. Hindell, K. Takahashi, J. Ayton, E.Kohlberg, S. Pillon, R. Bellerby, H-U. Peters, D. Bergstrom

Introduction/Background: SSG-LS is primarily responsible for four Expert Groups and two Action Groups. SSG-LS shares five groups with SSG-PS. EG-ABI continues to build on the legacy of SCAR-MarBIN and CAML with the enhanced Antarctic Biodiversity facility biodiversity.aq. It is developing a dynamic online version of the Biogeographic Atlas of the Southern Ocean (dBASO) and Microbial Antarctic Resource System (mARS), a dedicated facility for microbial diversity data and metadata. EG-BAMM has been strengthening links with EG-ABI, APECS and the new Remote Sensing AG. BAMM and Remote Sensing will increase our capacity to monitor bird and mammal populations and species by using satellites to count animals. The new Retrospective Analysis of Antarctic Tracking database (RAATD) is a joint SCAR/CCAMLR project that will contribute significantly to conservation planning and management. EG-CPR continues to expand the SO- CPR Survey with South Africa, France and Brazil now involved. Korea, India, China and Peru are developing their programmes. Analysis CPR database shows significant increases in zooplankton abundance and shifts in species dominance in the eastern Antarctic Sector. The SCAR-COMNAP JEGHBM has enhanced tele- medicine and tele-health as a high priority, as well as applied research facilitating international collaboration and policy. The Ocean Acidification AG plans to release its report in June 2015 at ATCM. Reports for ICED, ATHENA and ECA are contained in the SSG-PS WP07 report.

Important Issues or Factors: A new observing system is being proposed “Antarctic Near-Shore and Terrestrial Observing System (ANTOS)”. This is a cross-disciplinary project involving all three SSGs. An Action Group is proposed to development the Implementation Plan. Another Action Group is proposed on “Integrated Science for the Sub-Antarctic (ISSA)” to reinvigorate interest in the sub-Antarctic and to facilitate the development of a strategy for future research. Full proposals are attached.

Recommendations/Actions and Justification:

We request the Delegates to approve:

• The establishment to new Action Groups: ANTOS and ISSA.
• The XIIth SCAR Biology Symposium to be held in Brussels in 2017.
• SCAR sends a letter of commendation to Profs Claude De Broyer and Philippe Koubbi for their leadership on producing the Biogeographic Atlas.
• SCAR sends a letter of commendation to Dr Claude Bachelard for his decades of service to Antarctic medical practice and research.
• SCAR review timing of Business Meetings and OSC to minimum clashes with other activities.
• SCAR to review the use of new technologies for future group meetings/workshop for enhanced participation via video-conferencing.

Expected Benefits/Outcomes: ANTOS working with SOOS will provide a more complete understanding of changes occurring in the Antarctic region, not just from the ocean environment. ISSA will lead us to a better understanding of the connections between the Antarctic and adjoining areas.

Partners: ANTOS and ISSA will involve all SSGs, and work with the new SRPs, plus SOOS, CEP, CCAMLR and national programmes

Budget Implications: Budget requests for 2015 and 2016 from existing and new groups are $33,800 (2015) and $30,800 (2016).

SCAR XXXIII WP09: Report of the SCAR Standing Scientific Group on Geosciences (SSG-GS)

Executive Summary

Title: Standing Scientific Group on Geosciences Report to the Delegates Authors: W. Berry Lyons, Jesús Galindo-Zaldivar, Naresh C. Pant

Introduction/Background:

GS continues to play a role in SCAR science both at the disciplinary and multidisciplinary level. GS scientists from many nations are involved and take leadership roles in two of SCAR’s ongoing SRPs: Past Antarctic Ice Sheet dynamics (PAIS) and Solid Earth Response and Influence on Cryosphere Evolution (SERCE). Our interdisciplinary activities include in the Expert Group (GNSS Research and Application for Polar Environment) GRAPE. Demo GRAPE, an initiative of GRAPE, will begin within the next months involving new contributions from South Africa and Brazil to the original program. ADMAP continues to be a productive program as a special issue of the journal Tectonophysics comprised sixteen papers updating ADMAP’s contributions to geomagnetic studies of the Antarctic regions. ANTPAS also continues to produce important scientific results including an overview of permafrost conditions in the Antarctic Peninsula and an inventory of paleoclimatic records from the McMurdo Dry Valleys. A special issue of the journal Geomorphology is currently being prepared for publication. Also the GIANT, IBCSO and CGG groups have relevant results. New activities include the development of a Geo-Heritage action group that will aid in helping to develop criteria for the protection of special geological features in the Antarctica. The Antarctic volcanism expert group also will aim to study different aspects and interactions of volcanic activity. The geological mapping update of the Antarctica will be focused in the integration of all the available geological data, mainly in Transantarctic mountains. The XII International Symposium on Antarctic Earth Sciences (ISAES) is currently being planned for the summer of 2015 in Goa, India. Proceedings of the symposium are likely to be published by the Geological Society of London in their Special Publication Series.

Important Issues or Factors: 
A new observing system is being proposed “Antarctic Near-Shore and Terrestrial Observing Systems” –ANTOS. This is an interdisciplinary program that will involve all three SSGs.

