Expressions of Intent for IPY 2007-2008 Activities

Expression of Interest Details

PROPOSAL INFORMATION

Gamburtsev Mountains: Aerogeophysical Mapping of Bedrock and Ice Targets  (GAMBIT)

Outline
Antarctica is a key element in Earth’s climatic and geodynamic systems, yet on the eve of the 50th anniversary of the International Geophysical Year, we lack fundamental geologic and geophysical data from the deep interior of this vast continent. Antarctic geological processes are the driving forces for ice sheet dynamics and global environmental change that affect current and long-term large-magnitude sea level changes. Meager exposures record the 3500 million-year history of a continent that continues to be tectonically active today, although its kinematic relation to the global plate circuit and its role as substrate to the world’s major ice sheets remain in question. Specifically, preliminary ice sheet modeling studies suggest the Gamburtsev Subglacial Mountains are the likely location for initiation of the East Antarctic ice sheet and therefore, could be a key factor in understanding the onset of glaciation in the Paleogene and its relation to climate change. Despite the central role that Antarctica has played in shaping the present global environment, fundamental, first-order parameters such as ice volume and internal layers, bedrock elevation, lithology, structure, age, and tectonic history remain poorly known over large portions of the continent. Airborne geophysical surveys are the best and most cost-effective method to characterize broad areas of of the ice sheet and sub-ice basement. We propose to instrument an LC130 to conduct airborne gravity, magnetic and radar surveys over the Gamburtsev Subglacial Mountains, which have been targeted for geophysical and drilling studies by the solid Earth, glaciology and climate modeling communities for many years. We have already developed modern radars for surface-based and airborne measurements of ice thickness, mapping of deep internal layers and fine-resolution mapping near-surface internal layers. We will develop antennas for operating radars on the LC-130 aircraft and integrate radars with gravity meter and magnetometer systems and conduct test flights over the Greenland ice sheet in 2007 and collect data over the Greenland ice sheet during 2008 field season, and then collect data over Antarctic as a part of IPY. The data will link other proposed IPY investigations, some of which extend to areas of outcrop that provide geologic ground truth. Therefore we also propose to host 2 workshops, one to coordinate with international groups flying aerogeophysical surveys prior to IPY and a second interpretative workshop following the final field season to release the data to the community and determine strategies for interpretation.

What significant advance(s) in relation to the IPY themes and targets can be anticipated from this project?
Theme 2: • Provide basic topographical and landscape information to climate modelers and the nature of the thermal flux arising from the bedrock surface of Antarctica. • Knowledge of the time of formation of the subglacial highlands will determine whether temperate or polar glaciation occurred at the nucleation sites and provide an important input to climate models. Theme 3 • Nucleation and growth of the East Antarctic Ice Sheet has been the primary modulator of global sea level for approximately 30 million years and understanding its nucleation sites is critical. Theme 4: • The Gamburtsev Mountains represent one of the main unexplored features of the Planet Earth.

What international collaboration is involved in this project?
Detlef Damaske (BGR), Chris Wilson (U. Melbourne), Wilfried Jokat (Alfred Wegener Institute), Dorthe Dahl-Jensen ( U of Copenhagen). This project will provide the regional framework the The Gamburtsev Mountains: Integrated International Exploration of the Earths Most Enigmatic Mountain Range.

FIELD ACTIVITY DETAILS

Geographical location(s) for the proposed field activities:
Greenland (test flights); Gamburtsev Subglacial Mountains, Antarctica

Approximate timeframe(s) for proposed field activities:
Arctic: Summer 2007       Summer 2008      
Antarctic: 11/08 – 02/09      11/09 – 02/10      

Significant facilities will be required for this project:
Logistic support of the project will be coordinated between the international members of the project. Aerogeophysical instruments are available and being developed in the US program. The long-range aircraft and logistical support for it will be supplied by the National Science Foundation if our proposal is funded. Additional instruments and logistical support may be provided by the BGR. The survey can be run out of South Pole station or Vostok station.

Will the project leave a legacy of infrastructure?
This proposal will help develop long-range aerogeophysical capabilities of use for future projects, provide a model for quick release of data to the international community and leave a database of radar, gravity, magnetic and laser observations.

How is it envisaged that the required logistic support will be secured?
Consortium
Own national polar operator
Another national polar operator
National agency

Has the project been "endorsed" at a national or international level?
This proposal has been considered by the National Science Foundation and is under revision based on the feedback from the community. The revised proposal will be submitted for the review cycle completed be in fall, 2005. The Gamburtsev Mountains were identified the US IPY Planning Document as an important target for exploration.

PROJECT MANAGEMENT AND STRUCTURE

Is the project a short-term expansion (over the IPY 2007-2008 timeframe) of an existing plan, programme or initiative or is it a new autonomous proposal?
New
The project will be proposed for funding to the National Science Foundation in June, 2005. The goals of the project match many of those identified in international workshops and are therefore priorities for the Earth Science community.

How will the project be organised and managed?
An advisory board will guide survey design, data collection priorities and utilization of the data by the Antarctic solid earth, glaciology and climate modeling communities. By coordinating these activities with international efforts during IPY--including survey design, development of policies related to open access to data, and input to existing data bases, we can maximize and broaden the use of all data sets. The GAMBIT program will coordinate with the integrated Gamburtsev Exploration effort.

What are the initial plans of the project for addressing the education, outreach and communication issues outlined in the Framework document?
We propose to develop online resources for K-12 students and teachers; internships for journalism students; and involve undergraduate students and faculty at Haskell Indian Nations University and Elizabeth City State University in aspects such as mapping and display of geophysical data sets to foster under-represented student interest in science and engineering.

What are the initial plans of the project to address data management issues (as outlined in the Framework document)?
Data will be freely distributed through international data bases, such as National Snow and Ice Data Center, World Geophysical Data Center. In addition, project web-servers will provide data, results, and contact information to the scientific communities as well as the interested public.

How is it proposed to fund the project?
Funding will b requested through the Office of Polar Programs of the U. S. National Science Foundation. International cooperators will request funds from their own national funding agencies.

Is there additional information you wish to provide?
None

PROPOSER DETAILS

Dr Carol Finn
MS 964
Denver Federal Center
Denver, CO
80225
USA

Tel: 303-236-1345
Mobile:
Fax: 303-236-1425
Email:

Other project members and their affiliation

Other Information