Skip navigation


You are in:  Home » Publications » Bulletins » Bulletin 142

bulletin 142

SCAR Bulletin No 142, July 2001

Summary Reports:

Summary Reports to XXVI SCAR, Tokyo, Japan, 17-21 July 2000

Working Group on Biology

1. Welcome and apologies

2, Adoption of agenda

3. Election of rapporteurs for Report

4. Report of 1998 meeting in Concepcion, Chile

5. Matters Arising

5.1 Publication of Working Group's reports

Summary reports are published in SCAR Bulletin and the full report is available at: http://www.up.ac.za/academic/zoology/scar/webcon.htm

5.2 Proceedings of the Christchurch Symposium, 1998

C. Howard-Williams reported that the proceedings of the Christchurch meeting have been published.

5.3 8th SCAR Symposium on Antarctic Biology, September 2001, Amsterdam

A Huiskes reported thaqt the Symposium will be held from at the Free University of Amsterdam, The Netherlands, 27 August – 1 September 2001. The overall theme will be Antarctic Biology in a Global Context. Six subthemes will be: The Role of Antarctica in Global Patterns and Processes; Climate Change and UV-B: Impacts and Responses; Adaptation and Evolution in Extreme Environments; Antarctic and Arctic Systems, Poles Apart?; Biogeography and Biodiversity in Antarctic and sub-Antarctic systems; Antarctic Research, Human Impacts and Environmental Policy. Those wishing to arrange workshops in conjunction with the Symposium should contact the organizers as soon as possible.

5.5 Workshop on new directions for the Working Group

A one-day workshop on New Directions for Antarctic Biology will be held in association with the Biology Symposium in the Netherlands in 2001.

5.6 9th SCAR Biology Symposium, 2005

This issue will be discussed at the SCAR Biology Symposium in Amsterdam in 2001.

5.7 SCAR observer to CCAMLR

E S E Fanta (Brazil) was appointed by the SCAR Executive as the SCAR observer to CCAMLR.

6. Antarctic Treaty Scientific Matters

6.1 ATCM XXIII

Specially Protected Species (SCAR Bulletin No. 136)

D W H Walton noted that the Committee for Environmental Protection (CEP) requires information on whether the Specially Protected Species Category is useful, what criteria should be used to assign species to or remove them from this category, and what the status of the currently Specially Protected Species should be. A S Blix noted that Group of Specialists on Seals had decided that the Antarctic Fur Seal should no longer be considered a Specially Protected Species, and that decisions regarding other Antarctic seal species would be deferred until the results of the Antarctic pack Ice Seals (APIS) programme had become available. E J Woehler reported that the Bird Biology Subcommittee had consulted Birds to Watch 3, that used the IUCN criteria for determining conservation status of species, to decide which species should be specially protected. A draft paper was endorsed by the Working Group.

Resolution 5 (1999)

Working Group agreed that the definition of several terms considered in respect of enviornmental liability depends on the scientific and legal context in which they are used. The Working Group requested the precise contextual basis for these terms so that appropriate advice on their meanings could be provided.

6.2 ATCM XXIV / Forthcoming CEP Meeting

.A one week meeting of the CEP will be held in The Hague in September 2000. There are implications for the Working Group, especially with regard to new Management Plans for Protected Areas, designation of new Protected Areas, and any issues the Working Group wishes to raise formally. The CEP expects formal papers from SCAR, on Specially Protected Species, the State of the Antarctic Environment Report, Diseases of Antarctic Wildlife, Lake Vostok, and Management Plans for Protected Areas. The ATCM considered that biological prospecting activities were covered by the Protocol on Environmental Protection or by CCAMLR. The Group concluded that where there are advantages to Antarctic biology deriving from biological prospecting, but that if prospecting posed a threat to any organism a mechanism for addressing and mitigating this threat should be in place.

6.3 ATCM XXV

There is no information available on the date or place of the next meeting.

7. State of the Antarctic Environment Scoping Exercise

The Working Group agreed that a State of the Antarctic Environment Report would be of considerable value and interest and would be willing to assist in the scoping exercise and in the production of such a report if SCAR agrees to do so. The scoping exercise was undertaken and a document was submitted to the delegates meeting.

8. Australian report on diseases in Antarctic wildlife

The Report of the Workshop on Diseases of Antarctic Wildlife, held in Hobart, Tasmania in August 1998, was introduced by M. Riddle. Two reviews and several written comments had been received. The Report was broadly welcomed but the scientific case for introducing far-reaching changes in operating practice was unproven. It was also agreed that many of the recommendations (specifically 1-6 and 12-17 inclusive) were outside the competence of the Working Group on Biology and were referred to COMNAP. The recommendations concerning awareness and procedures to be followed should an outbreak of disease or mortality be discovered or suspected were broadly approved. A draft paper outlining the views of the Working Group was endorsed.

9. Group of Specialists on Environmental Affairs and Conservation

The Convenor of the Group of Specialists on Environmental Affairs and Conservation (GOSEAC) reported on the two meetings held by GOSEAC since XXV SCAR. It was suggested that the Baltic Marine Biologists group of the HELCOM convention and the Benthic Ecology Working Group of the International Council for the Exploration of the Sea should be approached for advice on biological monitoring protocols for coastal marine areas. Management plans for six areas were submitted to the Working Group for consideration. In the case of SPA No. 14 Lynch Island, South Orkney Islands it was agreed that active management is a widely adopted conservation practice elsewhere and that Antarctic areas should not be considered exceptional but such active management should be subject to an Environmental Impact Assessment. It was agreed that the Group's vioews on the Management Plan for SPA No. 4 Balleny Islands, Northern Ross Sea, Antarctica, should be communicated to CCAMLR , particularly the proposal to include the Balleny Seamount. The Group welcomed the draft plan for a new SSSI at Terra Nova Bay, Victoria Land, Ross Sea and recommended that it be subject to further scrutiny by GOSEAC and CCAMLR.

10. New structures & strategies for SCAR

P M Smith, Chairman of the ad hoc Group on SCAR Organization and Strategy presented and discussed the report and its recommendations. The Group stressed the scientific importance of SCAR Working Groups and their balanced international. A S Blix acknowledged that the ad hoc Group had insufficient time to consider the operation of Working Groups. It was agreed that change was necessary within SCAR and that the Working Group should be proactive in ensuring that the interests of biology are served by SCAR. A small subcommittee was suggested to undertaken this inter-sessionally. A workshop on restructuring would be held during the SCAR Biology Symposium in 2001.

11. Lake Vostok

The Working Group agreed to support the revised programme presented by M C Kennicutt and suggested that there should be at least two biologist members of the Group of Specialists.