Wider recognition of sites of geological significance in Antarctica can be achieved by development of a geo-conservation register, to promote and recognize intrinsically valuable geological and geomorphological sites. This is being attempted within the SSG-GS group and it has got a boost with the recognition of Stornes Peninsula as an ASPA of geological significance.

One new Expert Group (Antarctic volcanism) and two new Action Groups (Geo-Heritage and geological mapping update of Antarctica) are being proposed.

Recommendations/Actions and Justification: 

1. Continuation of the SSG GS Expert Groups
   1. GIANT
   2. ADMAP
   3. ANTPAS
   4. IBCSO
2. Continuation of Action Group
   1. CGG
3. Discontinuation of Action Group
   1. Multibeam Data Acquisition
4. Establishment of new SSG GS Expert Group
   1. Antarctic Volcanism
5. Establishment of new SSG GS Action Group
   1. Geoheritages in Antarctica
   2. Geological Mapping update of Antarctica
6. Endorsement of Dr. Phil ’OBrien as SSG GS representative to SCATS
7. Requesting endorsement by SCAR for UN resolution on Global Geographic Informations Management regarding the rule of importance of Global Geodetic Reference Frame development and sustainibility;
   1. that SCAR shall take into account the UN GGIM resolution and shall be involved in UN GGRF WG activities and SCAR president will send a letter of support to UN initiative.
   2. Further, we recommend that SCAR SSG GS GIANT EG will be involved in the collaboration with UN GGRF WG.
8. Approve the establishment of the ANTOS program and the creation of an EG/AG to oversee its development, implementation and its interdisciplinary nature.

Expected Benefits/Outcomes: 

Active groups have been recommended for continuation while one group (Multibeam Data Acquisition) is being recommended for discontinuation on the suggestion of its leader.

New Expert Groups and Action Group have been proposed following the ideas emerging from Horizon Scan.

Partners: SSG GS that continues to be active have linkages with other scientific groups through programs such as ANTPAS and GRAPE. The new group Geoheritages in Antarctica will have linkages with Antarctic Conservation and LS conservation groups. In addition Volcanology of Antarctica will have possible linkages with a wide variety of groups in LS and PS.

Budget Implications: Current budget needs are expected to be similar for the existing scientific groups within GS-SSC

1. We request funds as per following details
   1. USD 20,000 towards support for the XII ISAES (as projected earlier).
   2. To approve USD 29,500 for the year 2015 and USD 31,000 for the year 2016 for EG and AG activities.
   3. To reallocate unspent amount of SSG GS for the period 2013-14 from EG and AG for travel support for XII ISAES 2015.

SCAR XXXIII WP10: Report on AAA (Astronomy & Astrophysics from Antarctica)

See also External Performance Review 1 and External Performance Review 2

Executive Summary

Title: Astronomy & Astrophysics from Antarctica (AAA)

Authors: J. W. V. Storey

Introduction/Background: Broadly stated, the objectives of Astronomy & Astrophysics from Antarctica (AAA) are to coordinate astronomical activities in Antarctica in a way that ensures the best possible outcomes from international investment in Antarctic astronomy, and maximizes the opportunities for productive interaction with other disciplines.

The SCAR AAA SRP Planning Group was proposed at the Hobart XXIX SCAR in 2006.  Creation of the AAA SRP was approved at the Moscow XXX SCAR Delegates meeting in 2008. AAA held its first formal meeting as a Scientific Research Program in August 2010 in Buenos Aires, followed by a kick-off meeting in Sydney in June 2011.  Further major meetings have followed in Portland (2012) and Siena (2013).

Important Issues or Factors: At this stage, AAA is functioning well, as outlined in the Annual Report to delegates. There have been no significant problems.

Recommendations/Actions and Justification:  AAA has submitted its Annual Report to external review this year.  We request that a continuation of the AAA program be approved for another four years.

Expected Benefits/Outcomes: Based on the recommendations of the external reviews, AAA plans to place a greater emphasis in future on outreach and education, both to the general community and to SCAR member countries with less developed astronomical programs.

Partners: No formal partners, although the International Astronomical Union (IAU) is a Union Member of SCAR.

Budget Implications: Continuing funding is requested at the approved level.

SCAR XXXIII WP11: Report on AntEco (State of the Antarctic Ecosystem)

Executive Summary

Title: State of the Antarctic Ecosystem (AntEco)

Authors: Aleks Terauds, Don Cowan, Jan Strugnell, AntEco Steering Group.

Introduction/Background:
The Scientific Research Programme – AntEco (State of the Antarctic Ecosystem) has a focus on understanding and clarifying the processes driving patterns of biodiversity in all environments across the Antarctic, sub-Antarctic and Southern Ocean regions.  The programme prioritises applied research and aims to provide scientific knowledge on biodiversity that can also be used for conservation and management.

Important Issues or Factors:  
Since its formal inception in 2013, AntEco has focused on building and extending research networks, facilitating research that is aligned with the research priorities of the programme, and publishing research findings.  Members have not only published papers in high quality journals, but also ensured that findings are disseminated widely, through conference symposia, media and popular articles. Publications in high quality journals continue to be a priority, and we are currently on track to exceed the ambitious targets set out in the Implementation Plan. One of the primary goals of AntEco is to foster collaboration between scientists, institutions and countries.  To this end, AntEco has provided several letters of support for a number of large-scale multinational research proposals, at least one of which has recently been approved. As a group, we have invested considerable time and resources into the 2014 SCAR OSC, with three workshops and a diverse range of sessions, all of which were very well subscribed.

