The International Council for Science ~©&[R]bulletin No. 134JULY1999

Summary Reports to XXV SCAR, Concepcion, Chile, 17-23 July, 1998 p 1

Published by the SCIENTIFIC COMMITTEE ON ANTARCTIC RESEARCH

at the

Scott Polar Research Institute, Cambridge, THE INTERNATIONAL COUNCIL FOR SCIENCE SCIENTIFIC COMMITTEE ON ANT ARCTIC RESEARCH

SCAR BULLETIN No 134, July 1999

Summary Reports to XXIV SCAR Concepcion, Chile, 27-31 July, 1998.

Working Group on Biology

1. Welcome and apologies that biological sciences were not well represented in The Chairman welcomed members and observers. GLOCHANT, had now largely been addressed by its new structure. ID Goodwin and J H Priddle encouraged direct 2. Adoption of agenda contact with the GLOCHANT office in Hoban, although The draft agenda was adopted with three additions. concern remains that imponant areas of Antarctic research 3. Report of 1996 meeting in Cambridge, UK are being developed outside SCAR. This report of the previous meeting was accepted. Ice-core drilling at had been terminated -100 m above the ice-water interface. Limnology and 4. . Matters arising microbiology of the lake are of considerable interest and The Chairman noted that full repons from Working Groups geological sampling of sediments should be accompanied should be published in hard copy. by biological work. It was agreed that J C Ellis-Evans D W H Walton reported that the 6th Biology should represent the Working Group at future meetings. Symposium volume had now been published despite F J Carsey (NASA, JPL) presented an overview of the various production difficulties. The Chairman suggested proposed investigation of Lake Vostok using robotic that the editors further advise the local organizing technology and a proposal for a workshop on Lake Vostok committee of the 7th SCAR Biology Symposium exploration. The Working Group supported the proposal concerning these difficulties. for a workshop on the exploration of Lake Vostok and J. Montgomery reported on behalf of the local. agreed that national research agencies should be made organizing committee for the 7th SCAR Symposium on aware of developments. Antarctic Biology, September 1998, Christchurch, New It was noted that the Certified Reference Materials Zealand. 200 registrations had been received to date from (sediment and krill) being prepared by S Caroli of 19 countries, with submissions addressing all themes. Oral would be available by the end of 1998. presentations had been selected on the grounds of interest, The workshop "Relations between the Antarctic and and equity with regard to country and gender Magellan region" was held in Punta Arenas, July 1997, representation. Due to the high cost of publishing in journal and attracted over 100 participants, resulting in 55 papers special issues, it had been decided to produce a single to be published in Scientia Marina. edited volume from the meeting. The Steering Committee for the SCAR Antarctic Biology Symposium met during the week of the Working Group meeting. S. Scientific Matters from XXI and XXII ATCM The ' offer to host the 8th SCAR Biology XXIATCM Symposium in Amsterdam in 2001 was gratefully accepted. SCAR submitted five information and three _working The theme is Antarctic Biology in a Global Context. papers. New management plans were agreed for: Beaufort Following the closure of the Group of Specialists on Island; Cape Evans; Lewis Bay Tomb; Can.ada Glacier; Ecology (GOSSOE) at XXIV SCAR, Potter Peninsula; Harmony Point; Cierva Point; Botany some issues relating to Antarctic marine research are now Bay; Change to restricted zone at Tramway Ridge. In being handled by EASIZ, and others through the work of addition there were papers on the following subjects of GLOCHANT. Many other topics relating to Southern interest to the Working Group on Biology: Environmental Ocean marine research are, however, now being developed impact assessment processes; Environmental Liability; and coordinated within SCOR and CCAMLR. The concern Tourism; and oceanic debris.

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XXllATCM 9. Global Change and the Antarctic (GLOCHANT) SCAR submitted four information papers and one working J H Priddle (Convenor) presented an overview of the paper. New management plans were agreed for: Cape activities and the links between GLOCHANT and other Royds; Hut Point; . In addition there were international research programmes, including those of papers on the following subjects of interest to the Working SCAR. SCAR will co-sponsor the Southern Ocean Group: Introduced organisms (IUCN); Protected Areas; regional components of JGOFS and GLOBEC. Education and training; and Lake Vostok. 10. EASIZ Programme The work of the CEP included the following topics of A C Clarke reported on recent fieldwork including the interest to the Working Group: the report from the protected second EASIZ cruise to the on RV Polarstern, areas workshop held prior to XXII ATCM; terms of and a diversity of process studies at many shore stations. reference for a follow-up workshop prior to XXIUATCM. He also reported on workshops on macroalgal taxonomy The Working Group proposed that a proper network and biology; on Antarctic fishes, and a major symposium of sites/areas for sustaining long-term scientific research on evolutionary connections between the marine faunas should be identified. It noted also that a gap analysis of the Magellan and Antarctic regions. The Steering approach is not the most effective nor most efficient means Committee will meet in association with the 7th SCAR to identify_ areas in need of conservation. Biology Symposium. Responsibility for progressing the State of 11. Group of Specialists on Environmental Affairs and Environment report has been passed 'to Sweden. Conservation The ATCM has requested a report of the workshop on "Introduction of Diseases to Antarctic Wildlife" being D W H Walton reported on the Tromsp workshop on organized by K Kerry (). protected areas, provided comments on management plans under review, and discussed the report of the NSF Dry 6. Scientific matters for XXIII ATCM Valleys workshop held in Santa Fe. In addition, GOSEAC The Working Group proposed minor changes to draft recommended to the Antarctic Environmental Officers management plans for Western Shore of Admiralty Bay; Network that sewage outflow, petroleum hydrocarbons in Lions Rump; and Svartharnmaren. the soil and snow, noise from stations and vehicles, and The Working Group agreed to provide input on biological physical disturbance should be measured. GOSEAC had research highlights to a scientific report to XXlll ATCM. also identified three key research areas (physiological and 7. New structures and strategies for SCAR biochemical monitoring, effects of disturbance on birds and seals, and monitoring of inorganic and organic Documents on SCAR organization and strategy were pollutants) for future discussion. discussed and suggestions made concerning improved communication within SCAR, particularly by making 12. Subcommittee on Evolutionary Biology of greater use of electronic methods. Future research Antarctic Organisms directions were also discussed and it was agreed that these E S E Fanta reported on the first meeting in Padua, Italy. would benefit from a thorough review. It was noted that in 1997, where discussions included: gene flow and the many excellent biological research projects being population structure of krill; gene flow, stock undertaken by SCAR scientists would benefit from discrimination and Antarctic fisheries; behavioural, improved support and· bet_ter linkage to related projects morphological and functional adaptation in Antarctic fish; and programmes. Four important general priorities were biodiversity and evolution of Antarctic moss populations; identified: coordinated multidisciplinary aims and the evolution of Antarctic seals; genetics and biodiversity; activities; clear links to and/or collaboration with existing gene flow, biodiversity and life cycles offish; biochemical and potential SCAR research on global change; links to approach to adaptation of fish; a molecular approach to and/or collaboration with international research the study of macro and micro-evolutionary events. A programmes being undertaken under the auspices of bodies workshop on "Evolutionary Biology of Antarctic other than SCAR (eg SCOR, CCAMLR); research on Organisms: status and trends" will be held in Curitiba, topics and issues relating to environmental protection, Brazil, in May 1999. conservation and management. 13. Group of Specialists on Seals 8. Informal report on the CCAMLR meeting DB Siniff reported on the APIS Programme field seasons JP Croxall reported on matters of interest from CCAMLR, in 1997-98, 1998-99, and the season planned for 1999- including new CCAMLR publications; illegal fishing of 2000. The Group had discussed details of data collection Dissostichus eleginoides; incidental seabird mortality; krill protocols, focusing on standardizing variables of concern fishery has stabilized at I 00--125 000 tonnes per year but during census operations. It was noted that reporting on data on krill growth are now essential for further Antarctic seals that have been "killed and captured" is development of krill population _models. The Working incomplete but it appears to be at a negligible level. Recent Group stressed the desirability of improved collaboration information on the status and population trends of all between SCAR and CCAMLR, including better.interaction species of Antarctic pinnipeds was reviewed. An APIS between the appropriate groups in each organization. data management workshop is planned for 1999.

