Summary
The CLIVAR (Climate Variability and Predictability)/CliC (Climate and Cryosphere)/ SCAR (Scientific Committee on Antarctic Research) Southern Ocean region panel is charged with refining and implementing the science plans of CLIVAR, CliC and SCAR in the Southern Ocean Sector. The terms of reference of the panel include: - To design a strategy to assess climate variability and predictability of the coupled ocean- atmosphere-ice system in the Southern Ocean region. - To develop and refine an implementation plan for the Southern Ocean region that defines the process studies, sustained observations, and model experiments needed to meet the objectives of CLIVAR, CliC and SCAR. In order to address these themes, ocean/ice/atmosphere observations are required. Commitments now exist for a large fraction of the proposed Southern Ocean observing system. 2007-2008 is the International Polar Year (http://www.ipy.org/) and the Panel has been actively coordinating and encouraging collaboration to try to increase the chances of complementary field work and other studies during this period. The CASO (Climate of Antarctica and the Southern Ocean) project was coordinated under the Panel and occupies a major part of its work. The panel is also involved with other themes such as developing and promoting key climate indices, assessing the role of feedbacks (sea surface temperature, ice, ecosystem, albedo, mode waters etc.), assessment of IPCC climate models in the region, and trying to improve our understanding of the fluxes between the air-sea-ice system. Ongoing and planned CLIVAR/CliC/SCAR related activities in the Southern Ocean region, including CASO, are presented, which we hope will stimulate discussion and collaboration. For further details see: http://www.clivar.org/organization/southern/