Over the next two years, AntEco will not only continue to support new research, but also focus on the delivery of advice to stakeholders, in particular to the ATCM through the CEP.

Recommendations/Actions and Justification:  
Given the substantial progress made in its first year, and the momentum that is building in the AntEco research community, we recommend that the Delegates (1) note and approve of AntEco actions to date, and (2) continue to support AntEco at current levels for the next two years.

Expected Benefits/Outcomes:  
Continuing support will allow the number and quality of important publications to continue, will ensure outreach delivery, facilitate advice to stakeholders and enhance SCAR’s profile and reputation.

Partners:
All outputs to date involve partners and collaborators both within and external to SCAR. So far these groups include SC-ATS, EG-BI, AnT-ERA, CAML, and a range of institutional research partners. Cross-disciplinary and cross-group collaborations will continue to be a driving theme in AntEco supported research.

Budget Implications:
To achieve the objectives and goals over the next two year period, we request that funding is maintained at $US20 000 per year.

SCAR XXXIII WP12: Report on AnT-ERA (Antarctic Thresholds – Ecosystem Resilience and Adaptation)

Executive Summary

Title: Antarctic Thresholds – Ecosystem Resilience and Adaptation (AnT-ERA)

Authors:  J. Gutt and members of the Steering Committee

Introduction/ Background:
The first half of 2013 was devoted to a preparatory phase. As a consequence, AnT-ERA’s launch in July 2013 was easy and smooth. During a constituent session at the SCAR Biology Symposium the Steering Committee (SC) prepared a first phase documentation of AnT-ERA projects and accomplishments and presented these to the SCAR biology community. The discussion was dominated by the key research aims, outreach, support for scientific work and early career scientists as well as cooperation with other international and national programs.

Important Issues or Factors:
Because the preparatory phase was intensive and included the development of an implementation plan and outreach activities, the start of AnT-ERA has, thus, been straightforward. This success was based on the composition of the SC, which comprises early career and experienced scientists as well as representatives from all continents, who are well integrated in a broad variety of AnT-ERA’s research fields and other international and national programs. The smooth start of AnT-ERA also benefitted from the experience of some members with committee work such as in predecessor programs (EBA, EVOLANTA, RISC, EASIZ).

Recommendations/Actions and Justification:
AnT-ERA represents a large community of active scientists focusing on biological processes in the Antarctic, which are most probably affected by climate change. Promoting the understanding of thresholds and ecosystems responses to it is therefore urgent and important. The quality of the research projects benefits from intensive exchange of ideas and experiences for which SCAR provides the best and broadest platform. We request support in the coordination, dissemination and exchange of information by SCAR beyond financial support, especially by the representatives of national programs, SCAR’s LSSG and secretariat, who can shape considerably the success of this new biology program, since AnT-ERA lives not only from the work of the SC but also from contributions from the AnT-ERA community. In particular, assistance with the development and contributions to AnT-ERA’s webpage under the umbrella of the SCAR webpage, as this will become an important tool for the exchange of information.

Expected Benefits/Outcomes:
As the main focus of AnT-ERA is science, our major output will be high quality scientific publications, promoting the integration of early career scientists, emerging national programs and interdisciplinary as well as international cooperation.

Partners:
The best cooperation at the SCAR level exists already with AntClim21 and AntEco. Nine months after the start of these programs success is foreseeable. HoweverYet, at this stage, it is too early to provide concrete evidence. Relationships with others, e.g. CCAML are under development.

Budget Implications:
The success of AnT-ERA is based around actions that do not require extra funds and those that demand the monetary help of SCAR. The coordination of research projects, including newly emerging programs can be best implemented by having the experts meet. Such joint workshops as well as facilitating participations of early career scientists in various SCAR and non-SCAR workshops depend on future funding.

SCAR XXXIII WP13: Report on AntClim²¹ (Antarctic Climate Change in the 21st Century)

Executive Summary

Title: AntarcticClimate²¹

Authors: Nancy Bertler, Thomas Bracegirdle, Paul Mayewski, John Turner

Introduction/ Background: The overarching question of this research initiative is: How will the Antarctic / Southern Ocean environment change over the 21^st Century? To achieve this goal, AntarcticClimate²¹ focuses on three themes of research:

• – Objective 1. Quantification of Antarctic climate variability.
• – Objective 2. Climate model verification for the Antarctic region.
• – Objective 3. Antarctic climate projection to 2100 AD

The Antarctic region already experienced substantial changes with impacts on global sea level and ocean carbon uptake. To understand the significance of recent trends in the context of natural variability, we consider changes on a multi-century time scale that are relevant to improve climate projections, the attribution of the causes of environmental change, and the skill of earth system models in the Antarctic / Southern Ocean region. The overall aim of AntarcticClimate²¹ is to provide improved projections of the magnitude and patterns of change to Antarctica’s physical environment over the next 100+ years.

