Documents

SCAR XXXIV WP03: List of Documents

SCAR XXXIV WP04a: Application of Colombia for Associate Membership

Authors: Colombian Authorities

Executive Summary

Important Issues or Factors: From the SCAR Rules of Procedure:

Applications for Associate Membership:

Recommendations/Actions and Justification: Delegates are requested to consider Colombia’s application for Associate Membership of SCAR.

Budget Implications: $5,000 annual membership fee for Associate Membership.

Presentation: Agenda Item 2.1.1

SCAR XXXIV WP04b: Application of Austria for Associate Membership

Authors: Austrian Authorities

Executive Summary

Important Issues or Factors: From the SCAR Rules of Procedure:

Applications for Associate Membership:

Recommendations/Actions and Justification: Delegates are requested to consider Austria’s application for Associate Membership of SCAR.

Budget Implications: $5,000 annual membership fee for Associate Membership.

Presentation: Agenda Item 2.1.2

SCAR XXXIV WP04c: Application of Thailand for Associate Membership

Authors: Thailand Authorities

Executive Summary

Important Issues or Factors: From the SCAR Rules of Procedure:

Applications for Associate Membership:

Budget Implications: $5,000 annual membership fee for Associate Membership.

Presentation: Agenda Item 2.1.3

SCAR XXXIV WP04d: Application of Turkey for Associate Membership

Authors: Turkey Authorities

Executive Summary

Important Issues or Factors: From the SCAR Rules of Procedure:

Applications for Associate Membership:

Budget Implications: $5,000 annual membership fee for Associate Membership.

Presentation: Agenda Item 2.1.4

SCAR XXXIV WP05: SCAR Membership

Authors: J. López-Martínez and Jenny Baeseman

Executive Summary

Important Issues or Factors: The membership of SCAR currently comprises 39 National Members and 9 Union Members. Following the conversations maintained in the last couple of years, four new countries have put applications together for this Delegates meeting to join SCAR, and other two countries are considering a possible future association to SCAR. Increasing the membership of SCAR has obvious advantages, both by engaging more countries in Antarctic Science and SCAR as well as increasing SCAR revenue.

Recommendations/Actions and Justification: In regards to current membership, those associate members that have already consolidated Antarctic research activities should be encouraged to become full members. Currently the Ukraine and Denmark are in arrears for more then 3 years and Delegates are asked to consider the special circumstances for both countries. Uruguay is also in arrears for 2015, however the payment is being processed. Contact with potential future members of SCAR should continue, including those contacted before as well as other potential interested countries.

Budget Implications: New members would increase the resources available to SCAR.

SCAR XXXIV WP06a: Report of the SCAR Standing Scientific Group on Physical Sciences (SSG-PS)

Authors: D. Bromwich, M. Candidi, and S. Colwell.

Presentation: Agenda Item 4.1.1

Executive Summary

• Expert Group IPICS was externally reviewed and received outstanding endorsement from all reviewers for its continuation.
• Scientific Research Programme AntClim21 was enthusiastically supported by the external reviewers. 
• SERAnt Action Group is expected to propose that it become an Expert Group, and the terms of reference for the Expert Group are scheduled to be established in Kuala Lumpur.

• Renewal of Expert Group IPICS is strongly recommended. 
• Continuation of Scientific Research Programme AntClim21 is strongly recommended. 
• Action Groups PACT and Southern Ocean Acidification will complete their activities by the end of 2016 and be disbanded.

SCAR XXXIV WP06b: Physical Sciences Action and Expert Group Reports

Reports from the following groups:

Action Groups:

• Antarctic Clouds and Aerosols (ACA)
• Antarctic Near-shore and Terrestrial Observing System* (ANTOS)
• Southern Ocean Acidification**
• Polar Atmospheric Chemistry at the Tropopause (PACT)
• Animal monitoring via remote sensing** (Remote Sensing)
• Sun Earth Relationships and Antarctica (SERAnt)
• Snow in Antarctica (SnowAnt)

Expert Groups:

• Antarctic Climate Change and the Environment (ACCE)
• Antarctic Sea-ice Processes and Climate (ASPeCt)
• GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite System) Research and Application for Polar Environment*** (GRAPE)
• International Partnership in Ice Core Sciences (IPICS)
• Ice Sheet Mass Balance and Sea Level (ISMASS)
• Operational Meteorology in the Antarctic (OpMet)
• CLIVAR/CliC/SCAR Southern Ocean Region Panel (SORP)

SCAR XXXIV WP06c: Review of the International Partnerships in Ice Core Sciences

Background:

International Partnerships in Ice Core Sciences (IPICS) consists of ice core scientists, engineers, and drillers from the leading laboratories and national operators carrying out ice core science, acting to further the aims as described in the mission statement. The mission is to define and develop priorities, enable coordination between different ice core laboratories, act as a voice for the ice core community, and train the next generation of ice core scientists. It now consists of representatives from 24 nations, and we believe all nations with an active ice core programme are members.

IPICS has been active since 2002. Although it has no formal parentage, it is affiliated in different forms to PAGES (Past Global Changes), SCAR (as an Expert Group under the Physical Sciences Working Group), and IUGG-IACS, thus providing a link to its major international partners in terms of discipline (palaeoscience), geography (SCAR) and medium (ice, IACS). It has also received support for meetings from the US National Science Foundation and the European Polar Board, as well as national agencies. The current co-chairs are Eric Wolff (UK) and Ed Brook (USA). These positions will be up for election in 2017.

In an effort to help IPICS shape their direction and to review its progress, SCAR facilitated a review of IPICS. This review was mainly for SCAR to help best support IPICS in their efforts and activities. IPICS has been kind enough to provide a short overview of their past achievements and a brief look at what they plan for the next few years.

SCAR XXXIV WP07a: Report of the SCAR Standing Scientific Group on Life Sciences (SSG-LS)

including Minutes of Life Sciences Group meeting, 24 & 27 August 

Presentation: Agenda Item 4.1.2

Executive Summary:

Authors: G. Hosie (CO), M. Shepanek (Deputy-CO), Y. Ropert-Coudert (Secretary), B. Danis, B. Raymond, M. Hindell, K. Takahashi, J. Ayton, E.Kohlberg, A. Hicks, H-U. Peters, C. Cary, V. Cummings.

Background: SSG-LS is primarily responsible for four Expert Groups (EG-ABI, EG-BAMM, EG-CPR and the SCAR-COMNAP JEGHBM) and four Action Groups (ANTOS, ISSA, Ocean Acidification and Remote Sensing). ANTOS and ISSA are cross disciplined with PS and GS. Ocean Acidification and Remoting Sensing are shared with PS.

Important Issues or Factors: It is proposed that EG-CPR transitions to a new Expert (or Task) Group, the SO-CPR Database Group, to focus on maintaining the highest methodological standards in CPR sampling and taxonomic methodology, and subsequently the QA/QC of the data entered into the SCAR Southern Ocean CPR Database (a SCAR Business Product). This will be achieved primarily through conducting standardisation and training workshops. The group is expected to be long term. Its continuance will be subject to review at the biennial SCAR Business Meeting. Similarly, AG-ANTOS is now ready to evolve to the Expert (or Task) Group level in order to further develop and implement the plans for the Antarctic Near-shore and Terrestrial Observing System. This group is expected to have an extended during of 4+ years subject to progress. Full proposals are included in the respective group reports attached. EG-BAMM has reached the nominal life span of an Expert Group. This is a highly productive and influential group, addressing numerous key issues of interest to SCAR, CCAMLR and other Antarctic organisations. They also obtain an external financial support to organize further workshops and hire a post-doctorate fellow. We recommend continuation of this group for the foreseeable future.

