IUGG XXI
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Report to IUGG from the Scientific Committee on Antarctic Research (SCAR)

Takeo Hirasawa

IUGG Representative to SCAR - National Institute of Polar Research in Tokyo

1. Introduction

SCAR, the Scientific Committee on Antarctic Research, has four permanent Scientific Working Groups which are close related to IUGG. They are the Working Groups on Geodesy and Geographic Information (related to IAG of IUGG), Solid-Earth Geophysics (IAGA, IASPEI, IAHS, IAPSO), Physics and Chemistry of the Atmosphere (IAMAP) and Solar Terrestrial and Astrophysical Research (IAGA). During the XXII and XXIII SCAR general meetings which were held in San Carlos de Bariloche, Argentina 8-19 June 1992 and in Rome, Italy 29 August- 2 September 1994, the nationally appointed representatives to above four groups met and formed the international fora for the discussion of national research in Antarctica.

2. Geodesy and Geographic Information

a. The WG meeting was focused on the geodetic and geographic information needed for Antarctic science, environmental management and logistic support. The scientific program adopted at the WG meeting was largely successful in the period of 1991-1995. Major achievements during the past four years included,

  1. Geographic Information Directory: Finalising the directory design and establishing Internet access and user interface.
  2. Geodetic Infrastructure: Developing a coordinated permanent network of geodetic stations using GPS, VLBI, absolute gravity, relative gravity and tide gauge techniques.
  3. Digital Database and identifying funding sources for production.
  4. Remote Sensing: Investigating and reporting on the application of satellite radar data to dynamic processes in Antarctica.
  5. GIS Projects: Designing, compiling and distributing a register of current and future Antarctic GIS projects.

b. Two SCAR recommendations were approved on geodesy at the XXII and XXIII SCAR meetings.

3. Solid Earth Geophysics

a. Magnetic Map of Antarctica: At the WG meeting in 1992, the representative from South Africa had undertaken to compile a data base of magnetic survey data from Antarctica. Considering the IAGA decision adopted in Buenos Aires in 1993, the WG in 1994 agreed that it would be extremely useful to produce a magnetic and data base, as an aid to understanding large-scale structures across the Antarctic continent.

b. The Antarctic Offshore Acoustic Stratigraphy Project (ANTOSTRAT): The representative from US drew WG attention to the ANTOSTRAT SC Interim Report that had been submitted to SCAR, recommending continued development of the Seismic Data Library System (SDLS). The WG warmly welcomed the Report and congratulated ANTOSTRAT on the success of the SDLS.

c. Ten SCAR recommendations were approved on solid earth geophysics at XXII and XXIII SCAR meetings.

4. Physics and Chemistry of the Atmosphere

a. Antarctic Atmosphere Monitoring: There was extensive discussion on the need for improved understanding of the physical and chemical processes in the Antarctic atmosphere which is a reference for detection and monitoring of global changes and trends. In view of the importance of direct observations to environmental monitoring and detection of global change in Antarctica, the WG strongly endorsed the long-term monitoring studies of the Antarctic atmosphere conducted by national operators and international organisation.

b. Synoptic Network in Antarctica: The desirability of a synoptic network (500 Km spacing) of automatic weather stations over Antarctica and buoys over the seasonal sea ice zone was noted and is an area where all participating nations should closely collaborate to achieve this important goal.

c. Ten SCAR recommendations were approved on Antarctic atmosphere at XXII and XXIII SCAR meetings.

5. Solar Terrestrial and Astrophysical Research

a. Antarctic Geophysical Observatory Network (AGONET): The UK proposal to establish an AGONET was endorsed at XXII SCAR to further the exploitation of Antarctica as a platform for Geospace research by

  1. coordinating observations at the current and unmanned observatories to provide a "global" picture of the footprint of geospace processes on the polar ionosphere

    and

  2. fostering the establishment of an AGONET data analysis facility to bring together selected AGONET data sets, generate data summaries and provide facilities for coordinated research using these data sets.

The representative from Italy offered to resource and host an AGONET Data Analysis Facility in Frascati. This offer was endorsed and considerable progress has since been made in establishing the facility and realising the goals of AGONET.

b. Antarctic Astronomy: The Antarctic Plateau offers unique advantages for astronomical observation because of the extremely dry, cold and tenuous air over the Antarctic. As a result, the use of Antarctica as an observation site for certain classes of astronomy is developing rapidly. The WG is in the process of defining what role it should play in facilitating this activity.

c. Seven SCAR recommendations were approved on Solar Terrestrial and Astrophysical Research at the XXII and XXIII SCAR meetings.

6. The next SCAR general meeting and the meetings of the SCAR scientific Working Groups will be held in Cambridge, UK in 1996.

IUGG XXI
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