Important Issues or Factors: The AntarcticClimate²¹ team has made significant progress in accordance with proposal schedule. Since many of the AntarcticClimate²¹ team members have been intimately involved in the Antarctic Climate Change and the Environment (ACCE) report, the group already had a successful track record in synthesis efforts and was quick to develop a research strategy and to recruit relevant experts as lead authors, including members of key partner initiatives. The report for objective 1 is well advanced and we anticipate timely submission to the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. In addition, the ground-work for objective 2 is well on the way, with the second workshop coordinated for Dec 2014 (adjacent to the 2014 AGU Fall Meeting) and participants are near finalized (see annex 1). One aspect the AntarcticClimate²¹ team seeks to improve is our profile and public outreach. The AntarcticClimate²¹ webpage and facebook page are high priorities to be developed further.

Recommendations/Actions and Justification: We request the SSGs and SCAR Delegates to approve continued support for AntarcticClimate²¹. The outcome of this SCAR initiative will provide important leadership to improve modeling capability for future projections in time for inclusion in the IPCC AR6, it seeks multidisciplinary collaboration between existing SCAR initiatives, encourages new international research efforts, engages proactively in the development of the new generation of CMIP6 experiments, and promotes the integrates early and mid career scientists.

Expected Benefits/Outcomes:  The principle aim of AntarcticClimate²¹ is to provide realistic, data-constrained future projections for the next century and beyond, and to support SCAR’s leadership in Antarctic research and policy advice.

Partners: AntarcticClimate²¹ seeks to serve and collaborate in particular with PAIS, SERCE, AntEco, AnTERA, APECS, ACCE, ISMASS, ASPeCT, SOOS, PAGES, IPICS, CliC, CMIP, PMIP, WCPR, and PCIP.

Budget Implications: In addition to the proposed budget, we note the excellent support of SCAR of hosting the SRP webpage.

SCAR XXXIII WP14: Report on PAIS (Past Antarctic Ice Sheet Dynamics)

Executive Summary

Title: Past Antarctic Ice Sheet Dynamics (PAIS)

Authors: C. Escutia, R. DeConto, K. Gohl, R. Larter, R. Powell, L. De Santis, M. Bentley

Introduction/ Background:  
The overarching goal of PAIS is to improve confidence in predictions of ice sheet and sea level response to future climate change and ocean warming. For this, PAIS aims to improve understanding of the sensitivity of East, West, and Antarctic Peninsula Ice Sheets to a broad range of climatic and oceanic conditions. Study intervals span a range of timescales, including past “greenhouse” climates warmer than today, and times of more recent warming and ice sheet retreat during glacial terminations. The PAIS research philosophy is based on data-data and data-model integration and intercomparison, and the development of “ice-to-abyss” data transects, extending from the ice sheet interior to the deep sea. The data-transect concept will link ice core, ice sheet-proximal, offshore, and far-field records of past ice sheet behaviour and sea level, yielding an unprecedented view of past changes in ice sheet geometry, volume, and ice sheet-ocean interactions. These integrated data sets will enable robust testing of a new generation of coupled Glacial Isostatic Adjustment-Ice Sheet-Atmosphere-Ocean models that include new reconstructions of past and present ice bed topography and bathymetry. PAIS will accomplish its objectives by: 1) facilitating the planning of new data-acquisition missions using emerging technologies; 2) encouraging data sharing and integration of spatially targeted transect data with modelling studies; and 3) initiating/expanding cross linkages among Antarctic research communities.

Important Issues or Factors:
PAIS continent-to-abyss transects build on ongoing and planned projects and therefore guarantee continuous deliverables. 

Recommendations/Actions and Justification:
Support for PAIS plans for the remaining life of the Programme and input from EXCOM on PAIS plans based on the SCAR Strategic Plan and the Horizon Scan outcomes.

Expected Benefits/Outcomes:
Publications and science relevant to large international programmes/initiatives and policy makers, enhancement of SCAR profile.

Partners:
ANDRILL, IODP, ICDP, AntECO, APECS, IGBP-PAGES, IPICS, ISMASS, SCADM, SCERCE, SHALDRIL and other SCAR Expert and Action Groups.

Budget Implications:
Request for confirmation of SCAR science programme funding at current level until the internal progress review.

SCAR XXXIII WP15: Report on SERCE (Solid Earth Response and influence on Cryosphere Evolution)

Executive Summary

Title: Solid Earth Response and influence on Cryospheric Evolution  (SERCE)

Authors: Terry J Wilson

Introduction/ Background:
The Solid Earth Response and influence on Cryospheric Evolution (SERCE) SRP targets new understanding of solid earth – cryosphere interactions at a crucial time in earth history when global change is driving variations in mass balance of the polar ice sheets.  SERCE promotes integration of new earth science data sets into modeling of ice mass balance, ice dynamics, and solid earth responses to mass change.

