Expressions of Intent for International Polar Year 2007-2008 Activities

Expression of Interest Details

PROPOSAL INFORMATION

Ross Sea Digital Geophysical and Geological Maps (Antarctica)  (ROSSMAP)

Outline
The objective of this study is to produce a new series of digital seismo-stratigraphic and structural maps for the Ross Sea region. The proposal represents a major revision and extension of the stratigraphic and isopach maps of the principal regional unconformities and seismic sequences in the Ross Sea made by the Ross Sea Regional Working Group of the Antarctic Offshore Acoustic Stratigraphy project (ANTOSTRAT) (Brancolini et al., 1995). The great quantity of seismic data that has been acquired in the last 10 years will be incorporated in the new maps. Also, the new data acquired recently in the Eastern Basin over to western Marie Byrd Land will allow the coverage to be extended beyond the limit (165°W) of the original maps. Other features, such as seismic facies and the fault pattern available in regional maps (Brancolini et al., 1997; Salvini et al., 1997), will be integrated with the new data. The revision will also include the most recently available gravity, geomagnetic and drilling data from the Ross Sea and the surrounding regions. In addition, detailed maps for some sub-areas will be produced to better define the detailed distribution, geometries and ages of the sediments. This study will provide an up to date synthesis of the tectonic and sedimentary history in the area and form the basis for future research into the geological, geodynamic, glacial and associated paleoclimate processes that have affected the Ross Sea region in particular, and into global issues in general. Future drilling initiatives in the Ross Sea region can be designed based on the results of the seismo-stratigraphic synthesis. The research involves three main components: i) re-interpretation of the existing multichannel seismic data that have been recorded in the Ross Sea, ii) integration of recent geophysical and geological data iii) advanced reprocessing and interpretation of strategic seismic lines. The proposal is an integration and extension to the whole Ross Sea of several existing projects, e.g. ANDRILL and VILMAP, and would thus incorporate the results of several groups presently working in different parts of the Ross Sea region. Significantly, the new Ross Sea digital maps will be maintained in a publicly accessible database that will contribute to key components of national strategic science plans.

What significant advance(s) in relation to the IPY themes and targets can be anticipated from this project?
The project will contribute to Themes 1 and 2, by providing a record of environmental change in the Antarctic region during the Cenozoic climate fluctuations since these changes are recorded in the stratigraphy. Moreover, this study will provide a unique opportunity for investigating links between the evolution of the east and west Antarctic ice sheets and the timing and magnitude of the main geodynamic processes and tectonic features of the West Antarctic Rift System. Also, the project will allow the nature of the Gondwana-Pacific margin before continental break-up, which is a vital component in global plate reconstructions, to be addressed.

What international collaboration is involved in this project?
The project currently involves the following organisations: Istituto Nazionale di Oceanografia e di Geofisica Sperimentale, Trieste, Italy Università degli Studi “Roma Tre”, Roma, Italy Ohio State University, USA Institute for Crustal Studies, University of California Santa Barbara USA University of Nebraska, USA Institute of Geological and Nuclear Sciences, Wellington, New Zealand

FIELD ACTIVITY DETAILS

Geographical location(s) for the proposed field activities:

Approximate timeframe(s) for proposed field activities:
Arctic: n/a
Antarctic: n/a

Significant facilities will be required for this project:

Will the project leave a legacy of infrastructure?

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

Has the project been "endorsed" at a national or international level?

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

The project is a new and autonomous proposal to revise and unify the results of the geological and geophysical studies of diverse institutions in the Ross Sea. It will make a substantial contribution to the SCAR programme on Antarctic Climate Evolution (ACE) and is a component of the GSSG initiatives for IPY.

How will the project be organised and managed?
Each partner institute will be responsible for the various activities of data reprocessing and interpretation in their working area of the Ross Sea. A steering committee, with representatives from each institute and an annually rotating chair, will ensure common data standards and the exchanging of information via regular communications, meetings and workshops. The project leader will co-ordinate the data collection and unification to produce the digital data base and associated geological and geophysical maps.

What are the initial plans of the project for addressing the education, outreach and communication issues outlined in the Framework document?
Young researchers will be involved in the project through Masters and Doctoral positions. Public access to the project results will be promoted by: - A digital database (WANDA) - A dedicated project web-site - Scientific publications and presentations - Training courses for undergraduates in collaboration with National Antarctic Museums.

What are the initial plans of the project to address data management issues (as outlined in the Framework document?
A digital database system, that contains and organises the geophysical and geological information, will be made available through the expansion of the current PNRA project WANDA (Web-based interactive Antarctic Database) with links to the Seismic Data Library System (SDLS) CD and web-based data bank.

How is it proposed to fund the project?
Financial support will be sought from national polar programmes and government funding agencies in USA, New Zealand and Italy.

Is there additional information you wish to provide?
The project was inspired by the current PNRA-funded project VILMAP (Revision of the maps of the main interpreted seismic unconformities in the Victoria Land Basin). It involves several scientists from that project as well as new participants interested in the production of a series of thematic geoscience maps (seismo-stratigraphic and structural maps) of the Ross Sea region. The project follows the SCAR GSSG initiative for IPY in the production of a series of benchmark maps and will utilise current established projects (SDLS, WANDA) for data management and distribution.

PROPOSER DETAILS

Dr Chiara Sauli
Istituto Nazionale di Oceanografia e di Geofisica Sperimentale - OGS
Trieste Borgo Grotta Gigante 42/C
Sgonico, 34010, Trieste
34010
Italy

Tel: +39 040 2140 226
Mobile: no
Fax: +39 040 327 307
Email:

Other project members and their affiliation