Expressions of Intent for IPY 2007-2008 Activities

Expression of Interest Details

PROPOSAL INFORMATION

Arctic tectonic evolution: New Siberian – DeLong Islands  (New Siberian Islands)

Outline
It is generally accepted that the Arctic ocean exerts a strong control on global ocean circulation and consequently modern global climate. Yet the tectonic development of the Arctic ocean, especially its pre-Cenozoic history which lead to the development of today’s ocean system, is poorly understood. Through multidisciplinary, multinational investigations into circum-Arctic tectonic evolution, we will make significant advances in understanding how the tectonic development of the proto-Arctic ocean influenced the development of today’s Arctic environment. Previous work on Svalbard, in Timan-Pechora, Novaya Zemlya, Taimyr, and Severnaya Zemlya provides the scientific framework. New work in the eastern Russia Arctic on Wrangel Island and the Chukotka peninsula (2005), and Ellesmere Island (2007) will add to this understanding. Yet the New Siberian Islands, an important part of this Arctic puzzle, remains terra incognito. The New Siberian-DeLong Islands (NSDI) are related to the development of the Amerasia Basin and we will test the ‘rotation’ hypothesis for the development of this basin. This hypothesis suggests that parts of Arctic Alaska and the Chukotka Peninsula (AACP) of easternmost Russia formed a land mass contiguous with Arctic Canada and Ellesmere Island. The AACP was subsequently rifted from the Canadian margin and redistributed during the opening of the Amerasia Basin. The NSDI apparently define the boundary between in-situ and displaced terranes resulting from this opening and are crucial for understanding the tectonic development of this basin. Using stratigraphy, paleontology, geochemistry, geochronology, and mapping, we will determine if the NSDI are in-situ or allochthonous, i.e.- locate the suture. Provenance studies can link sedimentary packages to their source areas, and hence may constrain basin development. Systematic study of circum-Arctic sediment provenance has not been performed. A key element of this project is the development of a circum-Arctic sediment provenance database, using 3-D GIS techniques to store and interrogate datasets, and to implement plate reconstructions. Such data, or samples that could generate such data, has been systematically collected from many localities. Logistical support needs include ship, helicopter, or fixed-wing transport for getting people (plus equipment and supplies) to and from the field. Additional air support for a camp move during the field season is desired. Russian choppers may be available; chopper support from an icebreaker is a possibility; ship based activity during an ice-free season is also possible. The climate influences landing conditions and visibility for all air-craft; the best window for ground-based research in this area is mid-July to mid-August.

What significant advance(s) in relation to the IPY themes and targets can be anticipated from this project?
It is generally accepted that the Arctic ocean exerts a strong control on global oceanic circulation and consequently modern global climate. We expect to make significant advances 1) understanding the pre-Paleogene tectonic evolution of the proto-Arctic ocean, which has implications for the development of the modern climate system; 2) establishing the first international circum-Arctic sediment provenance GIS database, to be constructed and maintained in the United Kingdom using new data and existing multinational data-subsets; and 3) with educational outreach through teacher participation, student participation as field-assistants, and real-time video-linked student-scientist interaction associated with summer courses.

What international collaboration is involved in this project?
Primary partners for the field component include Sweden, the United Kingdom, and Russia, with ancillary participation for database maintenance from the entire circum-Arctic community (additionally Danes, Norwegians, Canadians, and Americans).

FIELD ACTIVITY DETAILS

Geographical location(s) for the proposed field activities:
Arctic: The New Siberian –DeLong Islands of Russia, which separate the Laptev and East Siberian Seas.

Approximate timeframe(s) for proposed field activities:
Arctic: July-August 2008            
Antarctic: n/a

Significant facilities will be required for this project:
Helicopter (Russian?) support from Tixi to the New Siberian Islands. Helicopters could be shared with other projects based in the region; helicopter could also be based on ice-breaker. The DeLong Islands are far from fueling stations and weather dependant, so an ice-breaker based chopper or ice-breaker access would be ideal.

Will the project leave a legacy of infrastructure?
To the extent that the database will be indefinitely maintained, the project will leave a medium-term legacy.

How is it envisaged that the required logistic support will be secured?

If costs prove prohibitive for polar operators, we can seek National funding to hire Russian helicopters. Perhaps German colleagues are interested in work in this region? Permissions from Russia are needed for ships in Russian waters.

Has the project been "endorsed" at a national or international level?
The project is endorsed at the national level and 2008 funding will be sought.

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?
no
This is part of a 6-year program for understanding circum-Arctic tectonic evolution. Targeted field studies include a scientific and database component itemized within a three-year funded project to V. Pease (National funding) for 2005, 2006 and 2007. Renewal of funding for 2008, 2009, and 2010 will be sought.

How will the project be organised and managed?
V. Pease will oversee the project, coordinating field activities (sample collection, distribution of scientific expertise, etc.), data generation, project deliverables, deadlines, etc., for Swedish, English, and Russian nationals, as well as liaising with logistical coordinators. R. Scott (UK) will coordinate GIS-related activity (compiling pre-existing data, data input, new data acquisition, etc.) and liaise with all national representatives.

What are the initial plans of the project for addressing the education, outreach and communication issues outlined in the Framework document?
Teacher and student participation is expected (typical of Swedish Polar expeditions); student participation as field-assistants; outreach via such avenues as popular articles and seminars; real-time, student-scientist interactions using video-links through summer courses (e.g. Abisko)

What are the initial plans of the project to address data management issues (as outlined in the Framework document)?
Our UK partner will manage all aspects of our circum-Arctic sediment provenance GIS database. The database is to be complete end-2007. IPY 2008 falls within the ‘maintenance’ phase of the database. National contributors will participate in database maintenance and receive training (if appropriate). The database will be made available to contributors.

How is it proposed to fund the project?
Primary funding from national bodies (funding to V. Pease for 2005, 2006, 2007 will seek renewal for 2008, 2009, and 2010). We will apply for funding from the petroleum sector and from the EU (INTAS, to support Russian colleagues).

Is there additional information you wish to provide?
IPY 2008 falls within the second 3 years of a 6 year, multinational, multidisciplinary project to understand pre-Cenozoic circum-Arctic tectonic evolution. This program involves researchers from many circum-Arctic countries, each with expertise in their fields of study. We hope an IPY ‘stamp of approval’ will facilitate continued funding and interest in this work.

PROPOSER DETAILS

Prof Victoria Pease
Stockholm University
Dept. of Geology & Geochemistry
Stockholm
SE-106 91
Sweden

Tel: +46 8 674-7321
Mobile:
Fax: +46 8 674 7897
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Other project members and their affiliation

Other Information