Important Issues or Factors:

• Successful Activities have been completed, including AGU/EGU thematic sessions, 2 SCAR OSC thematic sessions, and an international science symposium.
• Postponement of ‘training school’ from 2014 to 2015, carry over of funds required
• Planned activities requiring support in 2015-16

Recommendations/Actions and Justification:

• Approval of budget requests, including carry over, to implement programme plans
• Seek recommendations for partnerships with other international/national organizations pursuing geodynamic and cryospheric research overlapping with SERCE objectives

Expected Benefits/Outcomes: 

• Partnerships between SCAR-SERCE and other organizations effectively leverage the scope and impact of science and outreach activities
• Science infrastructure, capacity, data sharing and collaboration facilitated through SERCE activities

Partners:
SERCE has engaged, or seeks, international partners to leverage each activity.  Partners that have been identified are:

• International Lithosphere Progamme, Upper Mantle Dynamics and Quaternary Climate in Cratonic Areas (DynaQlim) and new group
• International Association of Geodesy
• EGU Training School funding scheme
• U.S. National Science Foundation (training schools)
• ISMASS
• CLIC
• APECS

Budget Implications:
Carry over of Funding of $19,780 allocated in 2014; $23,000 for 2015 and $25,000 for 2016 are requested to support SERCE activities.

SCAR XXXIII WP16: Report from the SCAR Social Sciences Group

Executive Summary

Title: Report of the SCAR Social Sciences Action Group

Authors: D. Liggett, J.F Salazar, E. Leane, K. Bastmeijer, S. Chaturvedi, A.D. Hemmings, M. Lamers, J. O’Reilly, G. Steel, E. Stewart and other members of the steering group

Introduction/Background:

Increasingly, Antarctic institutions and stakeholders acknowledge the costs and benefits of human activities in Antarctica not merely from an economic perspective but also from environmental, social and cultural points of view. The coverage (in the media and in policy discussions) of the many aspects of human endeavour in the Antarctic asks policy-makers, educators, scientists and the wider public to weigh multiple costs and benefits (that is to say, values) against one another. Understanding the extent and nature of the values that human beings place on the Antarctic has large-scale and very serious implications for human engagement with and activity in the region in the future and significant public-relations implications in relation to the wider social acceptability of even traditional forms of Antarctic activity.

Important Issues or Factors:

Social scientists and humanities researchers have the expertise and tools to lead an academic assessment of Antarctic values and other questions linked to human presence in the Antarctic or its cultural, political, social and behavioural dimensions.  The Social Sciences AG (hereon “the group”) was established to carry out research targeted at understanding the range of values underpinning human engagement with Antarctica.  As shown in this report (including its appendices), this research effort has progressed considerably.  At the same time, as a result of this research, it has become clear that continued research into Antarctic values needs to be cognisant of broader considerations around human presence in Antarctica.  A concomitant broadening of the humanities and social sciences research agenda within SCAR promises considerable benefits in the long run, especially with regard to understanding human behaviour, impacts, influence and decision-making in an Antarctic context and developing alternative strategies for environmental management.

Recommendations/Actions and Justification: We request that the group be designated Expert Group status to maintain and expand the momentum established through the Antarctic values research project and to incorporate and coordinate a greater breadth of existing and new Antarctic social sciences and humanities projects, and potential collaborators, under its umbrella.

Expected Benefits/Outcomes: The group will continue to raise the profile of SCAR in the public realm and in social science and humanities research communities by demonstrating that SCAR supports multi-disciplinary research efforts outside the realm of the natural sciences.  Social sciences and humanities enquiries and analyses through this group will also help SCAR to better ground its scientific advice in a thorough understanding of the drivers of human engagement with the Antarctic.  Finally, a range of academic publications resulting from this research effort will bolster SCAR’s scholarly record in the social sciences and humanities.

Partners: The group collaborates with the SCAR History EG, as highlighted by a joint SCAR History and Social Sciences workshop (Cambridge, UK, 1-5 July 2013) and a joint session at the SCAR OSC 2014.

Budget Implications: The group requests the standard operating budget for SCAR Expert Groups ($5000 per year).

SCAR XXXIII WP17: Report from the SCAR History Group

Executive Summary

Title: History Expert Group

Authors: Cornelia Lüdecke

Introduction/ Background:

The Expert Group was founded as an Action Group in 2004. Since the first workshop in Germany in 2005 the Group has flourished and membership of the Expert Group has steadily increased, as has the geographical and disciplinary diversity of the participants. The Group’s meetings continue to serve as a valuable discussion space for junior and senior members alike. Meetings have been held across four continents (Africa, Europe, North America, South America), permitting the core group of academic historians to be joined by local researchers who would likely not otherwise have joined the Group. The SCAR Expert Group provides a unique and irreplaceable site for scholars to exchange ideas and develop historical research related to the Antarctic. Collaborative research projects undertaken by some of the group members demonstrate the group’s dynamism.

Important Issues or Factors:

The History EG and the Social Sciences AG organized a first joint workshop on „The past, present and future of human connections to the Antarctic“ at the British Antarctic Survey in Cambridge (UK) from 1-5 July 2013. 52 participants from 16 countries presented the results of their recent research in 39 oral papers. The workshop was very successful and both groups shared their ideas during the discussions, which unveiled a remarkable overlap in historical and social aspects of Antarctic research. In the end the participants suggested to continue with these joint workshops.

Additionally, Cornelia Lüdecke represented the History EG at the SCAR Antarctic and Southern Ocean Horizon Scan from 20-23 April 2014 in Queenstown (New Zealand).

Recommendations/Actions and Justification:

We wish to continue the SCAR History Expert Group in its current form and to continue our collaboration with Social Sciences Action Group.

Expected Benefits/Outcomes: 

The current high level of publications by Group members will continue, both individually and through collective forums such as special journal issues and a planned edited volume on “Antarctica – A Continent for the Humanities”, edited by three members of the History Expert Group.