12. Report of the CCAMLR observer to SCAR

E S E Fanta reported on CCAMLR activities. Several conservation measures have been implemented including prohibition of direct fishing except as authorized by conservation measures, methods for minimizing the incidental mortality of marine mammals and birds, the operation of vessel monitoring systems, catch and documentation schemes for Dissostichus species, and observers on fishing vessels. Nonetheless, high levels of illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing remain a significant problem that has significant implications both for the toothfish populations and for species affected by incidental mortality.

13. Group of Specialists on Global Change

The Convenor of the Group of Specialists on Global Change and the Antarctic (GLOCHANT), provided an overview of its objectives, programmes, and current status. The Working Group suggested that the financial support provided for EASIZ activities via the GLOCHANT office should be transferred to EASIZ via the Working Group. It was noted that SO-GLOBEC has an implementation plan with planned future cruises.

14. EASIZ Programme

A C Clarke reported on key matters of the EASIZ Programme. Important fieldwork campaigns included two EASIZ-related cruises to the Weddell Sea, the series of BENTART cruises to the Antarctic Peninsula, and the ICEFISH (International Collaborative Effort on Antarctic Fish Adaptive Evolution) programme at Terra Nova Bay. A major mid-term symposium had been held in Bremerhaven, July 1999, with continuing publication in the primary literature and some recent important synthesis volumes. It was proposed to develop a strong web-site for both publicity and as a replacement the glossy newsletters. It was agreed that EASIZ was continuing in a highly satisfactory manner.

15. Subcommittee on Evolutionary Biology of Antarctic Organisms

E S E Fanta presented an overview of the workshop held in Curitiba in 1999. She outlined the key scientific issues that were discussed, briefly summarized the presentations, and noted that the proceedings will published in Antarctic Science during 2000. P G K Rodhouse presented the Evolution in Antarctica (EVOLANTA) science plan developed during the workshop held in 2000. The Group approved the outstanding conceptual basis of the science plan but suggested a revision to provide greater focus to the research. It was agreed that the revised versions of the Science and Implementation Plans should be implemented.

16. Group of Specialists on Seals

J L Bengtson presented a summary report of the meeting. The main issues were: the availability of long-term data on several seal populations; requirements for the Convention on the Conservation of Antarctic Seals; a recommendation that fur seals be removed from the list of Specially Protected Species, but that the Ross Seal remain on the list until results of the APIS programme become available; the diseases of Antarctic wildlife report; and highlights from the APIS programme.

17. Bird Biology Subcommittee

The Secretary of the Bird Biology Subcommittee presented the summary report of the meeting. The main issues addressed were

  1. the Central Data Bank for Antarctic Bird Banding;
  2. syntheses of detailed distribution and abundance records for Antarctic and sub-Antarctic birds;
  3. visits to the Antarctic Treaty Area by more than 15,000 tourists during the 1999/00 season, and the decision to continue developing visitor guidelines;
  4. progress with addressing seabird/fishery interactions in the Southern Ocean, noting initiatives by CCAMLR (Catch Documentation Scheme), FAO (International Plan of Action - Seabirds) and the Bonn Convention (proposal for a Southern Hemisphere Albatross and Petrel Agreement);
  5. the Report of the Disease Workshop was discussed and it was noted that criticisms of the workshop report should not:
    1. diminish the fact that bird mortalities were likely to have been due to disease;
    2. impede continued reduction of the risk of all unintended introductions;
    3. confine measures for reducing risks to operations of national Antarctic Programs; and d) exclude the potential for disease transfer from birds to people (zoonoses);
  6. a Workshop examining long-term seabird population data had been held in Montana, May 1999;
  7. on-line databases of bibliographies and biodiversity databases are available;
  8. a preliminary analysis of the available quantitative data on the breeding populations of five bird species (emperor, adélie, chinstrap and gentoo Penguins and Antarctic Petrel) suggests that an IBA Inventory for the Antarctic Treaty region will contribute to a systematic environmental-geographical framework for selecting Antarctic protected areas;
  9. identifying Gentoo (near threatened) and Macaroni (Vulnerable) Penguins and Southern Giant Petrels (Vulnerable) under IUCN criteria as possibly qualifying as " Specially Protected Species";
  10. the on-going need for a forum within SCAR concerned with avian biology; SCAR Review was discussed and it was agreed that the there is an the continuation of all aspects of, and capable of providing the same expertise and advice, products and assessments;
  11. E J Woehler to be Chairman and H-U Peter to be a member.

18. Final BIOTAS activities

A. Huiskes reported that a final BIOTAS Newsletter has now been produced.

19. RiSCC programme development

A H L Huiskes presented the draft Science and Implementation Plans for the RiSCC programme. The Group accepted the draft plans with minor modification to indicate the scope for synergy between this programme and others being undertaken under the auspices of the Working Group.

20. Financial requests

The Working Group on Biology received applications for funds for 2000 and 2001.

21. Review of recommendations

It was agreed that Recommendations SCAR XXIV-3 and 5; and XXV-Biol 3, 4 and 7 should stand; and that Recommendations SCAR XXV-1, 2, 3, 4 and 6; and XXV-Biol 2, 8, 9 and 13 should lapse.

22. Highlights of National Research Programmes (Information papers only)

Paper copies of these were distributed but it was agreed that in future they would be posted to the web-site.

23. Symposium: Requirements for a spatial information network on Antarctic biodiversity

M. Riddle and L. Belbin (Chief Officer, JCADM) outlined the requirements for, and the benefits of, spatially explicit information on biodiversity. It was agreed that a database structure for all organisms should be proposed to SCAR and that there is a continued need for a committee to facilitate data management and sharing.

24. Additional Items

24.1 Permits concerning environmental impacts

W Arntz explained that the interpretation of the Environmental Protocol by the German Federal Environmental Agency is extremely restrictive with regard to issuing permits for work in the Antarctic Treaty Area. The Working Group considered the concerns to be overstated and that the available evidence does not support such restrictive permitting conditions for marine work that will seriously and unnecessarily impede future scientific research in the Southern Ocean.

24.2 SCAR Sponsorship of Antarctic Fish Bibliography

S L Chown presented a request from CCAMLR for SCAR sponsorship of an Antarctic Fish Bibliography but it was decided not to support the application.

24.3 Forthcoming International Research Programmes

The following programmes were mentioned:

24.4 Guidelines for the presentation of programmes for SCAR approval, and the overview of programme progress

The Working Group agreed that guidelines for the development and review of science programmes should be developed as soon as possible.

25. Announcements of planned Antarctic meetings

Several planned meetings were announced including the SCAR Biology Symposium.

26. Next meeting

This will be in Shanghai, China, 2002, unless another arrangement is made as part of the review procedure.

27. Election of Secretary

S L Chown was re-elected as Secretary and Y. Le Maho continues to serve as Chairman.

28. Approval of report and closure

The draft report was adopted subject to further comments to the Secretary before it is finalized. The report is at: http://www.up.ac.za/academic/zoology/scar/webcon.htm.

back to top

Geodesy and Geographic Information

1. Tokyo Meeting

Representatives and observers from thirteen SCAR countries and observers from four non/inter-government organisations attended the Working Group meeting at XXVI SCAR:

Apologies were received from Argentina, Finland, France, India, Norway, Sweden and Uruguay.

