Expressions of Intent for International Polar Year 2007-2008 Activities

Expression of Interest Details

PROPOSAL INFORMATION

The geoelectrical model of Antarctic Peninsula and neighbour regions  (GEOELMOD)

Outline
The main aim of the Project is creation the geoelectrical model of Antarctic Peninsula and neighboring regions on the base of new data about deep structure of the Antarctic peninsula using the magnetotelluric soundings (MTS) and deep magnetovariational (MV) methods, tectonomagnetic method and two new electromagnetic impulse methods. The last include short-impulse electromagnetic field formation method (FSPEF) and vertical electric-resonance sounding (VERS). The VERS method is based upon the effect of polarization of a geological section’s geoelectric non-uniformities in the Earth’s natural quasi-stationary electric field. In spite of activity of geoelectrical investigations on the other continents there is only a few MTS and deep MV measurements in West Antarctic region. The preliminary results of MTS and MV investigations from last years have been demonstrated the high capabilities of this methods for studying either earth crust structure or upper-middle mantle conductivity for the depth than more a few hundreds kilometers. For example the low resistively layer in the depths of 10 – 15 km, which probably connected with the geodynamical peculiarities of a lithosphere in the region of Ukrainian Antarctic station Vernadsky (west Antarctic peninsula) was discovered by MTS. In the framework of this Project first of all the analysis of magnetic observatory data in West Antarctica for studying of deep structure (conducting layers) will be carried out. Than the geoelectrical sounding along the western slope of the Antarctic peninsula will be carry on the bases of permanent Antarctic station (Bellingshausen (Arctowski), Palmer, Vernadsky, Esperanza, Marambio, Rothera, San Martin etc.) and on the selection points by season field camps (total 15-20 points). In addition we plan measurements on the 10-15 geoelectrical sounding points on profile (or two profiles) across the extension of main geological structures along the Antarctic peninsula on the latitude 65? S. 5-components magnetic-variation stations LEMI and automated meteo-magnetic stations (AMMS) assembled in Ukraine will be use for this investigation. All records will be calibrated by magnetic observatory Argentine Islands (AIA - Ukrainian Antarctic station Vernadsky) data with continuously records of X, Y, Z, E, H components in a wide frequency range. As a result on the base of conductivity distribution the 1-2 D geoelectrical models on the different depths of Earth crust and upper-middle mantle will be carry out. The new obtaining results will allow determine the main deep geological-geophysical structures and their role in the main stage and evolution of West Antarctica. Also the other new geoelectrical methods will be involved in this project. During 1998 the foundations of the first latitudinal tectonomagnetic profile was laid near Vernadsky station area. Tectonomagnetic anomalies, defined as abnormal temporary changes of geomagnetic field due to physical and chemical phenomena in the Earth's crust and upper mantle, are results of seismic, volcanic and other geodynamic processes The preliminary data have shown the dynamic changes of magnetic field ??F during the period 1998 – 2002 in depending on geology and local tectonic activity. The repeated observations of 2003, 2004, and 2005yy have confirmed, in general, the stability of ??F distribution along the profile. Similar anomalous effect, but with somewhat smaller amplitude, was the general characteristic of active fault zones in the Earth’s crust. It was revealed in many seismoactive zones on the world. In the framework of project we are planning the continuation of measurements along new longitudinal profile. The geoelectrical investigations by FSPEF and VERS during the last marine expedition have been demonstrated high efficiency this methods for studying the lithosphere structure up to 30 km depth. All new data correlate well with previous geological – geophysical results. For extension these works the FSPEF and VERS measurements along the famous seismic profiles will be carry out. Proposed GEOELMOD project will be fulfilled in the framework of logistic cooperation with TIMIS (troposphere-ionosphere-magnetosphere interaction study over Antarctic Peninsula using network of automatic meteo-magnetic stations) Project and opened to involve other countries contribution within IPY.

What significant advance(s) in relation to the IPY themes and targets can be anticipated from this project?
The GEOELMOD will focus for the modern geoelectrical structure of West Antarctica. The geological-geophysical background and evolution of the central-northern part of Antarctic peninsula and neighbour regions will be analysed with new data of deep geoelectrical structure of the region. The new results about conducting layers of earth crust and upper-middle mantle and construction of 1-2D geoelectrical model with the other geological-geophysical data will allow to specify the main stage and evolution of West Antarctica and giving advance development of understanding the processes of building whole Antarctic continent.