Partners:

The SCAR Social Sciences Action Group as well as the history group of the International Arctic Science Committee (IASC).

Budget Implications:

US$ 5.000 as support of the next for travel support for PhD students and scholars of low income.

SCAR XXXIII WP18: The Southern Ocean Observing System (SOOS)

Executive Summary

Title: The Southern Ocean Observing System (SOOS)

Authors: Louise Newman, Oscar Schofield, Anna Wåhlin, Andrew Constable, Sebastiaan Swart

Introduction/ Background: The Southern Ocean influences climate, sea level, biogeochemical cycles and biological productivity on a global scale. Many of the most difficult and pressing issues faced by society—how to mitigate and adapt to climate change and sea-level rise, how to manage the effects of ocean acidification, and how best to conserve marine resources and biodiversity—cannot be addressed effectively without improved understanding of Southern Ocean processes and feedbacks and their sensitivity to change. The most urgent research challenges in the Southern Ocean often span traditionally separate scientific disciplines. The Southern Ocean Observing System (SOOS) provides the sustained, integrated, multi-disciplinary observations required to meet these challenges.

Important Issues or Factors:

1. In 2014, SOOS elected a new Co-Chair (Anna Wåhlin, Sweden) to replace Mike Meredith (UK), and also elected two Vice-Chairs (Sebastiaan Swart (S. Africa), Andrew Constable (Australia).
2. The governance and structure of SOOS, and role of the Scientific Steering Committee (SSC) will be modified to support greater implementation capabilities
3. The International Project Office (hosted by the Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies, University of Tasmania, (IMAS UTas) Australia) only has funding secured for another 2 years. Discussions are taking place to ensure continuation of this support. Currently, only New Zealand and Australia provide support for the IPO. SOOS will need to secure greater international support for the IPO to justify continuation of hosting.
4. The 2015 SSC meeting will take place in Hobart, Australia, hosted by IMAS UTas. Date and level of host support TBA.
5. SOOS will be holding its inaugural Open Science Conference (OSC) alongside the SSC meeting in Hobart in 2015. It is intended that this event will be fully international and will highlight past, current and planned SOOS-related activities (strategic and field). Funding for this conference will be sought through a number of avenues.

Recommendations/Actions and Justification:

1. SCAR provides financial support for the annual SSC meeting. This support is imperative to ensure participation of all of the international SSC members. SOOS greatly appreciates the support provided by SCAR, and requests that this support is continued for 2015.
2. Although planning is at the early stages, SCAR will be invited to sponsor the planned SOOS OSC. SOOS requests that the delegates consider the merit of such sponsorship.

Expected Benefits/Outcomes:

1. Continuation of the support for the SSC meeting will ensure participation by all SSC members, which is imperative for planning and implementation of SOOS objectives.
2. SCAR sponsorship of the SOOS OSC is likely to either be used to provide travel support for participants, or will be used to reduce the running cost of the conference so that registration fees can be kept to a minimum.

Partners:

1. SCOR provides 10,000 USD towards the annual SOOS SSC meeting. Discussions will be had with the 2015 SSC meeting host, IMAS, regarding a level of host support for this meeting.
2. Additional sponsorship and support for the SOOS OSC will be sought over the coming year.

Budget Implications:

1. 10,000 USD are requested to support the 2014 SSC meeting.
2. SOOS cannot suggest a level of sponsorship for the SOOS OSC at this time. The decision to hold an OSC was made only 1 week ago and time is required to develop a budget for the conference. It is expected that the SOOS Executive Officer will communicate with the SCAR Secretariat on this matter in the coming months.

SCAR XXXIII WP19: The Southern Ocean Acidification Report

Executive Summary

Title: The Southern Ocean Acidification Report

Authors: R Bellerby, M Sparrow  (plus various for actual Acidification Report)

Introduction/ Background: SCAR formed an AG to write a high-profile report on Ocean Acidification in the Southern Ocean.

Important Issues or Factors: Publication of the report has been moved to 1st June 2015 to coincide with the next Antarctic Treaty Meeting.

Expected Benefits/Outcomes: This report will be the definitive report on ocean acidification in the Southern Ocean. It should be recognised that this report will have impact beyond SCAR, in particular with the Antarctic Treaty.

Budget Implications: A total of $10,000 was approved form various different budget lines.

SCAR XXXIII WP20: Review of SCAR Co-sponsored Groups and Activities

Executive Summary

Title: Review of SCAR Co-sponsored groups and activities 

Authors: YD Kim, M Sparrow

Introduction/ Background: Noting that SCAR now co-sponsors groups and activities jointly with other organisations, the SCAR Executive decided to carry out an internal review of these co-sponsorships to:

1. Ensure that such co-sponsorships are of benefit both to SCAR and to the groups/activities themselves and make recommendations on a case by case basis as to how such co-sponsorships could be improved
2. Come up with recommendations as to how such groups/activities are best handled within the current SCAR structure

Recommendations/Actions and Justification:  Delegates are asked to review the recommendations with regards to the different co-sponsored groups and discuss/approve as appropriate.

