Expressions of Intent for IPY 2007-2008 Activities

Expression of Interest Details

PROPOSAL INFORMATION

The Dynamic Continental Margin Between the Mid-Atlantic-Ridge System (Mohns Ridge, Knipovich Ridge) and the Bear Island Region  (The Continental Margin Near Bear Island)

Outline
We propose to carry out a concentrated active and passive seismological experiment at the continental margin of the Barents Sea near the Bear Island. The continental margin in this region has an extremely thick sedimentary wedge and steep slopes, with at least one major paleo fracture-zone cutting right through the wedge. The stress field undergoes an extensional-compressional transition in the region of the margin. It is of particular interest to understand the structural architecture, the stress and the dynamics of the continental margin in this region because of its natural hazard exposure, and processes involved in the formation of the margin. The collection of deep seismic sounding data and a detailed monitoring of the seismicity between margin and mid-Atlantic ridge system by temporarily broadband stations are necessary for providing such information. We will use different types of analysis methods to study the Earth’s crust at this margin from its top sedimentary cover to its imprint in the upper mantle. Data from existing seismic stations in the European Arctic will also be used in this analysis. The planned filed experiment is an installation and parallel operation of seismic instruments for one summer season in 2007 or 2008, dependent on ship capacities. The experiment includes the installation of a small-scale array of broadband sensors on the Bear Island (responsible University of Potsdam), as well as the installation along the continental margin and around the Bear Island of 10–15 broadband Ocean Bottom Seismometers (OBSs) from the planned German OBS pool (responsible Alfred-Wegener-Institute, Bremerhaven). In addition, we plan to install two broadband stations at the Polish observatory at Hornsund, Spitsbergen, and on the island of Hopen, southeast of Spitsbergen (responsible NORSAR). We also plan to perform active seismic refraction/reflection experiments along two profiles crossing the margin and the Bear Island supplemented with 40 short-period stations on Bear Island (responsible University of Warsaw and Polish Academy of Sciences) and 15 OBSs along the profiles (responsible University of Bergen) to retrieve the 3D lithospheric structure.

What significant advance(s) in relation to the IPY themes and targets can be anticipated from this project?
Improved determination of earthquake hypocenters to identify active tectonic structures, and to investigate whether seismicity migrates along the strike of the Mohns Ridge towards the continental shelf, and whether the Senja Fracture Zone has the potential to be reactivated. Mapping of deformation of the continental margin in a region of steep slopes with high potential for geohazards. Detailed recovery of the lithospheric structure from the active experiment data, surface wave analysis, receiver-function methods, and S-wave anisotropy assessment. Calculation of focal mechanisms to investigate details of the complex regional stress field.

What international collaboration is involved in this project?
University of Bergen, Norway Alfred-Wegener-Institute in Bremerhaven, Germany NORSAR, Kjeller, Norway University of Potsdam, Germany Academy of Sciences, Warszawa, Poland University of Warszawa, Poland

FIELD ACTIVITY DETAILS

Geographical location(s) for the proposed field activities:
The Barents Sea and the North Atlantic between Northern Fennoscandia and Svalbard, in particular around Bear Island.

Approximate timeframe(s) for proposed field activities:
Arctic: 04/2007 - 04/2008 or      10/2007 - 10/2008      dependent on ship capacities
Antarctic: n/a

Significant facilities will be required for this project:
Ship to deploy and recover the broadband OBSs (Polarstern), and broadband OBSs from the German OBS pool. Ships (University of Bergen and Polish polar vessel), short-period OBSs (University of Bergen), and land stations (Polish Academy of Sciences). Broadband stations at Hornsund, on Bear Island and on Hopen. q2_4_Legacy : The temporarily deployed broadband stations may become the nucleus for permanent seismic stations.

Will the project leave a legacy of infrastructure?
The temporarily deployed broadband stations may become the nucleus for permanent seismic stations.

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

Access to Bear Island and Hopen will be organized via co-operation with the Norwgian Meteorological Institute, which is responsible for all traffic to these islands.

Has the project been "endorsed" at a national or international level?
Accepted by the Polish National Committee for the 4th IPY 2007 – 2008.

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

How will the project be organised and managed?
The project will be managed and coordinated by NORSAR, but the participating institutions will have responsibility for their respective sub-projects. After the active part of the project, the data will be analyzed and interpreted at the participating institutions. However, to achieve common outcome, workshops will be organized for planning the project details, for discussion of the scientific results and for organizing common publications.

What are the initial plans of the project for addressing the education, outreach and communication issues outlined in the Framework document?
The University in Bergen will give undergraduate students the opportunity to participate in the active experiments as part of their education. The data interpretation will be accomplished by young scientist (postdoc level) and will be part of Master and Ph.D. theses at the participating institutions. Popular presentations are also planned.

What are the initial plans of the project to address data management issues (as outlined in the Framework document)?
All broadband data will be archived at least at NORSAR and at ORFEUS, the European broadband data centre. Both institutions follow an open data policy and give web-access to their data archives. Data from the active experiment will be archived both at the universities of Bergen and of Warszawa.

How is it proposed to fund the project?
After accepting the project by the 4th IPY, it is planned to seek funding at the national science foundations of the participating countries.

Is there additional information you wish to provide?
None

PROPOSER DETAILS

Dr Johannes Schweitzer
NORSAR
P.O.Box 53
KJELLER
N-2027
Norway

Tel: +47-63805940
Mobile: +47-90566946
Fax: +47-63818719
Email:

Other project members and their affiliation

Other Information