The Working Group continues to focus on providing the fundamental geodetic and geographic information needed to support Antarctic science, environmental monitoring and field operations.

Key activities at this meeting were:

National reports were tabled from countries active in Antarctic geodesy, mapping and GIS. Presentations and briefings were given on a range of SCAR and other projects and programs. Recommendations were developed addressing information exchange and gravity data. Standing resolutions were revised to incorporate web site maintenance, adoption of an Antarctic geodetic datum, and participation in global projects.

A joint meeting was held with the Geology, Solid-Earth Geophysics, Glaciology and JCADM Working Groups, to discuss issues of common interest including ANTEC and data management.

2. Report on 1998-2000 Activities

Reports on the thirteen projects developed at XXV SCAR were presented. All projects either fully or substantially met their goals. In summary:

Geodetic Infrastructure for Antarctica (GIANT) Program

  1. Permanent Geodetic Observatories: the permanent network now comprises 13 GPS sites, 3 DORIS sites, 2 PRARE sites, 2 VLBI sites, 2 GLONASS sites, 12 tide gauges and 8 absolute gravity stations. Nine GPS sites are contributing data daily to the International GPS Service (IGS), an increase of 5 from 1998.
  2. GPS Epoch Campaigns: field campaigns were completed in 1998-99 and 1999-00. Results from all past campaigns were integrated and submitted to the International Earth Rotation Service (IERS) for inclusion in the definition of the International Terrestrial Reference Frame (ITRF) 2000.
  3. Physical Geodesy: primary data sources have been identified and collaborative arrangements have been developed with the International Association of Geodesy (IAG) and the International Geoid Service (IGeS).
  4. GLONASS Evaluation: one Antarctic site was contributed to the International GLONASS Experiment (IGEX) pilot project.
  5. Differential GPS Base Stations: requirements were identified in the Peninsula area and information provided to COMNAP on technical aspects.
  6. Remote Geodetic Observatories: four members are experimenting with autonomous remote GPS sites, but the technology is not yet proven.
  7. Information Access: the WG-GGI web site was developed as the primary mechanism for information exchange and data access.

Geographic Information Program

Standards: a draft map and data dictionary were circulated for review.

  1. Place Names: a supplement to the first edition of the SCAR Composite Gazetteer of Antarctica (CGA) was published, containing 1258 new entries including 439 previously unnamed features. The CGA web site <www.pnra.it/SCAR_GAZE> is now being updated quarterly.
  2. Topographic Database: SCAR Antarctic Digital Database (ADD) Version 3.0 was released on-line at www.nerc-bas.ac.uk/public/magic/add_home.html, incorporating new radar elevation data for the ice sheet. Over 1000 users from 41 countries have downloaded ADD data, and derived data have been submitted to the Global Map project.
  3. King George Island GIS: a list of datasets was prepared, and a workshop to scope future developments was held in China.
  4. Geographic Data Integration: a conceptual data model was developed, and standardised descriptions presented on the GGI web site for the fundamental datasets (elevation, bedrock, bathymetry, coastline, imagery, features, names).
  5. Maps and Charts Catalogue: a web-based catalogue was developed at
    www-aadc2.antdiv.gov.au/maps/ and a draft revision of the SCAR Map and Chart Catalogue was presented.

Meetings and Communication

The following Working Group meetings were held during the period:

The Working Group web site <www.scar-ggi.org.au> now contains details of all GGI projects, reports of meetings, notices of future events, geodetic data, member contact details and links to related sites.

Liaison

The Working Group's programmes and products have significant global and interdisciplinary applications. Liaison with external bodies is essential to ensure that activities are appropriately integrated and focussed on scientific and operational needs.

Reports were presented on the following projects and agencies: SCAR, IHO, ISCGM, GLOCHANT, JCADM, ANTEC, radar mapping, bedrock mapping, coastline mapping and ICESAT. A joint meeting was held with the Working Groups on Geology, Solid-Earth Geophysics, Glaciology and JCADM. SCAR geodesists are active in a number of IAG Commissions and Special Study Groups relating to Antarctic research, and three are members of the ANTEC Group of Specialists.

3. SCAR Review

The report of the ad hoc Group on SCAR Organisation and Strategy was presented by the SCAR President and the ad hoc Group Chairman. The Working Group supported the recommendations in general but identified some issues to be addressed in any subsequent implementation plan including:

4. Plans for 2000-2002

It was agreed that the two major programmes, geodesy and geographic information and their constituent projects should continue. A third overarching programme on outreach was developed. Nine geodesy and geographic information projects from the 1998-2000 period are continuing, and eight new projects have been identified.

The goals and major activities planned for the 2000-2002 period are summarised below. Program leaders are also identified. A more detailed description of each project, and the collaborating members, are listed on the Working Group web site.

Outreach Program

Objective:

Projects

  1. Website Maintenance (Executive Officer, Glenn Johnstone)
    Goal: maintain and expand web site content in support of all projects.
  2. Publications (Chief Officer, John Manning)
    Goal: promote awareness of Working Group activities and standards.
  3. Liaison (Chief Officer, John Manning)
    Goal: enhance communication between Working Group, SCAR and related bodies.
  4. Meetings (Executive Officer, Glenn Johnstone)
    Goal: organise and coordinate meetings and symposia.

Geodesy Programme (Geodetic Infrastructure for Antarctica - GIANT)

Objective:

Projects

  1. Permanent Geodetic Observatories (Australia, John Manning)
    Goal: develop and maintain a network of permanent geodetic observatories.
  2. Crustal Deformation Network (Germany, Reinhard Dietrich)
    Goal: densify the geodetic infrastructure formed from the permanent observatories and develop a surface crustal deformation model.
  3. Physical Geodesy (Italy, Alessandro Capra)
    Goal: develop a new high-resolution geoid for Antarctica.
  4. Geodetic Control Database (New Zealand, Tony Bevin)
    Goal: develop a master index of Antarctic survey control points.
  5. Tide Gauge Data (Japan, Kazou Shibuya)
    Goal: improve access to historic and current Antarctic tide gauge data.
  6. Atmospheric Impact on GPS Observations in Antarctica (Poland, Jan Cisak)
    Goal: to understand ionospheric and tropospheric impacts on GPS data quality.
  7. Remote Geodetic Observatories (USA, Larry Hothem)
    Goal: identify appropriate technologies for remote autonomous GPS sites.
  8. New Geodetic Satellite Missions (Germany, Reinhard Dietrich)
    Goal: ensure new missions are integrated with the Antarctic geodetic system.

