SCAR XXXII WP12: Report of the SCAR Standing Scientific Group on Physical Sciences (SSG-PS) Popular

SCAR XXXII WP12: Report of the SCAR Standing Scientific Group on Physical Sciences (SSG-PS)

Executive Summary

Title: SCAR Standing Scientific Group on Physical Sciences (SSG/PS), Report to the Delegates, SCAR XXXII July, 2010

Authors:  M. Candidi, T. Yamanouchi, T. van Ommen

Relevant URLs or references to other reports:

  pdf Bulletin 180 (379 KB)

Introduction/ Background:

Highlights, Progress and Plans of SSG/PS, were outlined at the SCAR Executive Committee (EXCOM) Meeting, Edinburgh, UK, 18-19th July 2011, by Dr. T. Yamanouchi, Chief Officer for SSG/PS.

ICESTAR became a new Expert Group and AAA was approved as an SRP. AGCS will end in 2012 and be replaced by “Antarctic Climate 21” or “AntClim21” (formerly PACE (Past and Future Changes of the Antarctic Environment) PPG) subject to Delegate approval. The Antarctic Clouds and Aerosols (ACA) group and the Southern Ocean Acidification Action Group have been established. The GPS for Weather and Space Weather Forecasting (GWSWF) Action Group has discussed its Terms of Reference and will be jointly sponsored as an Expert Group by PS and GS; the name of the group will be changed to GRAPE (GNSS Research and Application for Polar Environment).

There was a discussion on interactions with programs outside of SCAR (e.g. IPICS). Agreements with groups external to SCAR can take several forms (e.g. as a SCAR Expert Group or through a letter of agreement). These agreements are to be regularly reviewed to ensure partnerships are functioning and beneficial. These partnerships are important and leverage SCAR resources.

The Ice Sheet Mass Balance and Sea Level (ISMASS) Expert Group held a workshop in association with the SCAR meetings in Portland on July 14. The meeting was highly successful and marks the beginning of a new era in coordination of this key research area.

AAA: a very well attended session of the Antarctic astronomical community at the SCAR OSC in Portland, devoted to astronomy and astrophysics, testifies of its growth within SCAR. New exciting results are emerging due to the specific qualities of the Antarctic sites (both atmosphere and ice quality).

Budget Implications:  Estimated SCAR funding needed by SSG/PS for the next 2 years (in USD) :

$ 33.5k in 2013 and $ 19.5k in 2014. (Pending approval of the finance committee)