Recommendations/Actions and Justification: additions and updates to be made at the LS Meeting

We request the Delegates to approve:

• The continuation of the Birds and Marine Mammal group
• The transition of EG-CPR to the SO-CPR Database Group
• AG-ANTOS transitions to Expert (or Task) Group status

Budget Implications: Budget requests for 2017 and 2018 from existing groups are $36,500 (2017) and $18,000 (2018)

Reports from the following groups:

Action Groups:

• Antarctic Near-shore and Terrestrial Observing System* (ANTOS)
• Integrated Science for the Sub-Antarctic (ISSA)
• Southern Ocean Acidification**
• Animal monitoring via remote sensing** (Remote Sensing)

Expert Groups:

• Antarctic Biodiversity Informatics (ABI)
• Birds and Marine Mammals (BAMM)
• Continuous Plankton Recorder (CPR)
• Joint Expert Group on Human Biology and Medicine (JEGHBM)

As of 18 July 2016: Reports from Groups not submitted to the Secretariat are in red and not included in this document.

SCAR XXXIV WP08a: Report of the SCAR Standing Scientific Group on Geosciences (SSG-GS)

Presentation:  Agenda Item 4.1.3

Executive Summary:

Authors: W. Berry Lyons, Jesús Galindo-Zaldivar, Naresh C. Pant

Introduction/ Background: GS played an active role in SCAR science at the disciplinary and multidisciplinary level. GS scientists from many nations are involved and take leadership roles in 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. A new Action Group on Geological heritage and Geo- conservation began its activities during the period of present review. Two new groups. GeoMap and AntVOLC also initiated their activities since last Open Science Conference at Auckland. ANTOS, a cross-disciplinary group (SSG-PS) elected its members at Auckland OSC meeting and initiated activities. XII International Symposium on Antarctic Earth Science was held in 2015 at Goa and it attracted a large and wide participation. Proceedings of the symposium are being out in four special publications of the Geological Society of London. ADMAP continued its prolific publications and is seeking an extension to process the newly acquired geophysical data. GNSS-GRAPE attempts to draft a new SRP at Kuala Lumpur. Other groups of GS have also been quite active with a significant scientific output since the last Delegates meeting.

Important Issues or Factors: New Action Groups on Geological Heritage and Geo-conservation, GeoMap (Geological Mapping Update of Antarctica) and AntVOLC (Antarctic Volcanism) have began functioning since the last Delegates Report. Their major activities started during XII International Symposium on Antarctic Earth Sciences (ISAES), which was held during 13-17 July 2015 at Goa, India and was well attended by the community. A workshop and the inaugural meeting of the Geological Heritage and GeoConservation AG was held on 21 August and XX people attended from YY countries. During the meeting, SCAR President Lopez-Martinez explained the current protected area system and the tools available for protection of geological and geomorphological features. The group discussed classification protocols. Chris Carter (Australia) is serving as the chair of this group and steering committee.

Recommendations/Actions and Justification: 

1. Approve the establishment of this Action Group
2. Approve their request for $XX for supporting Group activities 2017-2018

Expected Benefits/Outcomes: This Action Group will provide the expertise to better classify and identify important geological and geomorphological features in Antarctica

Budget Implications: Current needs are similar to other AGs within GS-SSG

SCAR XXXIV WP08b: Reports from Geosciences Action and Expert Groups

Reports from the following groups:

Action Groups:

• Antarctic Near-shore and Terrestrial Observing System* (ANTOS)
• Connecting Geophysics with Geology (CGG)
• Geological Heritage and Geoconservation
• Geological Mapping Update of Antarctica (GeoMap)

Expert Groups:

• Antarctic Digital Magnetic Anomaly Map Project (ADMAP)
• Antarctic Permafrost, Soils and Periglacial Environments (ANTPAS)
• Antarctic Volcanism (ANTVOLC)
• Geodetic Infrastructure of Antarctica (GIANT)
• GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite System) Research and Application for Polar Environment** (GRAPE)
• International Bathymetric Chart of the Southern Ocean (IBCSO)

As of 19 July 2016: Reports from Groups not submitted to the Secretariat are in red and not included in this document. 