Expected Benefits/Outcomes:  A more consistent framework for SCAR co-sponsored activities

Partners: Various/p>

SCAR XXXIII WP21:The International Polar Partnership Initiative

Executive Summary

Introduction/ Background: In order to facilitate the concept of an International Polar Partnership Initiative (IPII) a Concept Note Steering Group was formed from representatives of AMAP, APECS, EPB-ESF, IASC, IASSA, ICSU, IOC, SCAR, WMO, UoA and UNEP. The Executive Director represented SCAR, but included the rest of the Executive Committee in the discussions.

Recommendations/Actions and Justification:  Delegates are requested to note progress and comment as appropriate

Expected Benefits/Outcomes:  If approved the IPII could result in improved coordination between organisations and more efficient use of resources. It should be noted that this is a ‘top-down’ initiative and buy-in from the Antarctic Community at least is still a challenge.

Partners: AMAP, APECS, EPB-ESF, IASC, IASSA, ICSU, IOC, WMO, UoA and UNEP…

Budget Implications: No funds requested as yet

SCAR XXXIII WP22: Report on SCADM (Standing Committee on Antarctic Data Management)

Executive Summary

Title: Standing Committee on Antarctic Data Management (SCADM)

Authors: Taco De Bruin (Chief Officer), Anton Van de Putte, Robert Arko (Co-Deputy Chief Officers)

Introduction/ Background: The Standing Committee on Antarctic Data Management (SC-ADM) helps facilitate co-operation between scientists and nations with regard to scientific data. It guides the development of the Antarctic Data Directory System and advises SCAR and SCAR-members on data issues. The SCADM Terms of References are:

• Promotion of Antarctic data management
• Providing guidance to the Antarctic Master Directory host
• Establishing Antarctic data management policies and priorities

Important Issues or Factors:

• More National Antarctic Data Centres (NADCs) needed to preserve invaluable Antarctic data
  SCAR has 37 Members and Associate Members. Yet, only some 15 (Associate) Members have established or designated a data centre or a national point of contact for Antarctic data, even though the ATCM called upon nations to establish a National Antarctic Data Centre (NADC) back in 1998. As a result very valuable Antarctic data run the risk of being lost forever. SCADM is working on a targeted approach to include those countries not yet represented in SCADM and to help those countries in developing the required infrastructure for Antarctic data management.
• Encouraging scientists to submit metadata to the Antarctic Master Directory
  The Antarctic Master Directory (AMD) forms the cornerstone of the SCAR Antarctic Data Directory System (ADDS). The AMD is the central directory system containing all Antarctic data set descriptions gathered by NADCs. It is the largest directory of Antarctic data set descriptions in the world and forms the basis for data management and data preservation for SCAR and at the national and Antarctic programme level.

It is important that SCAR projects, national Antarctic programmes and international projects require scientists to submit metadata to the Antarctic Master Directory.

Recommendations/Actions and Justification:

• Delegates from the countries not yet represented in SCADM are kindly requested to help SCADM contact the proper authorities (national Antarctic research programmes, funding agencies, etc.) within their countries or national Antarctic program and to assist in identifying data centres in their respective countries who can take on the role of National Antarctic or Polar Data Centre.
• Delegates are kindly requested to assist SCADM in making submission of metadata to the AMD a requirement for that SCAR projects, national Antarctic programmes and international projects

Expected Benefits/Outcomes: Better preservation of Antarctic data, for future generations of scientists and for society to use.

Partners: SCAGI, WDS, all SCAR SSGs, SCs, EG-ABI (Expert Group on Antarctic Biodiversity Informatics),  etc.

Budget Implications: $5000 a year for SCADM, to organize the annual meetings and to support SCADM members in attending these meetings.

SCAR XXXIII WP23: Report on SCAGI (Standing Committee on Antarctic Geographic Information)

Executive Summary

Title:  Standing Committee on Antarctic Geographic Information (SCAGI)

Authors:  Adrian Fox and Jean-Yves Pirlot, SCAGI co-Chief Officers

Introduction/ Background:

All work in Antarctica relies on a consistent geographic framework, and the main function of the Standing Committee on Antarctic Geographic Information (SCAGI) is to manage and improve the geographic framework not only for Antarctic scientific research but also for other activities including operations, environmental management and tourism. SCAGI continues to deliver, and actively develop, a range of Geographic Information products through its various projects. These products include: the SCAR Composite Gazetteer of Antarctica, the SCAR Antarctic Digital Database, and the SCAR Map Catalogue. The usage statistics included in the report below show that these are active products that are used and valued by the Antarctic community.

SCAGI integrates topographic and names information received from national Antarctic programmes into the SCAR ADD and SCAR Composite Gazetteer of Antarctica. In keeping with Article III.1.c of the Treaty that Scientific observations and results from Antarctica shall be exchanged and made freely available, SCAGI promotes an open standards approach to support free and unrestricted data access and develops the respective specifications.

Important Issues or Factors:

Most of the effort in SCAGI comes from a few committed members.  To ensure maximum effectiveness for SCAR, SCAGI is focusing its limited resources on delivering the three main SCAR-SCAGI products: Composite Gazetteer of Antarctica (CGA), Antarctic Digital Database (ADD), SCAR Map Catalogue (MapCat).

