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From the Office
New National Correspondent
National Correspondents play an important role in the
communication of international ridge science. The IR Office is
pleased to welcome Kim Juniper (Canada), who has been a
Professor in the School of Earth and Ocean Sciences and the
Department of Biology at the University of Victoria, and holder of
the BC Leadership Chair in Ocean Ecosystems and Global Change
since 2006. He went to UVic from the Université du Québec à
Montréal where he was Professor of Biology and Director of the
GEOTOP Research Centre. He received his BSc from the
University of Alberta (1976) and a PhD from Canterbury University
in Christchurch, New Zealand (1982).
Due to its relevance to current interest in seafloor resources, the
Seafloor Mineralisation WG has been given a 3-year extension.
Progress updates can be seen in the Working Group Updates section
of this volume.
Workshops and Conferences
InterRidge supported a number of related workshops in 2012,
including the VentBase meeting in Ireland and in Kiel, both in April
2012. Reports can be seen in the Workshops and Conferences
section of this volume, as well as at:
http://www.interridge.org/science/IRmeetings.
InterRidge: Third Decadal Plan 2014-23
Discussion on this began in late 2011 and has culminated in its
publication in this volume. The IR Office extends its thanks to all
who contributed to making this document a powerful statement for
the next phase of mid-ocean ridge research.
The primary focus of his research has been the biogeochemistry
and ecology of submarine hydrothermal systems. His
interdisciplinary publications on deep-sea vents encompass the fields
of microbial ecology, biomineralization and benthic ecology. Other
research areas have included the microbial ecology of deep-sea
sediments, and the seasonal dynamics of arctic sea-ice microbial
communities.
Juniper previously served the NEPTUNE Canada project as Co-
Chief Scientist in 2004-2006, and was President of the Canadian
Scientific Submersible Facility from 2001 to 2011. He is currently
Associate Director, Science, at NEPTUNE Canada.
Working Groups
Since last year’s IR News, there have been significant changes in the
number and range of Working Groups. The Mantle Imaging WG
has finished its work and has now disbanded. Four new WGs have
formed:
• Island Arc and Back Arc (BI-ARC) (Chair: Maria Seton,
Australia)
• Circum-Antarctic Ridges (Co-Chairs: Anne Briais, France; Jian
Lin, USA; Sung-Hyun Park, Korea)
• Oceanic Detachment Faults (Co-Chairs: Pablo Canales, USA;
Javier Escartin, France)
• South Mid-Atlantic Ridge Targeted Exploration (SMART)
(Chair: Colin Devey, Germany)
Participants at the InterRidge Third Decadal Plan discussion
meeting, Dec 2011.
InterRidge gains observer status at ISA
InterRidge was granted observer status at the ISA in July 2012,
allowing InterRidge to be present at public meetings of the
Assembly and by invitation, to make oral statements on issues of
concern, although it will not able to participate in decision-making.
This increases our links with the ISA and will strengthen our ability
to engage with developing countries, which remains one of
InterRidge’s main challenges.
Goodbye
This volume marks the end of three years as InterRidge
Coordinator. It has been a privilege to work within this very exciting
scientific field, and I would like to give special thanks to Bram and
Jon for giving me the opportunity to be involved. The role has been
a stimulating and challenging one, and I would also like to thank the
IR Steering Committee and Working Group Chairs, as well as all the
individuals who have helped in continuing to give InterRidge a
significant voice in mid-ocean ridge science and policy. I wish John
and Jiabiao, together with the new coordinator, every success as they
continue the work of representing InterRidge worldwide.
INTERRIDGE NEWS 15 VOL.21, 2012