Geographic Information Program

Objective:

  1. Topographic Database (UK, Janet Thomson)
    Goal: provide a SCAR standard small-scale topographic GIS database.
  2. Place Names (Italy, Roberto Cervallati and Chiara Ramorino)
    Goal: provide an authoritative database of all Antarctic place names approved by recognised bodies (SCAR Composite Gazetteer of Antarctica – CGA).
  3. Spatial Data Standards (Australia, Henk Brolsma)
    Goal: develop a SCAR standard spatial data model.
  4. Map Catalogue (Australia, Henk Brolsma)
    Goal: maintain a public-access Antarctic map catalogue.
  5. Imagery Catalogue (USA, Jerry Mullins)
    Goal: maintain a public-access Antarctic satellite imagery and aerial photography catalogue.
  6. King George Island GIS Database (Germany, Reinhard Dietrich and Steffen Vogt)
    Goal: produce a SCAR standard large-scale GIS database of King George Is.
  7. GIS Collaboration in East Antarctica (Russia, Alexander Yuskevitch)
    Goal: develop a proposal for multinational GIS collaboration.
  8. Bathymetric Data (New Zealand, Tony Bevin and John Spittal)
    Goal: develop a SCAR standard small-scale bathymetric database.
  9. On-Line Atlases (USA, Jerry Mullins)
    Goal: define future SCAR involvement in on-line atlas technology.

5. Elections, Meetings, Resolutions, Finance

John Manning (Australia) was elected Chief Officer. Glenn Johnstone (Australia) will continue to provide Executive Officer support to the Working Group. Coordinators were appointed for the two major Working Group programmes:

The Working Group proposes the following meetings in 2000-2002 (the Siena meetings being held in conjunction with an ANTEC meeting):

The WG-GGI Standing Resolutions were reviewed. Two were revised to incorporate tide gauges and the Antarctic geodetic datum, and two new resolutions were added addressing the web site and participation in global programmes.

Two new recommendations to SCAR were developed, addressing information access and gravity data.

Applications for SCAR funding support have been made for the physical geodesy, topographic database, spatial data standards and place names projects, and for the inter-sessional geodesy and geographic information symposia.

back to top

Glaciology

Representatives from 13 SCAR countries attended the Working Group on Glaciology meeting.

The Working Group. continues to focus on fundamental scientific activities related to the discipline of Glaciology.

The key activities during the meeting were:

The Sixth International Symposium on Antarctic Glaciology was held in Lanzhou, China, 5–7 September 1998. There were 78 papers presented. Funding was provided by SCAR, the International Glaciological Society and several Chinese organizatgions. The scientific proceedings were published in Annals of Glaciology, Vol.29, 1999. The Working Group met during the symposium.

National reports, both verbal and written were presented by each of the countries represented. Written reports were also received from Chile, Finland and Russia. The wide range of scientific activities was noted.

Reports were also given for the following international programmes and initiatives:

Future science: the WG-Glaciol. notes that many of the fore-mentioned projects will continue, but notes the following items that have been formulated as Recommendations to SCAR.

The WG-Glaciol. proposed the following meetings:

The Working Groups on Glaciology, and Physics and Chemistry of the Atmosphere jointly hosted a one day scientific workshop on "Antarctic Precipitation and Mass Balance" during XXVI SCAR. The inclusion of scientific symposia at SCAR meetings as a focus for participation of a wider audience was welcomed.

The Working Group welcomed the report "Preparing SCAR for 21st century science in Antarctica" by the ad hoc Group on SCAR Organization and Strategy.

T H Jacka was elected Vice Chairman of the Working Group

The Working Group will hold its next meeting at XXVII SCAR in Shanghai, China, 2002.

back to top

Report of the Joint Meeting of the Working Groups on Geology
and Solid-Earth Geophysics

1. ANTOSTRAT Subcommittee on Late Phanerozoic Glacial History

P J Barrett presented a report by the Convenor A K Cooper on ANTOSTRAT activities for 1999 and 2000, and proposed activities for 2001 and 2002. It was noted that the emphasis in ANTOSTRAT work changed significantly in 1998 from the analysis of seismic surveys for siting drill holes for gathering records of past climate to the integration of drilling results and new climate modelling results. The meeting supported these initiatives (Recommendation XXVI-G&SEG 2000-1).

P J Barrett reported on the successful completion in December 1999 of 3 seasons of Cape Roberts drilling. In recognition of the wide interest in drilling for geological research in Antarctica, and considering the technical, logistic and management expertise accumulated during the Cape Roberts project, participants were formulating proposals for the establishment of a drilling consortium and technical evaluation service (ANDRILL), and for the hand-over of the CRP drilling system to the community (Recommendation XXVI-G&SEG 2000-1).

P. O'Brien reported on the recent success of the ODP Leg 188 in drilling in Prydz Bay, with three holes on the continental rise, slope and shelf, sampling all three time periods targeted by ANTOSTRAT. He also advised the meeting of proposals currently being considered by the Scientific Committee of the ODP in the first week of August for scheduling in early 2002, and stressed the importance of SCAR support. The meeting recommended (Recommendation XXVI-G & SEG 2) that SCAR writes to ODP supporting the further drilling legs proposed around Antarctica.

2. Group of Specialists on Antarctic Neotectonics (ANTEC)

T J Wilson, Convenor, reported on planned activities, future projects and workshops (Siena 2001, Penrose Conference 2002, ISAES Potsdam 2003). She reiterated the aims of ANTEC and urged members to participate.

3. Permitting of Marine Science

D. Fuetterer (Germany) drew members attention to a requirement by the Federal Environmental Agency (UBA) of the German Ministry of the Environment for a higher level of environmental impact assessment (CEE rather than IEE) for acoustic, benthic, and bottom-sampling activities than that required by other nations. The UBA considers that the operation of such equipment may cause more than minor or transitory harm to warm-blooded animals and fish. The time needed for the CEE approval process has already led to the cancellation of important German scientific ship-based activities to collect data directed toward the understanding of past climate and environmental change in the Antarctic.

Members discussed the issue in detail, pointing out that the acoustic activities in question use only of standard marine seismic and acoustic devices, such as air-gun arrays, swath sounding systems (Hydrosweep) and echo-location devices. Trawls, dredges, corers and grabs have been subjected to similar permitting restrictions, even though the effects of these on benthic faunas is trivial compared to damage caused by iceberg scouring.

The Working Groups on Solid-Earth Geophysics and Biology had agreed two recommendations (XXVI-Biol 12, and XXVI-Biol 13) that were strongly supported by the meeting.

4. Formation of a single Working Group on Geosciences

The Joint Meeting agreed that it was timely for the Working Groups to combine as a single Working Group on Geosciences (Recommendation SEG 2000-3)

back to top

Working Group on Geology

1. INTRODUCTION

1.1 The chief officer, R A J Trouw, opened the meeting. Apologies for absence were received from A Giret (France), R del Valle (Argentina), B Kamenov (Bulgaria) and F Hervé (Chile). The agenda

2. AGENDA ITEMS

2.1 Minutes of the previous meeting.

The minutes of the meeting in Wellington, on 4 and 7 July, 1999, were approved unanimously.