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14. Bird Biology Subcommittee 19. Symposium on a selected topic J. Cooper reported the main issues addressed, including: AC Clarke, Chairman of the EASIZ programme, presented progress on the Central Data Bank for Antarctic _Bird an overview of the research findings of EASIZ. Banding; annual lists of Antarctic and sub-Antarctic 20. Symposia at future Working Group meetings publications on birds; the International Giant Petrel Banding Project; penguin marking activities; syntheses of It was agreed that an overview of recent work on the detailed breeding distribution and abundance of Antarctic ecology and conservation of seals and. birds in and sub-Antarctic birds;· the report of the Penguin would be appropriate at the next meeting. Conservation Assessment and Management Plan 21. SO-GLOBEC Workshop, particularly the proposed classification under J P Croxall provided an overview of the activities of World Conservation Union's (IUCN) Red List Categories GLOBEC and it was agreed that closer liaison with of Threat for Rockhopper and Royal Penguins as GLOBEC should be developed. Vulnerable, and for Macaroni Penguin as Near Threatened; 22; Antarctic diving safety the status and trends of Antarctic and sub-Antarctic seabirds; reviews of bird populations (including trends) The Working Group urged COMNAP to consider ·this in Protected Areas; a request from BirdLife International matter and suggested that the Working Group on Human to undertake an Important Bird Areas (IBA) study of the Biology and Medicine should be involved in discussions .. Antarctic Continent. 23. Announcement of planned Antarctic meetings L Belbin presented a proposal to establish a Eleven forthcoming meetings were noted. computerized and on-line site-specific data base on breeding distribution and abundance of Antarctic and sub­ 24. Next meeting of the Working Group Antarctic birds, hosted by the AADC. Reports were This will be at XXVI SCAR in Tokyo, 10-22 July 2000. received of various tlational and international initiatives. 25. Election of Chairman and Secretary Discrepancies between different guidelines for Y Le Maha and S L Chown were elected as Chairman as approaching Antarctic and sub-Antarctic wildlife and the Secretary respectively. need for standardization were noted. The final report of the ad hoc Working Group on Seabirds at Sea was tabled 26. Approval of report and closure and its recommendation on determining the quantitative The draft report was adopted subject to further comments abundance (density) of seabirds at sea was approved. to the Secretary before it is finalized. 15. BIOTAS Programme R I Lewis Smith (Chairman) reported on BIOTAS Recommendations from WG-Biology to SCAR XXV activities, highlighting the successes of the programme Recommendation XXV-Biol 2 but also drawing attention to the difficulty of maintaining the impetus of international collaboration. The Steering Concerning communications within SCAR Committee had, therefore, proposed that BIOTAS should Noting the global improvement of electronic be terminated and replaced by a new initiative on communication and that communication within SCAR "Terrestrial Responses to Environmental Change in requires improvement, and concerned that Antarctic and Peri-antarctic Ecosystems" (TRECAPE). documentation is not reaching SCAR subsidiary groups This will be presented for discussion and development at in a timely fashion, · the VII SCAR Biology Symposium. the Working Group on Biology recommends that electronic copies of all major documentation (workshop reports, 16. Financial requests meeting reports, agendas) from SCAR and its subsidiary The Working Group received applications for SCAR funds groups should be made available on the WWW before, or for 1999 and 2000. at the same time as, hard copies are distributed. 17. Review of recommendations Recommendation XXV-Biol 3 It was agreed that the following SCAR recommendations Concerning protected areas should stand: XXIV-2; XXIV-3; and XXIV-10. It was also agreed that Recommendation XXIV-Biol 3 should Noting that protected areas have been nominated by national be replaced by Recommendation XXV Biol 12; and that operators for specific purposes but without reference Recommendation XXIV-Biol 6 should stand. to a coherent framework addressing both conservation needs for the Antarctic continent and scientific 18. Highlights of National Research Programmes requirements at a national level, These were distributed in hard copy but it was agreed that the Working Group on Biology strongly supports the in future these should be posted on the Working Group development of a coordinated system which incorporates web site at http://www.up.ac.za/academic/zoology/scar/ all of the categories described in Annex 5 of the Madrid webcon.htm. Protocol.

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Recommendation XXV-Biol 4 i. There may be no visible sign that a bird carries an Concerning long-term studies implanted tag and thus the feasibility of implanting The Working Group on Biology recognises the key two or more tags in a single bird exists; importance oflong-term studies of Antarctic terrestrial and ii. Tags may be recovered and read but there is no way of marine ecosystems in the context of global change, and referring this recovery to the researcher who implanted recommends that SCAR urges National Committees to the tag; consider how these can be implemented and supported iii. Once implanted, tags remain in place for the life of the (Rec XXIIJ-Biol 9). bird, even after a research project is completed; iv. Co·operation between researchers in the use of Recommendation XXV-Biol 7 transponder tags needs to be facilitated, particularly Concerning communications within SCAR where research sites are close together (i.e. where the Noting that the Working Group on Biology provides possibility exists for movement of birds from one site informed comment on management plans for protected to another). areas and is available to provide comments on activities relevant to GOSEAC, the Working Group on Biology And concerned that no submissions have been received recommends that draft management plans for protected in response to the adoption of SCAR Recommendation areas should be submitted electronically to its Chairman XXIIJ-Biol 8, addressing this topic; The Working Group and Secretary, and placed on the SCAR web site promptly. on Biology recommends that National Committees ensure that the following information be submitted annually by Recommendation XXV-Biol 8 national agencies to the Central Data Bank for Antarctic Concerning bird banding data Bird Banding of the Bird Biology Subcommittee of the The Working Group on Biology noting that several SCAR Working Group on Biology: member nations have been slow in submitting or have failed to submit bird banding data to the Central Data Bank I. Name, address and affiliation of the persons for Antarctic Bird Banding urges that SCAR National undertaking tagging of birds Committees be again asked to ensure that bird banding 2. Location of colony, preferably with accurate OPS data are submitted on an annual basis to the Central Data determined coordinates Bank for Antarctic Bird Banding, administered by the Bird 3. Year of operation Biology Subcommittee. 4. Species tagged 5. Brand of tag and tagging system Recommendation XXV-Biol 9 6. Serial numbers of tags used and date of implantation Concerning bird transponder tag data 7. Site of tag implantation Noting that there has been a rapidly increasing use of 8. Date program ceased. implanted transponder tags in penguins and concerned that no national agencies were regulating their use, nor do All recommendations were approved and Recommendations national registers exist to record serial numbers and XXV-Biol l (with modifications), 5, 6, IO, l l and 12 were associated data of tags; Recognizing that: adopted as SCAR Recommendations XXV- l to 6

Working Group on Human Biology and Medicine (WGHB&M)

Fifteen members including 11 national delegates and • tuberculosis screening four observers participated in the meeting. • vaJidation of screening • medical training of doctors 2 New members were welcomed and apologies tended • equipment, phannaceuticals for some members. The work of members who had • blood transfusion practices retired since XXN SCAR was acknowledged. • recommended guidelines for equipment 3 The Report of the last WGHB&M Meeting at XXIV • nutrition SCAR in Cambridge in 1996 was tabled and approved. • preparation of all personnel • post-Antarctic debriefing Medicine accident analysis 4 Comprehensive reports on polar medical practice were • confidentiality of medical records presented by all National Representatives present. medical data bases Discussions included: • dissemination of medical information • morbidity, mortality in Antarctica • health and emergency care of tourists/pri vale expeditions • epidemiology • risk taking behaviour predeparture medical and psychological screening • medical litigation • prophylactic appendectomy • telemedicine

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• medivac and consultations excellent for further evaluation as an aid for wintering • communications doctors. A number of countries have signified that • interaction with IUCN they will continue the current work being performed at • bioethics Dumont d'Urville during 1998, while others will • international standards of the thennal environment organise research tci provide further validation of the • WWW instrument. Other potential pragmatic tools for wintering doctors will be assessed. The information Research will be provided to the sub-Committee which . is 5: Reports on current and new initiatives in research requested to report to the next meeting. revealed a wide range of fundamental and applied research which is of importance to those in Antarctica 8. The offer of the Editorial Board of the International as well as other extreme anC;I remote environments and Journal of Circumpolar Health to publish a complete non-Antarctic populations. The development ofsome issue of the journal on Antarctic medicine and human national human biology programmes has resulted biological research were accepted. Manuscripts will be from the interaction of the researchers and the solicited to be sent to the editors before the end of 1998 WGHB&M 9. The benefits of regional groups to improve Antarctic The research discussed included: medical practice was seen in the establishment of • cardiovascular studies procedures for ·blood transfusion by the doctors • cold-related studies associated with the Latin-American Antarctic • sleep Management Meeting. • nutrition • epidemiology 10. A progress repon was given by Drs Bacholor and Peri • telemedicine (Convenors of the sub-Committee on Concordia • health services Station medical research). The station is expected to • bioethics be operational in 200 I, and the research wiH be an • microbiology international collaborative effort. chronobiology • UV radiation-photobiology 11. Professor Hassi reported on IASC and projects involving • ergonomics human and health aspects monitoring and health effects, • clothing UVR, contaminants and Arctic Telemedicine projects . • endocrinology As the WGUN&M Representative on the International • immunology Union of Circumpolar Health, Professor Hassi also • psychology and behavioural studies reported on the Union and the forthcoming Congress 6. The sub-Committee proposed at XXIII SCAR and in Russia. It was decided that no official meeting of the convened by Professor Rivolier on criteria relating to the WGUB&M would take place at the Congress but there psychological selection and preparation of personnel for would be a section on Antarctic medicine and research. Antarctic service reponed . The accurate and timely 12. Future meetings were advised. These included the review of current methods of selection was considered SCAR/JASC Global Change Meeting in Troms(

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Recommendations willingness of countries to collaborate on pilot studies, Rec XXV-WGHB&M 3 The WGHB&M advises SCAR that there is a need for a Recalling that a sub-Committee of the WGHB&M was consistent method to define and measure successful established at XXIII SCAR to define 'Criteria relating to outcomes taking into account past research which the psychological selection and preparation of personnel highlighted factors of ability, stability and compatibility for Antarctic service'. as key components, Noring that this sub-Committee has produced a repon that The WGHB&M recommends that SCAR support the is being finalised for publication and distribution later in bilateral and multilateral pilot studies to define successful 1998 which may assist National Agencies to refine their outcomes and validate methodologies. procedures, The WGHB&M acknowledges the difficulty in defining a (Note: WGBB&M Recommendations I and 2 were standard protocol at this time and recognises the adopted as SCAR Recommendations XXV-14 and -15).

