Expressions of Intent for International Polar Year 2007-2008 Activities

Expression of Interest Details

PROPOSAL INFORMATION

Dispersal of Antarctica–Africa: the onset of Gondwana break-up  (DIANA)

Outline
This project is an international and multidisciplinary, integrated campaign designed to address the origin of magmas, tectonism, and timing of tectono-magmatic events during the early period of Gondwana break-up. Geological, palaeomagnetic-petrophysical, and seismological research builds upon recent and ongoing geological projects funded by the Academy of Finland and benefits from contributions of renowned national and international partners, such as Alfred Wegener Institute, Ohio State University, Carnegie Institute and the Curtin University of Technology. The research will be performed in four sub-projects: 1) magma sources of Gondwana LIP, 2) geochemical evolution of Gondwana LIP, 3) continental drift of East-Antarctica, and 4) structure and seismicity of Dronning Maud Land. These studies will be largely executed as one post-doctoral and two PhD projects. The geological (geochemical, mineralogical, isotope geological, geochronological) studies utilize previously obtained data (e.g. Finnarp 2007-8 expedition), samples collected by collaborators, and new samples to be collected during forthcoming Finnarp Antarctic expeditions during the period 2009-2011. The Palaeomagnetic studies are based on existing and new data, coupled with numerous unpublished data that are available to us. The results will be summarized to provide a series of key poles for Dronning Maud Land during 180–150 Ma. The seismologists of the University of Helsinki will participate to the receiver function analysis of the data collected using the Dromnet network. We also aim to replace the temporary station currently located at Aboa station with a permanent broadband sensor in order to constrain the lithospheric architecture, particularly thickness variations and distribution of seismic velocities beneath DML in new detail, and to monitor seismic activity occurring between the VNA stations and Aboa. The data of the seismic station at Aboa will be collected annually by the Finnarp participants, starting in January 2008. The project team will take care of the necessary maintenance at the station.

What significant advance(s) in relation to the IPY themes and targets can be anticipated from this project?
The results are anticipated to bring significant new detail into the understanding of Gondwana break-up. Timing of magmatic and tectonic break-up processes, including previously undocumented events, establishing possible significant involvement of eclogite-bearing mantle sources of magmas, refined plate tectonic models of Antarctica-Africa separation, and improved image of the lithospheric architecture would be significant steps for Gondwana research (Themes 4 and 5). The results may further facilitate recording of seismic events related to movements of the East-Antarctic ice sheet in DML, providing a link to Antarctic climate studies (Theme 5).

What international collaboration is involved in this project?
Alfred Wegener Institut (Alfons Eckstaller); British Antarctic Survey (Phil Leat); Ohio State University/Byrd Polar Research Centre (Ken Foland); Garnegie Institute (Richard Carlson); University of Oslo (Trond Trosvik); Curtin University of Technology (Argon isotope facility, Fred Jourdan); Université Paris, Institut de Physique du Globe de Paris (Vincent Courtillot); VNIIOkeangeologia, St. Petersburg (Eugene Mikhalsky)

FIELD ACTIVITY DETAILS

Geographical location(s) for the proposed field activities:
Dronning Maud Land, Antarctica (Vestfjella, Heimefrontfjella, Schirmacher Oasis)

Approximate timeframe(s) for proposed field activities:
Arctic: n/a
Antarctic: 12/09 – 02/10      12/10 – 02/11      

Significant facilities will be required for this project:
Field operations are carried out within Finnarp logistic framework. Field work operations are to be performed using skidoos.

Will the project leave a legacy of infrastructure?

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

Has the project been "endorsed" at a national or international level?
Yes - Ongoing research is funded by Academy of Finland until 2010. New proposal has been submitted to the Academy of Finland in January 2008 for the period 2009-2012.

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

The research is continuation and extension of previous and ongoing activities dealing with the geology of Dronning Maud Land, Antarctica.

How will the project be organised and managed?
Dr (docent) Arto Luttinen is the principal investigator of the project and the leader of the geology group; prof Tapani Rämö is a co-leader of the geology group; prof Lauri Pesonen and Dr Pekka Heikkilä are the leaders of geophysical and seismological groups. They will supervise the PhD students and coordinate and participate to international collaboration.

What are the initial plans of the project for addressing the education, outreach and communication issues outlined in the Framework document?
Researacher training: inhouse “teatalks”, international meetings, research courses (e.g. NorFa). Education, outreach and communication: seminar course with invited speakers, popular science writings, presentations at schools.

What are the initial plans of the project to address data management issues (as outlined in the Framework document?
Project data will be put available in international electronic data repositories.

How is it proposed to fund the project?
Current activity is funded by the Academy of Finland (-2010). New funding has been applied from the Academy of Finland for the period 2009-2012.

Is there additional information you wish to provide?
None

PROPOSER DETAILS

PhD Arto Luttinen
University of Helsinki
Gustaf Hällstöminkatu 2, Department of Geology
P.O.Box 64
00014
Finland

Tel: +358-9-191-50808
Mobile: no
Fax: +35-9-191-50826
Email:

Other project members and their affiliation