What international collaboration is involved in this project?
The International collaboration in frame of GEOELMOD will be supplied by participation in the researches scientists from Ukraine, Russia, Poland, Finland and Czech Republic. We hope collect and process the data from national operators which work in Antarctic Peninsula region. We expect that the project will supported by logistic operations in West Antarctica during IPY via shipping trips to year-round base and season Antarctic stations.

FIELD ACTIVITY DETAILS

Geographical location(s) for the proposed field activities:
West Antarctica, Antarctic Peninsula and adjacent islands, Bellinsgausen sea, Drake Passage and Scotia sea. The location of area is 295-305? E and 62-66?S. MTS profile(s) across and along Antarctic Peninsula near latitude 65? S.

Approximate timeframe(s) for proposed field activities:
Arctic: n/a
Antarctic: January 2007 – March 2007      December 2007 – March 2008      December 2008 – March 2009

Significant facilities will be required for this project:
Logistic resources for execution the project should be provided by national polar operator. The field works will be carried out with aid of the UAS "Academician Vernadsky", nearby permanent Antarctic stations and from seasonal field camps. Stations and ships will be shared with other projects during the IPY. The geophysical researches will be carried out from a board of the ship as a complex study and within the framework of other projects or during logistic operation.

Will the project leave a legacy of infrastructure?
The database of survey will be created for Antarctic Peninsula and neighbour regions and will be available for data management after the IPY.

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

The national polar operator Ukrainian Antarctic Center will coordinate the field work across the profile through Antarctic peninsula on the basis of Ukrainian year-round station Vernadsky.

Has the project been "endorsed" at a national or international level?
The project will be supported in the framework of National Ukrainian Program research in Antarctica for 2005-2007 (till 2010) yy. The logistic support cooperate with the TIMIS Project which has been endorsed at Ukraine by IPY Initiative Group and included as part of National Research Program for 2005-2007 .

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?
Yes

This project is new comprehensive project joining different directions of geological and geophysical studies, which were carried out within the frame of Ukrainian Government program for investigations in Antarctic region in 2002-2010 years (decree Cabinet of Ministry of Ukraine from 13.09.2001 ? 4220-p). The proposed project is based on the data and facts available in part from previous projects ? ?/2-2004 "Complex geophysical investigations in the area of UAS the "Academician Vernadsky" aimed at study of crustal structure and developing of a geodynamic model of the region, and project ? ?/1-2006 "Complex investigations of the Earth’s crust of Western Antarctic region according to geological and geophysical data". It is supposed that within the framework IPY this project can be executed independently.

How will the project be organised and managed?
The project, fulfilled by Institute of Geophysics of National Academy of Sciences of the Ukraine, will be managed by National Antarctic Centre of Ukraine. It is provided also that specialists from other countries (first of all from Russia) can participate in the project within the framework of non-currency exchange. The coordination of the works can be provided in part by coordinators of the IPY.

What are the initial plans of the project for addressing the education, outreach and communication issues outlined in the Framework document?
The graduate and post-graduate students will be involved in this Project. The main results will be included into student training programs in Universities and High schools.

What are the initial plans of the project to address data management issues (as outlined in the Framework document?
Obtained during the project data will be included into the united GIS-system of National Antarctic Science Centre of Ukraine, it can not be ruled out their further transfer to the ICSU World Data Centers, Joint Committee for Antarctic Data Management, WCRP and others organizations. All data and results obtained during the project will be delivered to National Agency for development within the framework of International Organizations (ICESTAR Program committee, ICSU World Data Centers, Joint Committee for Antarctic Data Management, WCRP). All information about the research will be available on the web-site of the National Antarctic Science Centre of Ukraine.

How is it proposed to fund the project?
All equipments, measurements and interpretation work mostly will be funded from Ukrainian national resources (through Ukrainian Antarctic Center and other Institutes and Departments). We will ask about national resources from the other participants and ask funding from SCAR to focus of logistic support. Also funding for some logistic support will be asked for at different national and international funding institutions in the framework other IPY projects.

Is there additional information you wish to provide?
None

PROPOSER DETAILS

Valerii Litvinov
National Antarctic Science Center of Ministry of Education and Science of Ukraine
av. Tarasa Shevchenko 16, 01610, Kiev
01610
Ukraine

Tel: +38 (044) 2463880
Mobile: no
Fax: no
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Other project members and their affiliation