2.2 National reports to the Working Group on Geology

The members gave short reports on previous and future work in Antarctica, most providing written summaries. M R A Thomson (UK) also reported that the SCAR Geoscience Map Database can be obtained at: www.antarctica.ac.uk.

2.3 Report on SCAR Organization and Strategy

The Working Group agrees in general with the intent to revise SCAR and welcomes the report of the ad hoc Group. Some modifications to the recommendations were proposed:

i) In Recommendation 9 the Working Group considers that the change to a system of Operating Groups should be evolutionary with full consultation with the present Working Groups.

ii) The Working Group considers that the present scientific base of SCAR, representing a wide diversity of disciplines, should be preserved so that new scientific opportunities can be recognised and realised.

iii) The report proposes that all SCAR members may propose a member for every Operating Group. The Working Group considers that SCAR should be able to establish small Operating Groups whose members are selected for their expertise and that the composition of the group should be balanced for the task in hand to guarantee the operational efficiency and scientific authority of the group.

2.4 Reports of Groups of Specialists (GoS) and other groups.

i) Antarctic Subglacial Lakes

The present state of Lake Vostok research was outlined, the"Guiding Principles for Sub-glacial Lake Exploration" and the exploration stages were explained. The Working Group fully supports the proposed Science plan and urges that the recommendations are put into effect as soon as possible.

ii) Victoria Land Coastal Transect

P. Berkman presented the aims and plans of an informal group to bring together geologists, biologists, glaciologists and oceanographers to study ecosystems and environments across the latitudinal gradient of the Victoria Land Coastal Biome.

iii) Antarctic Ice Margin Evaluation (ANTIME)

This group forms part of the GoS on Global Change in Antarctica (GLOCHANT), and considers changes in Antarctic environmental history over the last 200,000 years. R. Powell outlined the wide range of activities currently being undertaken, including a special session at the 8th International Symposium on Antarctic Earth Sciences in July, 1999. The WG strongly supports the continuing of ANTIME to ensure that this work program continues.

iv) Age, Growth and Evolution of Antarctica (AGEANT)

C Wilson presented an initiative for research on the tectonic evolution of Antarctic Continental Blocks with its main focus on the Precambrian basement to define ancient tectonic boundaries and to understand their origin. Several scientists expressed interest in participating. The Working Group requested SCAR funds to support a workshop.

2.5 Upcoming initatives

i) Permafrost

The International Permafrost Association (IPA) has expressed its interest to establish links with SCAR. Several members expressed interest and W Pollard (Canada) agreed to act as the SCAR contact with IPA. The Working Group drafted a letter for the President of SCAR to send to the President of IPA. The Working Group also requested the President of SCAR to write to appropriate government ministers to the Global Terrestrial Network – Permafrost Initiative.

2.6 Antarctic Map presentations

M R A Thomson presented the recently published Bedrock Map of Antarctica (BEDMAP), and a new compilation of a Magnetic Anomaly Map, both supported by SCAR.

E Mikhalski reported progress on a new Tectonic Map of Antarctica by VNIIOkeangeologia (Russia). The Working Group recognized the importance of this and encouraged members to submit data. The project will contribute to the International Geological Map of the World.

2.7 Private collection of Antarctic meteorites

R Powell (USA) drew attention to private expeditions going to Antarctica with the express intention of collecting meteorites for subsequent sale. The Working Group expressed its concern that many meteorites may thus be lost to science. The Working Group recalled Recommendation SCAR XXII-1 that it was subsumed into ATCM Recommendation XVIII-1.

Members considered various possible actions and approved Recommendation XXVI-Geol 1

2.8 Ninth International Symposium on Antarctic Earth Sciences, Potsdam, Germany, 2003

H Miller reported progress and distributed copies of the first circular. The Working Group approved requests for SCAR .

2.9 Any other business

Participants were urged to include Antarctic themes within geoscience congresses.

3 Approval and closure

The report of the meeting was approved.

back to top

Solid-Earth Geophysics

The Working Group met on 10–14 July 2000, and also met jointly with the Working Group on Geology on 11 and 13 July. Working Groups on Geodesy and Geographic Information, Glaciology, Geology, and Solid-Earth Geophysics met jointly on 11 July 2000.

Attendees

Ten members and four observers attended the meeting.

M Canals informed the group that Jesus Baraza, passed away just a few weeks before the present meeting. The Working Group expressed its condolences.

Agenda Items

(Some of these were also discussed in the joint meeting with the Working Group on Geology.)

1. National Reports

National Reports were presented and paper copies circulated. The major science programmes reported were discussed.

2. ADMAP

The Antarctic Digital Magnetic Anomaly Project (ADMAP) was launched at a workshop in 1995 to compile and integrate into a digital database all existing near-surface and satellite magnetic anomaly data collected in Antarctica and the surrounding oceans south of 60°S. ADMAP was encouraged by both SCAR (WG SEG) and IAGA. In 1997, a second workshop was held at ING (Istituto Nazionale di Geofisica) in Rome, Italy, to evaluate the progress on the development of a digital magnetic database for the production of an Antarctic magnetic anomaly map. In 1999, the third workshop was held in Columbus, Ohio, where preliminary compilations and draft maps of three subsets of the map were discussed and further steps taken to develop the digital data base. Subsequently these three maps have been integrated. At this SCAR meeting in Tokyo the preliminary map of magnetic anomalies for the whole Antarctic region has been presented and discussed. Suggestions for the improved presentation of the map were made and will be brought to the attention of the ADMAP group to be considered before final publication. The WG acknowledged the work of ADMAP and supports the request for funding the printing of the map. The WG also supports the request for financial support of the 2001 workshop which will conclude the work of the ADMAP group along with the release of the digital data base.

3. Environmental Aspects on the Use of Acoustic Techniques

The Working Group on Solid-Earth Geophysics received a report from D Damaske (Germany) on the decision of the German environmental agency (UBA) to require a Comprehensive Environmental Evaluation on the effect on marine animals of seismic reflection airguns, echo-sounders, multibeam seabed mapping systems and other standard marine acoustic devices. This decision resulted in cancellation of major marine science programmes in the Antarctic including a joint German/Italian geophysical survey. The decision effectively prevents German research into climate change and marine geology as well as fish and krill populations. The Working Group on Solid-Earth Geophysics, in consultation with the Working Groups on Geology and Biology, developed three recommendations: to send a letter from SCAR expressing its concerns to the German National Committee; to form an ad hoc group to prepare a SCAR report on the impact of acoustic techniques on marine organisms based on the available scientific research; and for SCAR to send a paper on this subject to the CEP.

4. SCAR Review

The Working Group discussed extensively the SCAR review document and applauded the committee's effort to identify the shortcomings with the present structure of SCAR. The Working Group supports the finding that SCAR needs to change and offers the following comments:

(1) The Working Group proposes a science steering committee that would initiate, prioritize and oversee the scientific activities of SCAR.

(2) The Working Group strongly advocates a direct connection between a science steering group and the action groups. A science-based steering group is essential to the future relevance and effectiveness of SCAR.

(3) The Working Group recognizes the review group's recommendation for delegates be active scientists while recognizing National Committees may be unable to comply. An independent science steering group comprising internationally recognized scientists is a preferable alternative.

(4) The Working Group believes that for SCAR to play a central role in the future of Antarctic science SCAR must also adopt a proactive role in data management and recommends that a Vice President should take special responsibility for this.

5. Meetings

The SCAR 8th International Symposium on Antarctic Earth Sciences was held in Wellington, New Zealand, in July 1999, supported by the Working Groups on Solid-Earth Geophysics and Geology. The meeting was very successful with over 300 scientists attending from 22 countries. A wide range of lectures, poster sessions, and field trips took place. The symposium volume is expected to be published early in 2001.

A first circular for the 9th ISAES has been distributed. The symposium will be held 8-12 September 2003 in Potsdam, Germany. Preparations are underway and a number of excursions are planned.

The first circular for the 11th meeting of the European Union of Geosciences (EUG) in Strasbourg April 2001, was presented.

6. Antarctic Neotectonics (ANTEC)

T J Wilson, chairman of the ANTEC, reported to the joint meeting with the Working Group on Geology. In a brief report to this Working Group she outlined the need for new station seismic arrays and temporary seismic arrays in the field to collect adequate data on Antarctic seismicity and crustal structure. A further need is for these data to be collected in an internationally recognized standard format and to be archived in international data repositories for wide accessibility.

7. ANTOSTRAT

A full report on the ANTOSTRAT activities was given to the joint meeting with the Working Group on Geology.

Y Kristofferson reported on approaches and recommendations for shallow drilling campaigns on the circum-antarctic continental margin developed at a workshop held in conjunction with 8th ISAES. The objectives were to identify specific actions needed for geological studies to model Antarcic paleoenvironments over the past 100 million years. The workshop recommended that future research effort should focus on three particular time periods of the climate history: early Cenozoic glaciation, middle Miocene ice build-up, and Plio-Pleistocene glacial/interglacials. The focus should be on collection and analysis of ground-truth geological information from around Antarctica and its continental margin. The first shallow-drilling field campaign is scheduled to take place before spring 2003.

8. Gravity Project

A Capra from the Working Group on Geodesy and Geographic Information reported on the work of an Antarctic gravity project. The Working Group supported this initiative especially the proposal to compile all existing Antarctic geodetic and gravity data. The proposed new products of a free-air gravity map, Bouguer gravity map and a geoid will be a tremendous asset to the solid-earth community. The two Working Groups will ensure close collaboration through a subcommittee/oversight group including 2 members from this Working Group.

The Working Grtopup requests all countries to contribute both gridded and along track gravity data to this project for the benefit all Antarctic research programmes.

9. Lake Vostok

Most members attended the lecture on Subglacial Lakes in Antarctica.

G Leitchenkov reported on data collection and interpretation in the Lake Vostok area during recent (1996–2000) Russian expeditions together with older oversnow gravity, reflection seismic and radio-echo-sounding data. Available data show that lake morphology is defined by steep (15-20°) bedrock scarps up to 1000 m high with local step-like features probably related to faulted blocks. Modelling of large negative free -air gravity anomalies (up to -120 mGal) recorded over the lake suggests the existence of a sedimentary fill of 2–4 km thickness. Based on these general features, the geological nature of Lake Vostok is seen as being of tectonic origin with the formation of the basement depression attributed to intracontinental rifting which presumably started in preglacial (Late Mesozoic) time and has been reactivated recently.

10. Recommendations

The Group reviewed the recommendations from XXV SCAR. SEG 1998-1 was revised to include recommendations on standards for data archiving. In addition, the WG considered the deployment of temporary broad-band seismograph arrays to be important and developed a new recommendation for this activity. SEG 1998-2 was dropped since it appeared that it served its main purpose to maintain the Mawson geomagnetic observatory and no other magnetic observatories were reported to be likely to be downgraded at this time. SEG 1998-3 was continued as there is still the need for this activity. SEG 1998-4 was extended to emphasize the need for an improvement in the techniques for oversnow seismic profiling. SEG 1998-5 was dropped since the compilation of magnetic data has been achieved and publication of a map and digital data base are under way. SEG 1998-6 has had minor changes emphasizing the importance of this activity.

11. Creation of new Working Group on Geosciences

For some time, the Working Groups on Solid-Earth Geophysics and Geology have held joint meetings with an increasing number of topics of common interest. Major decisions on science initiatives have been made jointly. The need for a broad range of expertise to deal with basic geophysical problems can be addressed by the establishment of subcommittees. National Committees should be invited to nominate a member and an alternate representative.

The current Working Group identified the following overarching goals for the new Working Group on Geosciences

(1) Identifying and developing science problems;

(2) Steering international cooperation;

(3) Applying Antarctic research to global problems;

(4) Providing a forum to encourage integration and preservation of data;

(5) Disseminating data;

(6) Involving more young scientists in Antarctic research;

(7) Providing adequate scientific advice for management of the Antarctic;

(8) Providing liaison between Antarctic research and other groups.

12. New Secretary

P O'Brien (Australia) was elected to succeed D Damaske (Germany) as Secretary.

13. Next Meeting

The new Working Group will meet at XXVII SCAR in Shanghai, China, 2002.

back to top

Human Biology and Medicine

1. Attendance

Fourteen members and 9 observers participated in the meeting.

2. Welcome and tribute

New members were welcomed and apologies tendered for the members who were unable to attend. The work of Professors Jean Rivolier and Rainer Goldsmith was acknowledged. Both have been members of the original SCAR groups for over 40 years, and Professor Rivolier had been an indefatigable Chairman and research organiser throughout that time.

3. Report of the last meeting

The report of the last meeting at XXV SCAR in Concepción, Chile, 1998, was approved.

4. Medicine

Comprehensive reports on polar medical practice were presented by National Representatives

The discussions included:

morbidity and mortality in Antarctica

illnesses, injuries, and accidents

epidemiology

environmental health

predeployment medical and psychological screening

validation of screening

medical support capabilities

recruitment and retention of doctors including training initiatives

medical credentialling and skill requirements

medical systems quality management

pharmaceuticals and formularies

guidelines for recommended medical equipment

medical diagnostic capabilities including imaging and ultrasound

nutrition

prophylactic vaccinations

TB & parasitic infections

preparation of personnel for isolated duty

post-Antarctic debriefing

medevacs and off-ice consultations

recognition and management of impaired physicians in Antarctica

substance abuse

specific medical incident management including complicated obstetric care and cancer diagnosis and therapy

health and emergency care for tourists and private expeditions

surgical capabilities and practices

medical databases

dissemination of medical information

confidentiality

accident analysis

telemedicine

videoconference-aided treatment

communications

standards of medical care

medical litigation

bioethics

evolution of medical capabilities, standards and equipment

diving medicine

aviation medicine

recreational activities and morbidity

decedent affairs

disaster preparedness and response

blood transfusions

management of medical crisis events when doctor is patient

multinational collaborative medical practices

interaction with the International Union of Circumpolar Health

5. Research

Reports on current and new initiatives in research concerned a wide range of fundamental and applied research; discussion included:

cardiovascular physiology

cold and altitude-related studies

immunology

endocrinology

uv radiation, photogiology

neurohumoral studies

microbiology

chronobiology

epidemiology

nutrition

health services

sleep studies

diving physiology

Antarctic-space analogue studies

ergonomics

psychology and behavioural studies

cross-cultural research

nosography study

disaster response studies

6. There was wide ranging discussion of the report Preparing SCAR for 21st Century Science in Antarctica but strong agreement that the Working Group has evolved into a robust, multidisciplinary body promoting significant, broad-reaching studies and encouraging new and younger investigators. Further, this group was seen as an integral part of SCAR, simultaneously supporting all programmes through its operational activities, as well as conducting its own research, and therefore should continue. Concerns were expressed regarding the projected centralization and expansion of activities and decisions by the Secretariat and the proposed cost infrastructure. All requested more detailed information than outlined in the report, and felt that Chief Officer must be involved in any proposed changes.

7. The need to reassess the Guidelines for Health Care Services in Antarctica was discussed. The last paper on this subject was presented in 1996 and the new chairman will appoint a subcommittee to work on this project.

8 The Group considered that it was important and timely to develop a web page and upgraded mailing list. S Pillon agreed to assist in this task and, when implemented, requests for material will be sent to all members.

9 S Pillon had reviewed telemedicine in Antarctica. Current practice was presented and comment made on future directions. The incoming chairman and S Pillon will organize a small sub-committee to investigate the best practice for Antarctica, and define standards, modalities and procedures to facilitate the establishment of telemedicine for all nations operating in Antarctica.

10 The Group reviewed the current status of Prof Rivolier's study "Criteria Related to the Psychological Selection and Preparation of personnel for Antarctic Service". The current draft of selection methods will be circulated to members for revision prior to publication.

11 J Hassi, the Working Group's representative to the International Union of Circumpolar Health (IUCH) furnished a report on IUCH activities. He will continue as the representative until IUCH meets in 2002 and elects a replacement.

12 A progress report was given by C Bachelard and A Peri on Concordia station and the proposed medical research programme. Other nations were invited to participate.

13 Initiatives of the Latin American Antarctic medical directors were presented, and collaborative procedures for blood transfusion, emergency surgery and medical evacuation were reviewed.

14 The Group acknowledged the efforts of the subcommittee on "The Study of the Specific Nosography (systematic description of diseases) of Manifestations of Maladjustment during Winter-Over". Preliminary results were reviewed, and some countries are expanding upon the initial work performed at Dumont D'Urville.

15 The issue of medical preparedness for disaster was reviewed at XXIII SCAR in 1994. The work discussed has not been completed. The Chairman will appoint a subcommittee to address this issue.

16 The Group reaffirms its commitment to work with COMNAP and SCALOP on any and all operational medical matters.

17 The assistance of T Morimoto to organize the meeting was gratefully acknowledged. Prof Morimoto will stand down after this meeting and his contributions to the Group were noted. His successor, Prof H Ohno, was welcomed to the Group.

18 The Working Group requests to meet at XXVII SCAR in 2002.

19 Preliminary plans for a proposed meeting in 2001 were outlined.

20 D Lugg, Chairman for the last 16 years, will be succeeded by A Peri and C Bachelard was elected Secretary.

back to top

Physics and Chemistry of the Atmosphere (PACA)

1. Introduction

The PACA Working Group held several business meetings and three scientific symposia. There was a scientific excursion to the Japanese Meteorological Agency, including the Observations and Numerical Weather Prediction Sections, World Data Centre for Greenhouse Gases and the Ozone Observation Office and a visit to the National Institute of Polar Research.

2. Scientific Symposia

(a) "Climate Variability and Change in the Antarctic from Observations and Modelling Experiments"

The set of five papers highlighted the global climatic relevance of Antarctica (Carleton, Turner), the importance of trace species for interpreting Antarctic ice core data on past climates (Neuber), the role of stratosphere-troposphere exchanges and the Quasi-Biennial Oscillation: QBO, in the variations of the Antarctic circumpolar vortex (Kawamoto and Shiotani), and recent temperature trends observed at Antarctic manned stations as indicators of climate change. Despite the different emphases of these papers, the following cross-cutting themes emerged that should be explored further for improving understanding of recent and contemporary climate changes and the Antarctic.

1. the role of tropical-extratropical circulation teleconnections (especially ENSO) in Antarctic climate;
2. the possible physical mechanisms by which these interactions come about (e.g., the Antarctic Oscillation, Pacific-South American teleconnection, the QBO);
3. local/regional versus hemispheric-scale trends and changes in climate (e.g., Antarctic Peninsula versus continental Antarctica);
4. feedbacks involving the ocean-ice-air interface and their ability to amplify a "global" warming signal;
5. the need for drilling of several "satellite" ice cores in the immediate vicinity of a main core, given the high variability observed over small spatial scales; and
6. the dependence of detection of a climate change signal (e.g., in surface temperature) on the station length of record and the presence of shorter-term trends in the data.

These themes emphasize the interdisciplinary nature of much contemporary research in Antarctic meteorology, atmospheric chemistry, climatology, and glaciology.

(b) "Chemical Processes in the Antarctic Troposphere and Stratosphere".

The workshop covered various aspects of atmospheric chemistry processes and measurements in the Antarctic troposphere and stratosphere. Eight contributions ranged from snow/ice-atmosphere interactions, to greenhouse gas monitoring, up to the problem of the Antarctic ozone hole phenomenon in the stratosphere. These three topics received the highest attention and at the same time demonstrated the necessity for continuing close and well-organized international cooperation:

1. air to snow/ice transfer processes need to be thoroughly understood, in order to allow a competent interpretation of the results of various ice core drilling projects which are planned or already established;

2. investigations of atmospheric aerosols and greenhouse gases carried out at the pristine, remote locations in Antarctica in order to assess their climate impacts;

3. stratospheric ozone depletion has been intensively investigated by aircraft campaigns (like APE-GAIA) and from many Antarctic stations. In order to distinguish dynamical and chemical processes thoroughly, two intensive balloon campaigns are planned for 2002: VORCORE and the Antarctic Ozone Sonde Match. The Match principle of combining different measurements with air parcel trajectories shall especially be applied to new satellite missions like ADEOS/ILAS II also.

