SCAR EXCOM 2013 WP07: Report of the SCAR Standing Scientific Group on Geosciences (SSG-GS) Popular

SCAR EXCOM 2013 WP07: Report of the SCAR Standing Scientific Group on Geosciences (SSG-GS)

Executive Summary

Title: Standing Scientific Group on Geosciences Report to the Delegates, EXCOM, July 2013

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

Introduction/Background: Progress of work, future plans and highlights of work was presented by Prof. A. Capra after introduction by Y-D. Kim to the delegates during July 2012 XXXII Delegates meeting at Portland, USA. . Necessity of stronger linkages between PS, GS and LS groups was brought out. Efforts to have inclusion of more palaentologists in the programmes is to be made and more sessions in the next ISEAS to be invited from them.

PAIS (Past Antarctic Ice Sheet dynamics) following the legacy of ACE (Antarctic Climate Evolution) aims to progress from paleoclimate reconstruction focus to a comprehensive understanding of the ice-sheet geometry in various domains in Antarctica from deep interior to far field records. Solid Earth Response and influence on Cryospheric Evolution (SERCE) approaches modeling of glacial isostatic adjustments (GIA) through geological, geophysical and geodetic measurements. New Action and Expert Groups on Geological Heritage and Conservation (new proposal submitted) and Connecting geophysics with geology: key areas for understanding the building stones of Antarctica aim to broaden the scope of SCAR activities.

Important Issues or Factors: There is a need of increased international participation of young researchers from SCAR member countries especially where the national Antarctic programs are relatively less developed.

Recommendations/Actions and Justification: A quota of one or two seats for participants from SCAR community in National Antarctic programs

Expected Benefits/Outcomes: Two main benefits expected. First, quality and quantity of field data will improve and errors can be better constrained. Second, increased human resource on account of training from collaborative participation.

Partners: Initially from within SCAR

Budget Implications: SCAR can facilitate the collaborative participation through an expert committee. Possibly no additional financial implication other than hosting of this committee.