The SCAR products can only be as good as the data that are in them. It is critical for the continued relevance and utility of the SCAR-SCAGI products that SCAR members contribute all new maps, topographic data, and place-names information to the ADD, MapCat and CGA in a timely manner.

The SCAR Composite Gazetteer of Antarctica is a key product for SCAGI that is widely used by the Antarctic community (see usage statistics below). It has for many years been managed by Roberto Cervellati and Chiara Ramorino, of the Italian National Antarctic Research Programme (PNRA). Both Cervellati and Ramorino have done outstanding work on the CGA, but are both now retired and wish to step back from this role. PNRA Italy have stated that they are able to continue to manage the CGA and have nominated Prof Carlo Baroni, University of Pisa as the successor. The SCAGI group would like to thank PNRA for the continuing support for the CGA.

Recommendations/Actions and Justification: Delegates should ensure that they are familiar with the work that SCAGI does and encourage their national representatives to become involved with and contribute all new data to SCAGI products. Delegates should ensure that retiring national representatives are replaced with a successor national representative and that the SCAGI co-Chairs are informed of this change.

Expected Benefits/Outcomes: Wider engagement by the Antarctic community would help SCAGI to continue to develop, and deliver effectively, reliable relevant Geographic Information Services to the Antarctic science and operations communities. Maintaining the position of SCAR as the source of Geographic Information Services such as the ADD and CGA supports the SCAR Strategic Plan objective of an international leadership role for SCAR.

Partners: SCADM, SCAR member countries, other organizations with an interest in Antarctic geographic Information such as COMNAP, CCAMLR, Antarctic Treaty System, IHO, NASA, Google.

Budget Implications: For the SCAR CGA and SCAR ADD to be improved, it requires that, either SCAGI members take on the necessary work or the work is outsourced.

Continuation of $4k a year allocation.

SCAR XXXIII WP24: Report from SCATS (Standing Committee on the Antarctic Treaty System), Including Report to the Treaty

Executive Summary

Title: Report of the SCAR Delegation to CEP XVII and XXXVII ATCM in Brasilia, Brazil, 28 April – 7 May 2014

Authors: M. Sparrow, S. Chown, J. López-Martínez, K. Hughes, A. Terauds

Introduction/ Background: SCAR provides objective and independent scientific advice to the Antarctic Treaty Consultative Meetings and other organizations on issues affecting the conservation and management of Antarctica.

Important Issues or Factors: SCAR provided one Working Paper (WP), six Information Papers (IPs) and two Background Papers (BP). Several of them were submitted jointly with other Parties, Observers and Experts. It also provided input to intersessional groups such as the contact group on climate change and focussed effort on the Environments Portal, led by New Zealand. The SCAR Lecture, given by Carlota Escutia-Dotti was on “Back to the Future: Past Antarctic Climates, Ice Sheet History & Their Relevance for Understanding Future Trends”.

Agreements:

The following agreements were made (either during the meeting itself or in previous discussions):

• SCAR will continue to play an active role in supporting the Environments Portal project and developing and reviewing the content of the Portal
• SCAR to continue to provide updates to its ACCE report and to engage with other bodies, such as the UNFCC, as funds allow
• SCAR and COMNAP to produce a report (or reports) on the utility and risks of UAV operation in the Antarctic.
• SCAR to present a report on the results of the SCAR Science Horizon Scan
• SCAR to consider identification of outstanding geological features and requirements for their protection
• SCAR will present its report on Southern Ocean Acidification to the Treaty
• SCAR will participate in discussions on a possible workshop on Education and Outreach activities to be held in association with ATCM XXXVII in Bulgaria 2015.
• SCAR agreed to include coastal camping as part of its consideration of appropriate  approach distances from wildlife.
• The ATCM decided to invite SCAR to give a lecture on scientific issues relevant to ATCM XXXVIII

Budget Implications: $20k per year for SC-ATS. Funds are also budgeted so the SCAR Delegation can attend the Antarctic Treaty Meetings. 

SCAR XXXIII WP25: Capacity Building, Education and Training

Executive Summary

Title: Capacity Building and Education Plan

Authors: R Badhe, K Lochte

Introduction/Background: SCAR is committed to developing scientific capacity among all the SCAR member countries, assisting students, early career scientists, underrepresented groups and emerging programs to participate in Antarctic research. SCAR promotes and facilitates the incorporation of Antarctic science into all levels of education.

Important Issues or Factors: The CBET committee reconstituted from time to time has been actively working on mandated activities. Its main activities are managing SCAR fellowship program, Visiting Professor scheme, supporting APECS.

Recommendations/Actions and Justification: Continued support of both SCAR and CBET activities be encouraged by all SCAR members to achieve the objectives.

Expected Benefits/Outcomes: Increased Capacity in SCAR Member countries, developing Antarctic Programs and early career scientists and students.

Partners: Association of Early Career Scientists, International Arctic Science Committee, International Polar Foundation, ICSU, COMNAP, CCAMLR, Muse Prize and others.

Budget Implications: Fellowships initial allocation $32,000 for 2014 SCAR Visiting Professor Scheme initial allocation $5,000 for 2014 Early careers scientist support and Secondment = $3,000 each in 2014

SCAR has been successful in obtaining external grants to support CBET activities, e.g. ICSU grants, management of the Martha T. Muse Prize for Science and Policy in Antarctica from the Tinker Foundation.