(c) "Antarctic Precipitation and Mass Balance" with the Working Group on Glaciology

Although of snow accumulation can be estimated by a number of techniques, there is little knowledge of atmospheric processes that cause snowfall over Antarctica or the synoptic situation responsible for most of the accumulation. Precipitation over Antarctica is expected to increase with global warming and this is a factor in mass balances of ice sheets. Analyses of limited meteorological observations of the amount, frequency, variability and trend show that there is some evidence for a slight increase in snowfall at some locations around the Antarctic coast. Little is known about the precipitable water or snowfall over the vast but extremely dry interior of the continent. The relative importance of atmospheric moisture and ascending vertical motion in the atmosphere to causing snowfall in Antarctica is yet to be quantified. Associated climate elements such as cloud cover and types (low, middle and high), precipitable water and favourable synoptic weather patterns are also relevant to this understanding. Factors other than precipitation are net evaporation, horizontal flux of blowing snow and melt water runoff.

The rate of Antarctic ice sheet thickness change (mass balance) is poorly known, as is the distribution of surface snow accumulation. New techniques and initiatives are having a significant impact. Synthesis of results from field geology, remote sensing and modelling by an international effort, is required. Some of the key issues are the rate of compaction in the firn and ice velocities at different depths. Very precise measurements of local rates of ice sheet thickness change can be obtained using geodetic-quality GPS surveys. Ground-based GPS measurements of thickness changes can be used to interpret satellite altimeter measurements of surface elevation changes. Autonomous instruments are being used to study the link between surface topography and local accumulation variations. High-resolution ground penetrating radar is being used to map snow stratigraphy between ice core sites, offering the potential for deriving accurate snow distribution maps. It is possible that understanding of the mass balance may be achieved in 5-10 years.

3. Project Planning

FROST

The PACA FROST (First Regional Observing Study of the Troposphere) project has now finished and the Chairman reported on the final outcome and achievements. FROST ran from 1994 and was concerned with assessing the current ability to analyze and forecast the tropospheric circulation over the continent and to investigate meteorological processes. The meteorological data for the three Special Observing Periods are the most comprehensive since IGY (1957–58) and are still a great resource for ongoing research. The $ 5,000 funding by SCAR was increased by a factor of 10 with funding from primary funding bodies. The outcome of the project has been published in 16 refereed papers and there were special issues of the Australian Meteorological Magazine, BAMS and Weather and Forecasting Journals.

Weather Forecasting

In August/September 1998 a successful workshop was held in Hobart, Australia, on "Weather Forecasting in the Antarctic". Presentations were made by practising forecasters, administrators, researchers and forecast users. It was concluded that great advances had been made over the last decade in the ability to produce reliable forecasts in the Antarctic, although there were still problems in forecasting on scales of about less than 1000 km. A major outcome of the meeting was the production of an International Antarctic Weather Forecasting Handbook, copies of which can be obtained from the Chairman of PACA (J.Turner@bas.ac.uk).

READER

Since XXV SCAR the group has been developing its READER (Reference Antarctic Data for Environmental Research) project. This arose from the lack of a single, definitive dataset of Antarctic climatological data for use in research. The availability of such a dataset is particularly important at present because of the great interest in variability and change in the Antarctic climate. Such a dataset will be of value to various disciplines, such as biology, glaciology, as well as climatology. SCAR is ideally placed to lead the creation of such a dataset because all nations with meteorological observing programmes in Antarctica will be involved.

4. The PACA View on the Report of the ad hoc Group on SCAR Organization and Strategy:

There was a wide range of views expressed about how SCAR should be organized in the future, but agreement was achieved in some areas:

1. it was agreed that SCAR should change to reflect better the interdisciplinary nature of science in the 21st century.

2. the group was concerned that there should be continuity of science plans and initiatives into the new structure.

3. the group was concerned over the tight timescale of the proposed changes and felt that the next meeting in two years time should be a transition meeting.

4. PACA welcomed the proposal for an Antarctic Science Symposium during the first week of SCAR in order to make the week more science-oriented.

5. Election of Officers

J. Turner was re-elected as Chairman of PACA and H. Hutchinson was re-elected Secretary.

back to top

Solar–Terrestrial and Astrophysical Research

Introduction

STAR held two half-day business meetings and two very successful workshops during XXVI that served to advance the science and improve collaboration:

Astronomy and Astrophysics in Antarctica.

Role of Antarctica in understanding Solar–Terrestrial relations.

A. Recommendations of the ad hoc Group on SCAR Organization and Strategy

The recommendations of the ad hoc group were considered. The Working Group felt that involvement of larger numbers of both experienced and young scientists in the science discussions called for a separate scientific symposium, to be organised well in advance of the SCAR meeting. The Working Group suggested holding one such symposium a few months before XXVII SCAR.

B. Report on recommendations passed at XXVI SCAR

The Working Group agreed that the Recommendations from XXV SCAR should be retained as Recommendation XXVI-14 concerning the importance of magnetometer data and Recommendation XXVI-15 concerning continued support of existing observatiories.

C. XXVII SCAR Meeting, Shangai, China, 2002

The Working Group has identified the need to capitalize on the enhanced ability to combine a variety of data from all parts of Antarctica. It also recognized the global importance of Antarctica in Solar-Terrestrial Physics. The Group plans to hold the following workshops at XXVII SCAR:

Antarctic Astrophysics Workshop

Antarctic studies of upper atmospheric geospace and space weather environment

D. Elections

M Candidi was elected Chairman. U Inan and J Storey were re-elected Vice-Chairmen, with J Storey having special responsibility for Astrophysics. R Y Liu was elected Vice-Chairman. V Papitashvili was re-elected Secretary.

E. National Reports

National Reports from Australia, Chile, China, Italy, South Africa and United States were presented as part of the Workshop on new directions. A number of other presentations reported on the activities of many other nations. National reports for Brazil and Korea were presented by V Papitashvili. The international project SPECIAL (Space Processes and Electrical Changes Influencing Atmospheric Layers), carried out cooperatively by Australia, Russia and United States, was described.

F. Antarctic Geophysical Observatory Network (AGONET)

A major past activity of AGONET has been the establishment of a central data base, developed and managed in Italy by M. Candidi and co-workers, and a successful data analysis workshop based on such facility was held in Cambridge. Recently it has become increasingly apparent that the technology of the Internet and the World Wide Web has changed the nature of the community needs for access to data. Data which could previously only be accessed in a central data base are now available on the home pages of the host institution. The time is now ripe for substantial improvement of the access to data using the most modern tools. A prototype system has been developed since XXV SCAR. Further work is necessary after the prototyping activity for which SCAR support is being sought.

G. General

The Working Group acknowledged the effort of the secretary, V Papitashvili, who has developed a home page for the Group at the University of Michigan. The home page was used extensively to prepare for the workshops at this meeting.

back to top

 

Acronyms and Abbreviations