Expressions of Intent for International Polar Year 2007-2008 Activities

Expression of Interest Details

PROPOSAL INFORMATION

Geodynamics of the Hinge Zone between East and West Antarctica and influences on glacial evolution: A Transect between Patriot Hills (Ellsworth Mount  (PET (Pensacola-Ellsworth Transect))

Outline
The area between Ellsworth Mts. and Pensacola Mts. is part of the geological transition between West and East Antarctica, a hinge zone between two geological units of different age. This border, which is represented by the linear fold belt of the Ross Orogen in the Transantarctic Mountains changes rather abruptly in character and becomes diffuse in the area near the Ronne/Filchner Ice Shelf. The gap between Pensacola Mountains and Ellsworth Mountains is almost totally covered by thick glacier ice. There is an ongoing debate whether the Ross Orogen simply prolongs into southern Africa through this area or is this region a rather complicate collision belt containing a triple junction formed by oblique sinistral collision of the East Antarctica Craton and the African Kalahari Craton, and closure of an intervening oceanic basin through an NE-ward subduction. To interprete the nature of these plate movements during the Gondwana assembly is of fundamental importance in geological history: It needs to incorporate all geological and geophysical data of this highly remote and rarely investigated area. Glaciologically, this region hosts big ice flows like Institute Ice Stream draining into the Weddell Sea. In contrary to the rapid thinning and grounding line retreat of parts of the West Antarctic sheet draining into the Amundsen Sea which seems to be the result of from recent accelerations of these glaciers, possibly related to the relatively rapid collapse of their fringing ice shelves, the Institute Ice Stream does not show major changes. A detailed geophysical and glaciological survey including bedrock topography mapping provides the data base for modelling the sub-ice morphology and estimating the potential for relatively rapid dynamic ice sheet responses to external conditions. The proposed investigations in this remote area are only possible based on joint multinational logistic support and are planned to include airborne and ground based geophysical surveys as well as geological field work.

What significant advance(s) in relation to the IPY themes and targets can be anticipated from this project?
The Hinge Zone Transect is an international and interdisciplinary project in one of the most remote areas of the Antarctic. It combines the results of ice thickness radar, gravity, aeromagnetics and geology to decipher the influence of geology and sub-ice topography on the stability of ice sheets and glacier velocity. It is expected to gain new insight why some glaciers move and thin rather rapidly, while others seem to be stable. A better knowledge of the sub-ice topography is crucial for a better mass balance and for predictions of future ice shield development. In addition, the geological studies will improve the understanding of the growth of the Antarctic. Thus, the project will - improve the knowledge of the present status of the southern polar region, - make understandable changes and improve predictions in a remote and so far unexplored area of the Antarctic.

What international collaboration is involved in this project?
The Federal Institute for Geosciences and Natural Resources (BGR, Hannover), and the German universities of Dresden, Jena, and Greifswald, as well as the Instituto Antártico Chileno (INACH, Punta Arenas, Chile) and the Centro de Estudios Scientificos (CECS, Valdivia) will be involved. Contacts exist also to the University of Michigan concerning a combined sub-project in the Pensacola Mountains. q2_1_Location : The transect will cover an area of 150 x 600 km between the Ellsworth Mountains and the Pensacola Mountains. Base camps will be located in the Patriot Hills and the Dufek Massif areas.

FIELD ACTIVITY DETAILS

Geographical location(s) for the proposed field activities:
The transect will cover an area of 150 x 600 km between the Ellsworth Mountains and the Pensacola Mountains. Base camps will be located in the Patriot Hills and the Dufek Massif areas.

Approximate timeframe(s) for proposed field activities:
Arctic: n/a
Antarctic: 12/06 – 01/07      11/07 - 02/08      

Significant facilities will be required for this project:
A prerequisite for a successful science operation is the supply of fuel in both the Patriot Hills and the Dufek Massif base camps. The fuel depots should be installed in the 06/07 austral summer. The aerogeophysical survey will be carried out by Twin Otter, the field work in the Dufek Massif will be supported by two helicopters. The base camp in the Dufek Massif can be used by the German/Chilean and the US programmes. Data from GPS-sites can be provided to other users.

Will the project leave a legacy of infrastructure?
All infrastructure (including fuel depots and waste) will be removed at the end of the project.

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

BGR, the German national polar operator, and INACH, the Chilean national polar operator will share the costs. The project will be logistically supported by the Chilean Air Force, and the scientific programmes will be carried out by commercial operators contracted for the Twin Otter and helicopter support.

Has the project been "endorsed" at a national or international level?
The project is part of the Polar Research of BGR and is endorsed by BGR´s Science Planning Group. The same is presently in progress in Chile. The national IPY committee of Germany endorse the project.

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

This is a new project in a remote area of the Antarctic which has to be considered as a key area for glaciology / climate evolution and geology. It can only be carried out by sharing the logistic efforts on an international level.

How will the project be organised and managed?
The project will be jointly organized and managed by BGR and INACH, based on a Project Agreement between both institutions. Cooperation with the US programme is envisaged, but is not yet confirmed. Specialist personnel will be drawn from BGR, INACH and universities in both countries and will have to meet the requirements laid down by BGR and INACH.

What are the initial plans of the project for addressing the education, outreach and communication issues outlined in the Framework document?
Media coverage and accompanying educational programmes are envisaged in Germany and Chile.

What are the initial plans of the project to address data management issues (as outlined in the Framework document?
The responsibility for data management is with the individual projects. The ice thickness, gravity and aeromagnetic data sets will be included in the SCAR-supported ADMAP and BEDMAP data bases. The geological specimen will be included in the German or the Chilean Antarctic rock archives.

How is it proposed to fund the project?
The project is to be funded out of the budgets of BGR and INACH for the IPY.

Is there additional information you wish to provide?
If other projects use Patriot Hills as a base transport facilities (PAX and fuel transports) may be shared.

PROPOSER DETAILS

Dr Norbert W. Roland
Federal Institute for Geosciences and Natural Resources (BGR)
Hannover
Stilleweg 2
30655
Germany

Tel: +49 511 643 3138
Mobile: no
Fax: +49 511 643 3663
Email:

Other project members and their affiliation