Working Group on Geodesy and Geographic Information

1. Concepcion Meeting sites, 2 VLBI sites, 16 tide gauges and 8 absolute Representatives and observers from fourteen SCAR gravity stations. Four GPS sites are contributing data countries and observers from three non/inter-government daily to the International GPS Service (IGS). organisations attended the meeting, 20-24 July 1998. • Epoch Campaigns: processing and analysis of the The WG-GGI continues to focus on providing the SCAR96 campaign has been finalised. The SCAR98 fundamental geodetic and geographic information needed campaign was very successful, with 18 countries to support Antarctic science, environmental monitoring participating. and operations. The key activities during the meeting were: • Antarctic Geoid: no significant progress was made. The lack of a reliable geoid is a major issue for the • repons on activities for the preceding two years by GIANT Program. programme convenors; • Geodynamics: velocity vectors continue to be derived • development of the WG-GGI programme structure from the permanent and epoch sites. and projects for 1998-2000; • presentation of the first edition of the SCAR Composite Standards and Directories (USA) Gazetteer of Antarctica (CGA); • Map and Data Standards: draft model for the definition release of Version 2.0of the Antarctic Digital Database of Antarctic topographic map and data standards was (ADD); produced. • identification of a new cooperative project: King Metadata Standards: draft metadatastandards for maps, George Island GIS (KGIS). digital data, geodetic data, tide gauges, aerial National repons were tabled from countries active in photographs and satellite imagery was produced. Antarctic geodesy, mapping and GIS. Presentations and • Geographic Data Directory: no significant progress briefings were given on a range of SCAR and other projects was made in this project. and programmes. • SPA Management Plans: draft guidelines for the At the Antarctic Geodesy Symposium, held at the preparation of SPA Management Plans were prepared University of Chile in Santiago prior to the Concepci6n and provided to GOSEAC. These have been adopted meeting, twenty papers were presented, addressing current by the ATCM. research in Antarctic geodesy and promoting interaction Geographic Data (UK and ) between SCAR and non-SCAR geoscientists. • SCAR Composite Gazetteer: the Composite Gazetteer A joint meeting was held with the Geology and Solid­ of Antarctica (CGA) was published in two volumes in Earth Geophysics Working Groups, and a proposal for a March 1998. An online version is available at new Group of Specialists on Antarctic Neotectonics www .pnra.it/SCAR_GAZE. The CGAcontains names (ANTEC) was developed .. from twenty SCAR countries and GEBCO, and comprises 33,000 entries for 16,500 features. 2. Report on 1996-98 Outcomes • Digital Topographic Database: Version 2.0 of the Geodetic Infrastructure for Antarctica (GIANT) Antarctic Digital Database (ADD) was released on line (Australia): at www.nerc-bas.ac.uk/public/magic/add_home.html, • Permanent Observatories: the permanent network now correcting errors in Version 1.0 and providing comprises 13 GPS sites, 3 DORIS sites, 2 PRARE significant updates, in a more accessible format.

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• Digital Elevation Model: no significant progress was • Epoch Campaigns: (Germany, Reinhard Dietrich) made on this project. Goal: densify the geodetic infrastructure formed from • Ground Control Point Library: no significant progress the permanent observatories, to integrate local geodetic was made on this project. networks and provide additional geodynamic sites. • Geographic Data Integration: draft technical Key Activities: coordinate annual summer campaigns, specifications were prepared, and major projects in and contribute the results to global geodetic.researchers. surface elevation, bedrock elevation, bathymetry and • Physical Geodesy: (Italy, Alessandro Capra) coastline were reviewed. Goal: develop a new high-resolution geoid for Antarctic Meetings and global· geoscience applications. Key Activities:· collaborate in the collection and analysis of key datasets, • Programme Coordinators meeting, Reston, August 1997 and prepare for computation of the new model. · • Special Antarctic Session, !AG Scientific Assembly, • GLONASS: (Australia, John Manning) Rio de Janeiro, S.eptember 1997 Goal: evaluate ·the .application of the Russian Place Names Workshop, Cambridge, October 1997 'GLONASS' satellite positioning system for Antarctic • Antarctic Geodesy Symposium (AGS98), Santiago, geodesy and navigation applications. Key Activities: July 1998 participate in the international GLONASS experiment 3. Liaison (IGEX98), and report on the results. • Differential GPS Base Stations: (USA, Larry Hothem) The Working Group's programmes and products have Goal: develop the application of OPS base stations to significant global and interdisciplinary applications. support real-time air and sea navigation and field data Liaison with external bodies is therefore essential to ensure collection. Key Activities:'liaise with COMNAP in the that activities are appropriately integrated and focused on identification of sites and the adoption of technical scientific· and operational needs. standards, with an initial focus on the . Reports on the followingwere presented: SCAR, • Remote Geodetic Observatories: (USA, Larry COMNAP, !HO, !AG, GLOCHANT, GOSEAC, JCADM, Hothem) Goal: develop a remote OPS base station GEBCO, radar mapping, bedrock mapping, coastline capability for geoscience applications, and deploy at mapping, World Atlas of Snow and Ice Resource, Global key remote locations. Key Activities: collaborate Mapping and development of the Global Spatial Data with other researchers to develop a base station design Infrastructure. for use in Antarctica. The WG-GGI. gave a presentation to the COMNAP • Information Access: (Australia, John Manning) symposium, outlining the place names, mapping data and Goal: dissentinateinformation from the GIANT Program OPS base station developments. Arrangements to strengthen to Antarctic and global geoscientists. liaison with COMNAP, discussed with the COMNAP Key Activities: publish papers in the scientific literature, President and Executive Secretary, will be developed. further develop the GIANT Program web site, and contribute metadata to the Antarctic Master Directory. 4. Plans For 1998 - 2000 Programme The Working Group adopted a simplified and more focused Geographic Information Programme programme structure for 1998-2000, with two major Objective: programmes as follows: • to integrate and coordinate Antarctic mapping and GIS programs; Geodesy. (Geodetic· Infrastructure for Antarctica - • to make fundamental reference data available to the GIANT) Program Antarctic and global user communities. Objective: Projects • to provide. a common geographic reference system for all Antarctic science and operations; • Standards: (UK, Janet Thomson) Goal: provide map • to contribute to global geodetic science (physical earth and data standards for use by all SCAR members Key processes and precise terrestrial reference frame); Activities: publish 'SCAR Map and Data Standards', to Provide Antarctic horizontal and vertical motion and liaise with JCADM to develop guidelines for data. geodetic and geographic information metadata. • Place Names: (Italy, Roberto Cervallati I Chiara Projects Ramorino; Germany, Jiirn Sievers) Goal: provide an Permanent Observatories: (Australia, John Manning) authoritative database of all Antarctic place names Goal: develop and maintain a network of permanent approved by recognised bodies, for reference by geodetic observatories, for use in Antarctic and global riational Antarctic naming·authorities, scientists and geodetic and other geoscience applications. operators. Key Activities: expand the CGA to include Key Activities: expand the number of multi-technique dates of approval and descriptions, maintain the CGA observatories, and enhance the contribution of Antarctic web site with monthly updates, and develop standard sites to global geodesy through satellite data retrieval. definitions of Antarctic regions.

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• Topographic Database: (UK, Janet Thomson) Standing Resolutions Goal: provide a SCAR standard small-scale The WG-GGI Standing resolutions were reviewed, and topographic GIS database for use by scientists and three new resolutions were added addressing ground operators, and contribute Antarctic data to global control points, geodetic reference frame, and mapping programs. Key Activities: complete the representation on the Working Group. updating of the ADD and publish Version 3.0 on the web, and contribute Antarctic data to the (Japanese) That members will apply approved SCAR geodetic Global Mapping initiative. and geographic standards, specifications and guidelines • King George Island G/S: (Poland, Jan Cisak) in their national Antarctic programmes (noting that Goal: produce a SCAR standard large-scale GIS the standards, specifications and guidelines in the database for use by scientists and operators, and provide 1994 Standing Resolutions will continue to apply a model forthe coordination and integration of mapping until superseded). programs over areas of intense international activity. 2 That members will contribute all relevant information Key Activities: identify and index current survey and to SCAR directories of Antarctic geodetic and mapping data over King George Island, and prepare a geographic information. 3 That members will exchange and make freely available proposal for development of KGIS. geodetic and geographic data, in accordance with the • Geographic Data Integration: (Australia, Drew Clarke Antarctic Treaty. Two copies of maps, charts and other /Glenn Johnstone) Goal: facilitate availability of integrated fundamental datasets over the Antarctic, geographic publications shall be automatically distributed through liaison with other programs and international to the Antarctic Mapping Centres of the SCAR countries. agencies, for use by global change researchers and 4 That members will make ground control point information, including photographic identifications, other scientists. Key Activities: finalise data and available on the World Wide Web for use in other product specifications in consultation with users and Antarctic mapping and research applications. standards bodies, and promote the specifications to 5 That members adopt the International Terrestrial key agencies and programs. Reference Frame (ITRF) as a basic geodetic reference • Map and Chart Catalogue (USA, Jerry Mullins) frame in Antarctica, and the GRS80 ellipsoid for the Goal: maintain a public-access catalogue of all precise computation of geographical coordinates. Antarctic topographic and bathymetric maps, and 6 That whenever possible, national representation at nautical and aeronautical charts. Key Activities: revise Working Group meetings should include both geodetic the metadata model, validate existing catalogue data, and geographic information specialists. establish an online system and publish a hardcopy edition for SCAR XXVI. Recommendations S. Conclusion 3. Geodetic Reference Frame Coordinators were appointed for the two WG-GGl programs: Noting the widespread use of the International Terrestrial Geodesy (GIANT): John Manning (Australia) Reference Frame (ITRF) as a global geodetic reference Geographic Information: Janet Thomson (UK) frame, as recommended by the International JOrn Sievers (Germany) Association of Geodesy; Drew Clarke (Australia) was re-elected Chairman. The Recognising the increasing use of precise positioning in WG-GGI home page (http:l/www.scar-ggi.org.au) will Antarctica for many scientific purposes and the need continue to provide a key means of disseminating for a common reference frame for Antarctic and information on WG activities, contacts and meetings. global geographically referenced information; More detailed descriptions of the 1998-2000 program plans The ~orking Group recommends that: will also be available at this site. A WG-GGI list-server SCAR recommends that National Committees, SCAR capability will be developed to further improve Working Groups and Groups of Specialists adopt and comrnunicatiori between members. support use of: The Working Group proposes the following meetings in 1 ITRF as the basic geodetic reference frame in 1998-2000: Antarctica; • Place names workshop in Rome, March 1999; 2 the GRS80 ellipsoid for computation of precise • GIANTSymposium(AGS99)in Warsaw, 14-16July geographic coordinates in that reference frame. 1999; • Program I project coordinators meeting in Frankfurt, 1999; (Note: GGI Recommendations I, 2 and 4 were adopted • Working Group meeting at XXVI SCAR in Tokyo, 2000. as SCAR Recommendations XXV-7, -8 and -9)

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Working Group on Solid-Earth Geophysics

The Working Grnup met on 20, 23-24 iuly 1998, and • seismological studies, seismicity at high latitude, joined the Working Group on Geology on 21 July (and global and regional' seismic tomography, nature of also on 23 and 24 July in the afternoon) in joint dicuss\ons. discontinuities in the Earth's core and mantle); and A joint meeting of the 3 Working Groups on Geodesy, geomagnetic studies (secular variation of the main Geology, and Solid-Earth Geophysics took place oil 21 July. geomagnetic field, Earth's magnetic field inodels, The meeting was attended by 13 National Representatives solar-terrestrial relationships). ' and 2 observers. 7.ADMAP 1. National reports A Meloni reported on AD MAP (Antarctic· Digital Nation.al Reports were presented by repre;entatives and Magnetic Anomaly Programme). This was launched (1995 science programmes were discussed. workshop ADMAP I, Cambride, UK) to compile and integrate into a digital database all existing near-surface 2. SOLS ·status and future; ANTOSTRAT. and satellite magnetic anomaly data collected in Antarctica An overview o·n the SOLS structure and the funding and surrounding oceans south of 60°S. resources for producing the data o,n CD-ROM was A workshop (ADMAP II) was held at ING (lstituto presented by A K Cooper. A brief discussion on usage of Nazionale di Geofisica) in Rome, Italy, from 29 September existing data collection and possible inclusion of other data to 2 October 1997 to consider progress on the development (eg potential field data) followed. The proposal that of a digital magnetic database for the production of an ANTOSTRAT should form a subsidiary body of WGs SEG Antarctic magnetic anomaly map. More than 30 scientific and Geology to preserve SOLS and expenise (as necessary presentations were prepared and are now undergoing to advise ODP-Antarctic drilling) was presented and peer-review for publication in a special issue of the journal deferred for discussion at the joint meeting with the ANNAL! DI GEOFISICA. In addition, the following Working Group on Geology. actions were taken: 3. 9th ISAES proposal • The protocols from ADMAP I were reaffirmed, The formal invitation by the German National Committee wh.ereby existing Antarctic magnetic data holdings for SCAR to hold the 9th ISAES in Potsdam, Germany will be made available to the World Data· Centers in 2003 was presented by the German representative. (WDCs) by 1999 for inclusion in the digital. magnetic database and anomaly map. Magnetic data collected 4. Liaison with IUGG and CMG by any future programme will be made available to the During XXIV SCAR it was noted that the two WDCs with 6 years of the completion of the field survey. representatives of IUGG and CMG had been absent for • ADMAP will work to complete by Spring 1999 the several meetings. The secretary was asked to approach integration of near-surface and satellite survey data SCAR Executive on the matter. into regional compilations for the Weddell Sea, the The need for an appointed liaison representativ_e was East Antarctic, and the sectors. discussed and it seemed that there is no apparent neccessity • The production and analysis of these 3 regional for such a liaison position as it was felt that this is compilations will be featured at the ADMAP III accomodated sufficiently through the presence of working workshop at the Byrd Polar Research Center in group members during IUGG meetings. However, it Columbus, Ohio, in 1999 and the results will be remained unclear whether IUGG (and CMG) need a formal presented at the AGU Spring meeting and the 8th liaison with WG SEG. The secretary was asked to approach ISAES in 1999. SCAR Executive again on the matter. • To facilitate the production and geologic applications 5. Neotectonics of the Antarctic digital magnetic database, the WG established subcommittees for a) advising on mapping R Bell and D H Elliot presented a proposal to form a new procedures, b) magnetic reference field development, group on Antarctic Neotectonics. The discussion was c) gravity data compilation, d) rock physical properties deferred to the joint meeting of WGs SEG and Geology and compilation (the latter two possibly developing a joint meeting of the three WGs SEG, Geology and GGI. independently past ADMAP). 6.DomeC The full report of the ADMAP II workshop is available The Working Group noted the efforts by France and Italy on the website http://io.ingrm.it/free/admap.htm. to install a permanent geophysical observatory at the new The Working Group acknowledged the work of Antarctic base CONCORDIA (75°S, 124°E). ADMAP and urges again all nations holding magnetic The earth science programme, essentially dedicated to the data to contribute so that ADMAP may conclude its work study of the Earth Interior, will include: within the initially anticipated 6-year project lifetime.

9 SCAR BULLETIN NO. 134

8.ADGRAV 14. Next Meeting The goal of ADGRAV (Antarctic Digital Gravity The Working Group will meet formally during the 8th synthesis), presented by R Bell, is to develop an Antarctic ISAES in Wellington, , in 1999 and again at gravity data base which will facilitate access to improved the XXVI SCAR in Tokyo, Japan in 2000. high resolution satellite gravity models, in conjunction with airborne, marine, and land based gravity Recommendations measurements. The proposed gravity data base will SEG 1998-1 (continued from SEG 1996-1) complement the parallel projects to develop new Recognising the importance of global seismic monitoring continental bedrock (BEDMAP) and magnetic (ADMAP) in understanding the structure of the deep interior of the maps of Antarctica; it will be closely coordinated with earth, the Working Group supports the continued operation the ADMAP and BEDMAP communities. After of existing broad-band seismographs on the Antarctic identifying existing data sets, assessing their quality and continent and encourages the establishment of new ones, agreeing upon protocols for the use of the data contributed both permanent and temporary, in optimal locations. to the data base, an interactive method of accessing data SEG 1998-2 (continued from SEG 1996-2) via a Web-based interface will be developed. It is intended to present a preliminary map of existing data at the 8th Recognising the importance of high precision absolute ISAES. The WG welcomed this initiative and encouraged measurements of the geomagnetic field in improving ADGRAVto coordinate closely with ADMAP. understanding of the structure and evolution of the earth's interior, the Working Group encourages the continuation 9. Lake Vostok and upgrading of existing magnetic observatories. R Bell reported on the proposal to hold a workshop on SEG 1998-3 Lake Vostok. This issue was deferred to the joint meeting Recognising the impmtance of permanent GPS sites and of WGs SEG and Geology. absolute gravity measurements to geodynamic studies and in providing ground truth for upcoming satellite missions, 10. Instrument availability the Working Group encourages the establishment of new On behalf of P O'Brien (WG Geology) P Barker suggested permanent GPS sites and absolute gravity measurements compiling a list of (marine) equipment now that in optimal locations. geophysical instrumentation is becoming scarce and forcing the possibility of equipment hire. SEG 1998-4 (revised from SEG 1996-3) Working Group members agreed to act as national point Recognising that seismic profiling ovcrsnow is essential of contact for information on the availability of to an understanding of the geological structure of the geophysical equipment. Antarctic continent, the Working Group strongly reconzmends further expansion of this activity. 11 Japanese seismic experiment K Kaminuma (Japan) described seismic reflection and SEG 1998-5 (revised from SEG 1996-5) refraction lines that are planned for Enderby Land in 1999· Recognising the value of potential field compilations for 2001, with shots placed on Tonagh sland. understanding continental-scale geologic features, developing new programmes and supporting new satellite 12 Downgrading of Mawson Geomagnetic missions, the Working Group encourages the completion Observatory of the ADMAP digital database and publication of the G Bums informed the Working Group about the closing magnetic anomaly map, as well as the initiation of a of the magnetic observatory at Mawson Station. synthesis of Antarctic digital gravity data. The Working Group urges all countries holding magnetic and gravity Recalling Recommendation SEG 1998-2, continued data to contribute. from SEG 1996-2, the Working Group is distressed to hear the proposed downgrading of magnetic measurement SEG 1998-6 (revised from SEG 1996-4) facilities at Mawson. Recognising that swath mapping and high-resolution acoustic profiling are essential for the identification of 13. Working Group rationale glacial, neotectonic and other developments in and around The Working Group considered its function, operation and Antarctica related to Global Change, the Working Group the related constraints and will continue this discussion at welcomes the expansion of these activities and the next meeting. recommends their integration with coring and drilling.

10 NO. 134 JULY·l999

Working Groups on Geology and Solid Earth Geophysics

The SCAR Working Groups on Geology (WG-Geology) mountains, it was felt that a strong case' should not be and Solid-Earth Geophysics (WG-SEG) met jointly during difficult to make. 21, 23 and 24 July and were joined by Members of the Working Group on Geodesy & Geographic Information 5.ADGRAV on 23 July. R Bell made a presentation onADGRAV (Antarctic Digital Gravity Synthesis), (see item 8 of the Report ofWG SEG). 1. 8th International Symposium on Antarctic Earth After some discussion, the ADGRAV initiative was Sciences (ISAES) welcomed and endorsed by both Working Groups. F J Davey indicated that preparations for 8th ISAES, to In support of the work, attention was drawn to the be held at Victoria University, Wellington, New Zealand, value of collecting gravity measurements during traverse 5-9 July 1999, are well-advanced. The second (and last) of the ITASE project. The joint Working Groups also circular is being printed and will be distributed shortly. strongly encouraged the collection of gravity and other The scientific sessions will be categorized in topics within geological time slices to reflect the development and geophysical data on all marine surveys, whenever possible. evolution of the Antarctic continent. Posters are expected 6. Ocean Drilling Program (ODP) to be on display for 2 days each. Abstract deadline is set for I March 1999, and the registration fee of NZ$500 is P Barker reported briefly on the success o.f the rec~nt ODP due to be paid by 31 March 1999. A full programme of Leg 178 to the Antarctic Peninsula margin. Despite field excursioi:is, to demonstrate several classic areas of concerns of putting ·to sea with a damaged guide-horn, a New Zealand geology, is being prepared and will be range of holes had been drilled in sites on the sediment scheduled prior to, during and after the symposium. drifts at the foot of the continental slope, from glacial sediment wedges on the margin, and from the continental 2. 9th ISAES shelf itself. The scientific case for a second leg, proposed A formal invitation to hold the 9th ISAES in Potsdam, for Prydz Bay in two years time, was primarily dependent Germany, in 2003 had been received. Details of the on the acquisition of a suitable picket ship. Plans were proposal were presented by H Miller on behalf of the also in hand for a third, two-part leg to the Ross Sea and German National Committee for SCAR. The meeting is Wilkes Land margin. planned to take place at a new conference centie now being constructed in Albert-Einstein-Park (the former 7. BEDMAP Telegraphenberg) in late August or early September. A Whilst Members were aware of the existence of the novel departure was to frame topics that would bring in BEDMAP project, to prepare a map of the ice-base surface members of both the geodetic and glaciological of the Antarctic ice sheet, they urged much closer communities. The invitation was accepted unanimously. involvement in the project. The initiative is driven largely 3. EUG, Strasbourg, May 1999 by the Working Group on Glaciology but any resultant map should approximate closely to a map of Antarctic R Schlich informed members that the coming biennial bedrock topography and will be of great interest and value EUG (European Union cf Geoscience) meeting, which to a wide spectrum of the geoscience community. now attracts some 3000 participants from all over the world, is being coordinated by Sweden. A session on polar 8. ANTOSTRAT geoscience has elicited a good response for topics from The need to promote and coordinate efforts to obtain the Arctic community but not from the Antarctic stratigraphical data, relating to the evolution of the community. Although time is short, suggestions should Antarctic ice-sheet (through coring and the mounting. of be put forward before the end of August. seismic surveys), had been identified at XXIV SCAR. The ANTOSTRAT community, charged by SCAR with 4.ADMAP proposing a way forward, had met la.St year in Hobart in A presentation of recent and future activities of ADMAP association with ANTIME to discuss the issue. It had (Antarctic Digital Magnetic Anomaly Program) was given produced an impressive set of papers on scientific results by A Meloni (see item 7 of the Report of the Working so far and had formulated a proposal for the continuation Group on Solid-Earth Geophysics). of ANTOSTRAT initiatives through a sub-committee on Attention was drawn to incomplete or poor Late Phanerozoic [=last 130 million years] glacial history. aeromagnetic coverage in the more remote areas of Members considered that the objectives of the sub­ Antarctica. However, given the reluctance of any funding committee should be properly focused, and that its efforts agency to support regional surveys of any kind, strong should be clearly distinguished from those of ANTIME scientific reasons for completing the work would be whilst ensuring that the two bodies worked closely together. needed. Given that there is a major data void over Lake The discussions resulted in a paper, entitled ANTOSTRAT Vostok and the area of the Gamburtsev sub-glacial· Subcommittee on Late Phanerozoic Glacial History.

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9. Drilling and coring techniques is that Antarctica has several unique tectonic characteristics A short discussion on existing possibilities for the retrieval that require investigation by geological, geophysical and of rock and sediment samples from beneath the sea and geodetic techniques. With the availability of sub­ the land surface was held. centimetre precision in position-fixing using satellite-based techniques, a wider deployment of broad-band Ocean Drilling Program (ODP). Leg 178 to the Antarctic Peninsula margin had been successful; proposals seismometers, better understanding of the implications of for drilling in the Prydz Bay region now depended largely micro faulting, and so on, there is currently a rapidly expanding effort by a wide range of scientists in collecting on the availability of a suitable ice-picket ship; and a cruise data. However, there is a lack of coordination and direction to the Ross Sea and Wilkes Land coast had also been tabled. to ensure that the data are collected in the best possible Following termination of the Cape Roberts Project manner to address the geoscientific problems from a within the next year or two, the existing rig and supporting continent-wide perspective - hence the need for ANTEC camp complex would become available for other projects. (see recommendation at the end of this report). The CRP community was anxious that this excellent facility should remain as a resource for the Antarctic 11. GOSEAC geoscience community. However, unless good, well-found science proposals come forward soon, the rig will be sold D W H Walton, Convener of GOSEAC, addressed the joint on commercially so that the CRP consortium may realise WGs on environmental protection matters and gave a brief its assets. So far, two preliminary proposals are on the introduction to the way in which the ATCM is handling table, one to drill the magnetic anomaly inshore of the these issues. Progress seemed to be slow and there was CRP targets, and a second to drill Quaternary targets in concdern that few experts who could change on a daily Granite Harbour. However, these are not yet mature and basis implied a lack of efficiency and scientific authority. are not funded. Urgent action is required by the community The general impression was that there will be ever tighter if the facility is to be retained. environmental controls on research. Of special concern Geologists of the and the to the geoscience community was that the CEP can Spanish Antarctic Programme had collaborated on a designate sites and may turn its attention to geological drilling and coring programme on the continental shelf of sites. The question for the geoscience community is, 'Will King George Island, the margins of Bransfield Strait, and we be consulted?' surroundings of Seymour Island using the BGS (British The Annex on Environmental Liability, has not made Geological Survey) vibrocorer/rock drill. Although the much progress. drill has a limited capacity (5-6 m), success and recovery were high, with more than 100 rock and coarse-grained 12. Introduction of diseases to Antarctica sediment cores being obtained in just two weeks. The J Croxall of the SCAR Subcommittee on Bird Biology system requires accurat.e dynamic positioning of the ship gave a short presentation, for information, on a workshop (10% of water depth), but has the advantage of being to be held in Australia in August 1998 on the topic of the compact, easily transportable and deployable from a range Introduction of diseases to Antarctic wildlife. The of research vessels. has become aware of the initiative A K Cooper gave brief comments on a number of other and has requested that the workshop should report directly light-weight drilling systems under development. The to ATCM. There is now considerable concern that an portable drill being developed by Norway, with a target over-reaction by ATCM could result in a requirement for capability of 1OOm below sea-bed, had been tested on two all equipment and personnel to be disinfected before entry occasions and had been turned over to a commercial into Antarctica. Should that be required, the consequences company for further development. The Australian 'Gatling for any scientific programme could become prohibitive. gun' type drill was still under development but was understood to be ready for testing soon. RV Gould (US) 13. Lake Vostok had been built with a small moon-pool and was capable Members were addressed by F Carsey of NASA on the of deploying a light-weight drill system. development of micro probes and robotic techniques which Members also drew attention to the desirability of might be used to explore the waters and sediment bed of being able to retrieve cores of the bedrock whenever deep­ Lake Vostok. The Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) of drilling for ice cores was undertaken. There were reports NASA is interested in Lake Vostok as a possible analogue that sediment had been retrieved from the base of the ice for Europa, moon of Jupiter, which is believed to be sheet but members were not aware of rock drills being covered in a thick layer of ice over a layer of water. Many deployed at the base of deep holes. of the technical problems of investigating the two locations are similar, as also are the scientific questions, including 10. ANTEC - Proposal for a new Group of Specialists whether there might be life beneath the ice. An outline proposal for a new Group of Specialists on A workshop in Moscow earlier this year attracted Antarctic Neotectonics (ANTEC) had debated at length attendance mainly from Europe; a workshop is planned in separate and joint sessions. The thrust of the proposal this autumn for the US. However, Members felt that more

12 NO. 134JULY 1999 effort needs to be made to ascertain the total international The Working Group on Geodesy and Geographic scientific interest and there was a need for a fully Information presented on: GIANT, ADD, SCAR Gazetteer, international, multidisciplinary meeting. There was a Antarctic Spatial Data Initiative, and RAMP. strong feeling that we had to approach the problem with The need for closer collaboration was identified in the utmost caution. One false operation could ruin the relation to map databases, the collection of gravity data in world's largest body of 'uncontaminated' fresh water of refining the reference geoid, differential GPS enormous scientific interest and potentially of major measurements in relation to continental movement, and scientific importance. There are believed to be about 70 the value of satellite radar imagery (RAMP) in imaging other lakes similar to Vostok in Antarctica; they are smaller the bedrock surface beneath the ice sheet. Members were and could be used as potential testing grounds - even then able to suggest cross disciplinary contacts enabling a careful assessment of the hydrological conditions would immediate collaboration. have to be made lest contamination of one lake passed to another. Apart from the necessary development of a sterile drilling system, Members urged that a great deal more site Recommendation survey, particularly seismic and radio-echo sounding, Recognising should be undertaken before any drilling takes place. • the research opportunities arising from recent advances Caution' is of the essence at all stages of the investigation. in geodetic and seismic instrumentation, and • the unique aspects of the Antarctic cOr~,tinent, such as 14. Joint meeting with the Working Group on Geodesy the intra-plate rifting and aseismicity, and the emerging & Geographic Information availability ofcontinent-wide ~emote sensing imagery, A short, but very constructive meeting of the three and working groups was held to inform each other of areas of • the need for an international approach to the study and potential mutual interest. Short presentations drew out a for the coordination of efforts, range of common issues. The working Groups on Geology, Solid-Earth Geophysics, The Working Groups on Geology and Solid-Earth and Geodesy and Geographic Information recommend that Geophysics presented on ADMAP. ADGRAV, BEDMAP, a Group of Specialists be established to address Antarctic ANTEC, and the Geoscience map catalogue. Neotectonics (ANTEC).

Working Group on Geology

1. Attendance supercontinent accretion, and considerable activity related The meeting was not well attended with only thirteen to glacial history was also· apparent. representatives present. Notable constraints on future geological programmes were: France: shift of resources into glaciological studies, 2. Election of new Chief Officer (CO) especially deep ice drilling. M R A Thomson (UK) had stood down at XXIV SCAR, • Germany: Need for FIS Polarstern to undertake Cambridge but had returned as temporary CO when the new extensive refits during the next 3 years. incumbent had moved unexpectedly out of Antarctic research. • USA: The rebuilding of station will reduce RAJ Trouw (Brazil) was elected secretary (CO) from support for remote field parties in the next few years. the closure of XXV SCAR; H Miller (Germany) agreed Opportunities included: to assist the new CO. • Argentina: noted that reduced ice levels in the northern 3. National reports Antarctic Peninsula was exposing more rock for study, including some completely "new"· outcrops. Members had circulated national reports in advance of • Australia: AGSO (Australian Geological Survey the meeting. Organisation) is calling in and reorganising the The verbal reports indicated that there was a good Antarctic rock archive dating back to the 1960s. level of international cooperation in many areas of Collections are already being re-examined and studied Antarctic geological investigation but two areas of using modem techniques; the archive is open to all. potential duplication were highlighted: two multinational Belgium: a wish to increase cost sharing with groups indicated that they were proposing to investigate collaborating countries: the recent volcanicity of Bransfield Strait and its possible In conclusion, it ·was suggested that reports of future connection with basin extension, and two countries activities are real value in planning, and should be made expressed an intention to study Ross age structures in the yearly, rather than every two years. Members agreed to Pensacola Mountains during the coming season. Several circulate reports with a forward plan of at least two years, nations identified a focus on projects related to by the end of August every year.

13 SCAR BULLETIN NO. 134

4. Geological initiatives and future directions In past years, members had considered a number of The list of Key Science Issues for the geological sciences proposals for field workshops in Antarctica. These had in Antarctica, prepared at XXIV SCAR, was reviewed in been endorsed by SCAR, but none had so far taken place detail and the imponance of these issues was reaffirmed. because of difficulties in providing the necessary logistics. It was agreed that there was no point in seeking SCAR • Role of Antarctica in supercontinent assembly and endorsement in future, unless there was a high probability imponance to the study of continental break-up for the provision of the appropriate level of logistic suppon mechanisms. [The relative importance of plume by an identified country or countries. activity weakening and pushing a supercontinent apart from within, versus plate margin forces pulling One such proposal had been for a field workshop on continent apart from the edges were still far from the Geology ofDronning Maud Land; it had been replaced by a joint field project between South Africa, Germany understood. More and more workers are realising we know rather little about how supercontinentsformed.] and Scandinavia. Members were informed that a special • Antarctic late Phanerozoic (last 130 million years) workshop on DML was being planned in conjunction with palaeoenvironments and biota. [Many key issues for VIII International Symposium on Antarctic Earth Sciences the understanding of the development of Antarctic in Wellington, 1999. glaciation; strong links with next issue.] Members discussed the imponance for all Antarctic • Sedimentary processes at the Antarctic margin [Key geoscientists to integrate their science into the global area for the understanding of glaciaVinterglacial context, and to promote their work in all possible ways. history and a focus for Ocean Drilling Program They resolved to encourage all members of the Antarctic proposals formulated by ANTOSTRA T.] geoscience community to present their findings in non­ • Evolution of Antarctic biota [Provides a link between Antarctic meetings and publications wherever the biology and palaeontology - there is a dynamic possibility presented itself. Accordingly, R A J Trouw collaboration between UK and Germany already well informed Members that Brazil was keen to ensure an Antarctic content in the International Geological Congress focused on this work.] (!GC), Rio de Janeiro, 2000 - after all, SCAR is an • Subglacial geology [A long-term objective with the identified sponsor of the congress. Members agreed to desire to obtain rock samples from the rock beneath the suppon the inclusion of a "symposium", entitled Active ice sheet ar opportunities arise and technology improves.] Continental Margins in Antarctica, which would lie within The imponance of Antarctica within the whole global a group of symposia under the umbrella of Global Tectonic tectonic framework was also stressed. A funher topic - Zones; they also encouraged Antarctic geoscientists to Antarctic Neotectonics (ANTEC) - was discussed present their work in as many other of the planned IGC extensively on several occasions. The science is already symposia as possible. They also expressed their suppon under way but the need for a Group of Specialists to for the proposal to include within IGC, a special field trip promote and co-ordinate activities was identified. The item (SftOI), Elements of the active margin of Gondwana: is reponed more fully in the Summary Minutes of the joint accretionary wedge, magnzatic arc and pre-arc basen1ent Working Groups of Geology and Solid-Earth Geophysics. in the Antarctic Peninsula region. At XXIV SCAR, a strong argument had been made Other opponunities included: for the continuation of the ANTOSTRAT initiative in order • EUG Strasbourg, March 1999 to promote drilling for glacial history around the Antarctic • Evolution of Antarctic fauna and Hora, Brazil, May I 999 margin and to oversee the Seismic Data Library System (SDLS). The group met in conjunction with the ANTIME 6. Sampling protocol meeting in Hobart in 1997 and prepared a proposal and D H Elliot (USA) introduced the Antarctic geological list of objectives for a Subcommittee on Late Phanerozoic sample database for the USA, being set up at Byrd Polar Glacial History which were discussed extensively in the Research Center, Ohio. The framework design is complete WO-Geology and also jointly with WO-Solid-Earth and trial samples have been used to check the system. The Geophysics (WG-SEG). database has been designed for ease of use and can be searched using a wide range of criteria. Those interested S. Workshops and symposia in finding, out more may access the database through the H Miller gave a brief repon on the SCAR Antarctic web at: www-bprc.mps.ohio-state.edu and by selecting Geodesy Symposium (AGS 98) held in Santiago during "rock repository" on the left hand column. the week preceding the Working Group meetings. He outlined some of the exciting possibilities that were 7. Geoscience map catalogue available for making "absolute" measurements of crustal At XXIII SCAR in Rome, Members resolved to prepare a movement, but stressed that a critical point for the database of geoscientific maps of Antarctica. UK geoscientists was to appreciate the difference between undertook to complete the task and the CO reponed shon-term measurements provided by geodetic techniques, progress as follows: The database had been set up using and crustal movements on a geological time-scale. Microsoft Access 97, and 60 trial entries had been made.

14 NO. 134JULY 1999

The database is compatible with ArcView and Oracle and lead by Dr Guillermo Alfaro and Marcello Lepe of the will be made available on the Web via the British Antarctic Universidad de Concepci6n. Survey home page. The main task now was data entry and a useful product should be available within 12 months. 10. Recommendations Members agreed that Recommendation SCAR XXIV-6 8. Shape of future meetings Concerning geological maps ofprotected areas should continue. Some progress had already been made in creating "space" They also asked that every effon should be made by within meetings by circulating national reports National Committees to include geological maps in electronically, but more could be done so that a mature existing management plans whenever such plans were document would be available for consideration at the updated or reprinted. Proper mapping of surficial deposits meeting. The time freed would be used for one day of is a particularly imponant prerequisite where the passage of scientific presentations on some suitable theme or themes. 'persons or vehicles may be high.

9. Field excursion 11. Next Meetings On Wednesday 23 July Members of the WG, along with Members resolved to hold a shon formal meeting in colleagues from WG-SEG enjoyed an excellent field conjunction with VIII ISAES, Wellington, July 1999, and excursion to Isla Quiriquina, organised by F Herve and to meet at XXVI SCAR.

Working Group on Physics and Chemistry of the Atmosphere

Ten members and five observers attended the meeting. c) Spatial and Temporal Variability· of Antarctic 1. Activities during the PACA meeting Precipitation Three symposia were held during 20-24 July 1998: Five presentations considered precipitation trends at the nonhem tip of the Antarctic Peninsula, continent-wide estimates of accumulation from atmospheric numerical a) Stratospheric and Tropospheric Chemistry analyses, and interannual precipitation variations in On Monday 20July 1998 a workshop on chemistry of the Dronning Maud Land and . The atmosphere was held with presentations on many aspects importance of major synoptic events for accumulation at of the subject by representatives of the UK, Canada, Japan, selected inland areas was highlighted. A major item of Italy, Brazil and Chile. The presentations were aimed at concern that emerged was the large differences between showing the different activities that are carried out in different numerical analyses produced by the European atmospheric chemistry by countries active in Antarcti.ca. Centre for Medium-range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF). The research covered: monitoring of greenhouse gases, This represents a significant obstacle to enhanced characterisation of aerosols and pollutants, comparison understanding of precipitation variability and change in between the present day pollution and information Antarctica. Resolution of these differences is urgent obtained from ice cores, radon monitoring, ozone in the because of the 40 year re-analysis scheduled to commence troposphere and stratosphere. With reference to this last in mid-1999. This is likely to become the premier global item, a presentation was given on the APE-GAIA project data set for investigations of climate variability and a that foresees the use of the stratospheric aircraft faithful representation of the Antarctic atmosphere is Geophysica to carry out flights in the stratosphere in 1999 essential. between 1 September and 15 October to collect data in It is planned to have -an issue of the US AGU situ during the period of ozone depletion and recovery. geophysical research series devoted to papers from the Regarding ozone, a presentation was given showing that symposium. Papers should be submitted by the end of Antarctic ozone depletion begins at mid-winter in the more March 1999. nonherly pans of the Antarctic. An information paper was presented by Uruguay on its ozone activities that had 2. Status of the FROST Project. begun this year. Excellent progress has been made with the Antarctic First Regional Observing Study of the Troposphere (FROST) b) Antarctic First Regional Observing Study of the project, which has been the major focus of PACA since Troposphere (FROST) project 1992. Achievements include: A workshop was held on Tuesday 21 July to review the a) Establishment of a large database of Antarctic achievements of FROST. A detailed assessment of the observations for three special observing periods in state of FROST is given below. 1994-95.

15 SCAR BULLETIN NO. 134 b) Identification and correction of problems on the Global Since the closure of Leningradskaya in 1991, six Telecommunications System concerned with the upper air stations have closed, one on Campbell Island transmission of Antarctic observations. and the rest on the Antarctic continent. c) Investigation of differences between the Antarctic e) The Working Group is pleased to note that the analyses produced by the major weather services. International Antarctic Drifting Buoy programme has d) Collaboration with the weather services on improving coordinated and encouraged the deployment of buoys the representation of the Antarctic in their models. in the Southern Ocean and sea ice zone. e) Correction of a major misrepresentation of orographic f) The Working Group notes the improvements that have height in the operational numerical models. taken place in the GTS over the last two years but stresses the need for continuing to monitor the system FROST is planned to draw to a close in 2000 and a full and the timely insertion of data using satellite report will be provided to the Delegates at XXVI SCAR. communications. Special issues of the American Meteorological Society journal Weather and Forecasting and the Australian 6. SCARXXVI Meteorological Magazine are planned on FROST. PACA plans to meet at XXVI SCAR and to hold the following symposia: 3. New programmes • A one day workshop on atmospheric chemistry The following new initiatives are being considered: • A half day meeting on research activities on King George Island a) Reference Antarctic Data for Environmental Research • A one day meeting on climate variability and change (READER) in the Antarctic from observations and modelling The Working Group agreed to produce the best experiments climatological fields for Antarctica of key variables, • A one day meeting on the FROST and READER such as near-surface temperature, wind velocity, cloud Antarctic data projects. covernong wave radiation, single station analyses of upper atmosphere temperature trends from radiosonde Recommendations data (including cooling in the lower stratosphere) etc. 1) Concerning a Working Group on physical and b) Atmospheric chemistry chemical oceanography. The Working Group recognised that new initiatives in Noting the great importance of studies concerned with air­ atmospheric chemistry are desirable. As a first step sea interactions to Antarctic climatology. the chemists within the group have been asked to consider potential new activities in this field that could The PACA Working Group recommends that SCAR, as a be pursued. matter of policy, includes physical and chemical Details of these initiatives will be finalised at XXVI SCAR. oceanography within its organisational framework. Interested parties should contact the PACA Chairman. 3) Upper Air Meteorological Profiles. 4. Officers of PACA Recognising that: The following officers were elected: • Balloon-borne upper air soundings of temperature, Chairman J Turner (UK) pressure, humidity and wind velocity are of great Vice-Chairman E B Pereira (Brazil) importance to the real-time global models of the Secretary H Hutchinson (Australia) atmosphere and also valuable as an archive of climate Webmaster D Bromwich (USA) reference data. Long term monitoring is important in the detection of 5. Actions on XXIV SCAR the climate change, and yet some of our longest a) The Working Group is pleased to note that the records ofupper airdata have, through necessity, been GLOCHANT programme and in particular ITASE terminated. and ASPECT have been well-supported and are being • The last two years have seen the closure of more upper implemented. air sounding stations and no new stations have an b) Although some progress has been made in getting upper air observing programme. observations from tourist vessels onto the GTS, PACA recommends to National Committees on Antarctic possible improvements could still be made. Research that they should maintain their existing upper c) Around 70 A WSs now have their observations on the air sounding programmes (at least at 00 GMT or 12 GMT, GTS, which provide reasonable cover, especially in but preferably both). Sites that would be ideal for the the Antarctic coastal region. There is, however, concern commencement of upper air meteorological measurements over the AGO data (see recommendation below). are Byrd (ceased upper air soundings in 1979), Vostok d) The Working Group notes with concern that the number (ceased upper air soundings in 1992), and the recently of upper air stations is decreasing at the present time. settled sites of Dome Concordia and Dome Fuji.

16 NO. 134 JULY 1999

4) Clouds and Energy Balance Studies. • Resolution of these differences is urgent because Considering the importance of radioactive and energy ECMWF Re-Analysis Project (ERA) is scheduled to balance on climatic and meteorological models of the commence in mid 1999 its re-analysis of the data from global atmosphere and that the role of polar clouds is the last forty years. ERA is likely to become the ill-defined; premier global data set for investigations of climate PACA recommends that National Committees support variability and a faithful representaion of the Antarctic efforts to obtain systematic data of the energy balance and atmosphere is essential. physical properties of cloud cover over Antarctica. The WG recommends that all National Committees on Antarctic Research note that PACA will be working with 6) GLOCHANT Workshop in New Hampshire. ECMWF to resolve these discrepancies, as a matter of Noting the importance of modem climatological knowledge urgency. for calibration of the paleoclimate records from the ice 12) Stratospheric meteorology and ozone chemistry. sheet and the Southern Ocean to be produced from the ITASE Project; Noting that: PACA Working Group recommends that SCAR supports • APE-GAIA project involves the use of the research the GLOCHANT Workshop on "Recent Antarctic Climate aircraft Geophysica to carry out flights in the History" in New Hampshire, USA, April 1999, by funding stratosphere in 1999, to collect data during the spring the participation of the PACA Chairman. depletion and subsequent recovery of ozone. • STRATEOLE, a French project, of long duration 7) GLOCHANT Cambridge Workshop •. balloon flights in the stratosphere, is proposed to Recognising the importance of the atmospheric and and determine ozone reduction rates over Antarctica in the ocea1_1ic impacts on Antarctica: year2000, that the constant level balloon observations PACA Working Group recommends that SCAR support are to be complimented by ground-based.measurements the GLOCHANT Workshop on "Large-Scale Variability of total column ozone and ozone profiles measured by in the Southern Ocean: Patterns, Mechanisms and ascents of balloon-borne ozone sondes and that Dr Impacts", in Cambridge, UK, July 1999, by supporting Hartwig Gemandt (Alfred Wegener Institute) requests the participation of the PACA Chairman. cooperation from nations with. the facilities to make ozone measurements in Antarctica. 9) European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF)Atmospheric Re-analyses. The Working Group recommends that National Noting: Committees on Antarctic Research encourage cooperation with Dr. Gernandt to achieve his goals with respect to the • That large differences, between the real time STRATEOLE project. operational numerical weather analyses and the results from the first re-analysis produced by ECMW, (Note: PACA Recommendations 2,5,8, JO and II were represent a significant obstacle to the understanding of adopted as SCAR Recommendations XXV-16, XXV-17, precipitation variability and change in Antarctica. XXV-18, XXV-19 and XXV-20).

Working Group on Solar-Terrestrial and Astrophysical Research (STAR)

Introduction AGONET: This is the Antarctic Geophysical Observatory STAR held two workshops in associ_ation with the SCAR Network. A major past activity has been the establishment meeting in Concepci6n, Chile: of a central data base, developed and managed in Ita_ly by • A workshop on co-operative research in solar-terrestrial M Candidi and co-workers. During the past two years the physics in Antarctica technology of the Internet and the World Wide Web has • A workshop on new directions changed the nature of the community needs for access to data. Data, which could previously only be accessed in Eleven members attended the meeting and, in addition, a the central database, are now available on the home pages number of observers attended the workshops. The of host institutions. It is now time for substantial workshops were as very successful and served to advance improvement in access to data using the most modern the science and improve collaboration. tools. · The newsletter of the working group could now have Business Meetings its function enhanced and modernized by making use of Business meetings were held on Tuesday 21 July 1998 • Internet capability. V Papitashvili, has developed a home and Thursday 23 July 1998. A number of matters were page for the Working Group, using facilities provided by considered as listed below. the University of Michigan.

17 SCAR BULLETIN NO. 134

Most SCAR members now have access to the World General: The SCAR meeting was appreciative of the fact Wide Web and all are expected to do so by the XXVI that, since Recommendation XXIV-16 was adopted, the SCAR meeting. South African radar SHARE and the second Japanese radar The Working Group has charged M Candidi and V have become operational, while the Australian radar Papitashvili with the task of setting up a system which TIGER and the French/Italian radar planned for Kerguelen provides links to all the data from AGONET, as well as Island have received funding and are well-advanced in other related data and to report in two years . The existing construction. central database will be maintained until the end of the transition period when it will be replaced by the distributed Recommendations system on the web and its tools will thereafter be used for Recommendation 1 - Cost of Meetings: specific events only when required. STAR requests that SCAR reconsider the following Costs associated with this change (eg travel by Candidi resolution, which was noted by SCAR in 1996: and/or Papitashvili) will be requested from SCAR It is Noting also intended to allow for costs for users, who do not That it is becoming increasingly difficult for Nations have easy access at present to attain such access. which are members of SCAR to act as hosts for SCAR SCAR policy on conference fees and attendance: SCAR meetings because of the increasing cost noted the internal recommendation on this matter but took • That the presence of observers who are involved in the no further action. The working group is concerned about operation and planning ofa wide variety ofexperiments this issue and requests SCAR to consider in Antarctica adds substantially to the ability of the Recommendation I below.. Working Group to plan effective Antarctic Programmes and attendance of such observers places significant XXVI SCAR in Tokyo 2000: The Group has identified the additional financial burden on the local organizer, need to capitalize on the enhanced ability to combine a variety of data from all parts of Antarctica. It also The SolarTerrestrial and Astrophysical Research Working recognizes the global importance of Antarctica in Solar­ Group Recommends to SCAR Terrestrial Physics. The next solar maximum will occur • That future SCAR conferences should be funded by in the year 2000. It wishes to hold the following series of charging those attending an appropriate registration fee Workshops, occupying 5 days, during the Tokyo meeting: • That the presence of observers at Working Group • Inter-hemispheric Conjugacy in Solar Terrestrial Data meetings be encouraged where the nature of the Group • First Results from the Solar Maximum activities makes this desirable Recommendation • Long-term Trends in the Upper Atmosphere external to SCAR. • Antarctic Astrophysical Workshop • Overview and Coordination of National Plans and Recommendation 2 - Importance of magnetometer Activities in Antarctic STP data: Recognizing the value of magnetometer data to the global European Space Agency Workshop on Space Weather: study of solar terrestrial interactions and M Candidi will report to the ESA workshop on the work Noting the increasing satellite and ground-based of STAR. international efforts related to the impending solar Office Bearers: It was agreed that normally chairmen maximum, would not be re-elected after a second term. The Solar Terrestrial and Astrophysical Working Group, Notwithstanding this it was agreed that, at a time of rapid Recommends that SCAR encourage responsible transition, for continuity, this condition would be varied. organizations and scientists to establish and maintain these basic instruments at all feasible Antarctic stations which Elections: provide independent coverage and, where possible, to A D M Walker was elected as Chairman for a final two­ maintain Observatory quality data to assist the year period; M Candidi, was re-elected as Vice Chairman determination of the International Geomagnetic Reference and charged with working closely with Walker in order to Field, which has become a crucial background reference provide continuity; J Storey was re-elected as Vice for global solar terrestrial studies as well as ground-truth Chairman with special responsibility for Astrophysics; U for upcoming satellite missions (such as OERSTED, !nan was re-elected as Vice Chairman; and V Papitashvili which is specifically designed to map in detail the Earth's was re-elected as Secretary. magnetic field at low altitude).

18 Scientific Committee on Antarctic Research

VIII International Symposium on Antarctic Earth Sciences Wellington, New Zealand 5-9 July 1999

Victoria University of Wellington will be the host of an international symposium on Antarctic earth sciences, sponsored by the Scientific Committee on Antarctic Research (SCAR). The symposium will have oral and poster sessions, as well as field trips within New Zealand, before, during and after the meetings.

Symposium topics The scientific programme will be designed to maximise opportunities for good communication and discussion. Participants are encouraged to submit papers preferably on the themes listed below, but papers on other Antarctic earth science topics will be accepted. Oral and poster sessions will carry equal weight regarding quality of contributions. Both space and time will be reserved to ensure that appropriate attention can be given to the poster sessions. Themes for the Symposium include:

• The Oldest History (1000+ Ma) • From Rodinia to Gondwana (800-400 Ma). • Gondwana Palaeoenvironments (400-180 Ma) • Post-Gondwana Tectonic Processes (180 Ma - present day) • Cretaceous and Cenozoic Palaeoenvironments • Antarctica in the Last Glacial Cycle • Features of the Modem Continent • Antarctic Maps, Books and Films

Important dates I March 1999 Submission of all abstracts 31 March 1999 End of early registration for symposium and field trips

For further information please contact:

8th ISAES Symposium Manager Insitute of Geological and Nuclear Sciences PO Box 30-368, Lower Hutt New Zealand

Phone: +64 4 570 4678 Fax: +64 4 570 4603 E-mail: [email protected] Web page: www .geo. vuw .ac.nz/conferences/antarctica

19

SCAR Bulletin SCAR Bulletin, a quarterly publication of the Scientific Committee on Antarctic Research, is published on behalf of SCAR by Polar Publications, attheScott Polar Research Institute, Cambridge. It carries reports of SCAR meetings, short summaries of SCAR Working Group and Group of Specialists meetings, notes, re­ views, and articles, and material from Antarctic Treaty Consullative Meetings, considered to be of interest to a wide readership. Selections are reprinted as part of Polar Record, the journal of SPRI, and a Spanish translation is published by lnstituto AntarticoArgentino, Buenos Aires, Argentina.

Polar Record Polar Record appears in January, April, July, and October each year. The Editor welcomes articles, notes and reviews of contemporary or historic interest covering the natural sciences, social sciences and humanities in polar and sub-polar regions. Recent topics have included archaeology, biogeography, botany, ecology, geography, geology, glaciology, international law, medicine, human physiology, politics, pollution chemistry, psychology, and zoology. Articles usually appear within a year of receipt, short notes within six months. For'i:letails contact the Editor of Polar Record, Scott Polar Research Institute, Lens­ field Road, Cambridge CB2 1ER, United Kingdom. Tel: 01223 336567 (International: +441223 336567) Fax: 01223 336549 (International: +441223336549) The journal may also be used to adverti'a new books, forthcoming events of polar interest, otc. Polar Record is obtainable through the publishers, Cambridge University Press, Edinburgh Building, Shaftesbury Avenue, Cambridge CB2 2RU, and from booksellers. Annual subscription rates for 1999 are: for individuals £52.00 ($88.00), for institutions £84.00 ($144.00); single copies cost £23.00 ($44.00).

This material appeared also in Polar Record (1999)

Printed by The Chameleon Press Limited, 5-25 Burr Road, London SW! 8 4SG, United Kingdom