SCAR XXXIV WP09a: SRP (Scientific Research Programme) Review Process

Executive Summary:

Authors: J. Baeseman, Delegates

Important Issues or Factors: As agreed by the Delegates in 2004, all of SCAR’s Scientific Research Programmes (SRPs) are to be reviewed internally every two years and externally every four years in order to ensure that SCAR is obtaining good value for its investment and that results are emerging at an appropriate rate. The SRP Astronomy and Astrophysics from Antarctica (AAA) was externally reviewed in 2014. The following are due for review in 2016:

• Antarctic Climate Change in the 21^st Century (AntClim21)
• Antarctic Thresholds – Ecosystem Resilience and Adaptation (AnT-ERA)
• Past Antarctic Ice Sheet Dynamics (PAIS)
• Solid Earth Responses and influences on Cryospheric Evolution (SERCE)
• State of the Antarctic Ecosystem (AntEco)

Recommendations/Actions and Justification: Reviews for each of the 5 SRPs have been made available to the Delegates. Delegates were asked to provide their ranking (A, B, C, or D) to the SCAR Secretariat by 1 August. These scores will be talleyed and discussed at the meeting to determine if SRPs are to continue, etc.

Budget Implications: SRPs are funded at ~$20,000 / year. Continued support of these 5 SRPs will be reflected accordingly in the budget.

SCAR XXXIV WP09b: Delegate Scores and Comments on SRP External Reviews

Executive Summary:

Authors: J Baeseman

Important Issues or Factors: Five of the six Scientific Research Programmes (SRP) were externally reviewed this year. The process can be found in WP 9a. Reviews are also part of the Delegates papers as WP 11b, 12b, 13b, 14b and 15b. They can be found here: http://www.scar.org/meetings/34scar-papers

Recommendations/Actions and Justification: Delegates were asked to submit comments and a ranking for the SPRs which will help in determining continuation of the SRPs. Based on the scores received, Delegates are asked to approve the continuation of all the SRPs and to commend the groups for great progress.

Budget Implications: SRPs are funded at ~$20,000 per year.

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

Important Issues or Factors: SCAR AAA is operating well, as it works to achieve its objectives. Broadly stated, these 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. SCAR AAA continues to welcome astronomers from additional countries into the community of Antarctic astronomy. In 2015 – 2016 this has included Taiwan and Thailand. SCAR AAA is scheduled to wind up at the end of 2018.

Recommendations/Actions and Justification: This report is provided for information only. No action is required.

Budget Implications: Continuing funding is requested at the approved level; funding is used to support travel to SCAR/AAA meetings and for production of outreach materials.

SCAR XXXIV WP11a: Report on AntEco (State of the Antarctic Ecosystem)

SCAR XXXIV WP11b: AntEco External Review Report – Summary, Recommendations and Response

SCAR XXXIV WP12a: Report on AnT-ERA (Antarctic Thresholds – Ecosystem Resilience and Adaptation)

Presentation: Agenda Item 4.2.4

Executive Summary:

Important Issues or Factors: Key achievements:

1. Scientific output. Papers, special issues and reviews, published within the scientific scope of AnT-ERA or with specific AnT-ERA support
2. Capacity building. A cross-program interdisciplinary workshop was organised by AnT-ERA. An opinion survey provides the basis for a mini-symposium during OSC, 2016. Additional workshops were supported.
3. Dissemination. Key “tool” is the AnT-ERA webpage with a total of 72000 hits. Additionally AnT-ERA contributed to SCAR products, e.g. ACCE, AEP, UNFCCC, SCAR strategy plan.
4. Support of early-career scientists. > 20 mini-grants awarded.
5. Research. Leading AnT-ERA scientists acted as PIs of expeditions or their sub-projects.

Recommendations/Actions and Justification: The plans outlined in the 2013-2016 report / renewal proposal depend on increased contributions to AnT-ERA and assure this is a research community driven “project”. This includes a proposal for an event in a continent with emerging national Antarctic programs. Stand-alone features are to be strengthened, administrative word to be skipped.

Budget Implications: We request US $42 000 for the next 2-year funding period, which is the same yearly amount as provided for 2016 to be allocated according to our financial plan (2013/2016 renewal proposal), dominated by mini-grants for early career scientists, capacity building and dissemination of scientific information.

SCAR XXXIV WP12b: AnT-ERA External Review Report – Summary, Recommendations and Response

Overview: