Expressions of Intent for International Polar Year 2007-2008 Activities

Expression of Interest Details

PROPOSAL INFORMATION

Arctic tectonic evolution: Ellesmere Island  (Ellesmere Island)

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 expect to 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, the Timan-Pechora region, 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) will contribute to this understanding. Ellesmere Island is an important part of this Arctic puzzle and remains terra incognito. Ellesmere Island is related to the development of the Amerasia Basin and we will test the ‘rotation’ hypothesis for the development of the Arctic Alaska-Chukotka microplate (AAMC). This hypothesis suggests that the Chukotka Peninsula of easternmost Russia, together with parts of Arctic Alaska, originally formed a land mass contiguous with Arctic Canada and Ellesmere Island. The subsequent fragmentation and redistribution of the AACM was due to its rifting from the Canadian margin during the opening of the Amerasia Basin. Ellesmere Island is crucial for understanding stratigraphic and tectonic correlations across the Arctic. We will test this hypothesis through stratigraphical, paleontological, geochemical, and geochronological investigations.Provenance studies are a powerful tool with which to link sedimentary packages to their source areas, and hence have a potentially important role in constraining plate reconstructions. No systematic study of circum-Arctic sediment provenance has previously been attempted, but such data, or samples that could generate such data, have been systematically collected from many localities. A key element of the project is the development of a circum-Arctic sediment provenance, using 3-D GIS techniques to store and interrogate datasets, and to implement plate reconstructions. Logistical support in the form of i) transportation by ship, helicopter, or fixed-wing plane for getting people (plus equipment and supplies) to and from the field is needed. Limited air support for a single camp move during the field season is also necessary. It may be possible to join forces for fixed-wing support with the Canadian land-based geophysical monitoring program. The climate obviously 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 in 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 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) educational outreach through teacher participation, student participation as field-assistants, and real-time video-linked student-scientist interaction through summer courses.

What international collaboration is involved in this project?
Scientists from Sweden, the United Kingdom, Russia, and America are involved. Canadian participation is currently restricted to logistical coordination (identification of key sections, field support, etc.), but we seek Geological Survey participation. Additional participation from Danish and Norwegian nationals is currently being sought, to involve the entire circum-Arctic community.

FIELD ACTIVITY DETAILS

Geographical location(s) for the proposed field activities:
Northern Ellesmere Island, Arctic Canada

Approximate timeframe(s) for proposed field activities:
Arctic: 07/2007 – 08/2007            
Antarctic: n/a

Significant facilities will be required for this project:
Fixed winged airplane or helicopter transport to and from the field, as well as one or two camp moves. Helicopter from the Swedish ice-breaker would be efficient for chopper refuelling and logistic sharing with marine geophysical group.

Will the project leave a legacy of infrastructure?
To the extent that establishment of the database is a 3 year project, and that it will be indefinitely maintained, the project will leave a medium-term legacy.

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

Research funding for 2007 exists for some participants; logistical costs would normally be borne by the Swedish Polar infrastructure; however, if costs are prohibitive, additional funding can be sought by the scientific party. Permissions from Canada are needed for National Park access.

Has the project been "endorsed" at a national or international level?
Further details – The national Swedish funding body and polar committee endorse this work.

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

Further details – 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, Russian, and Canadian/Danish 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. Abisco).

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. We estimate 3 years to complete this database project (IPY 2007 falls within this time). National contributors will participate in database development 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 (already obtained by V. Pease 2005, 2006, 2007). 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 2007 falls within the first 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

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

Tel: +46 8 674-7321
Mobile: no
Fax: +46 8 674 7897
Email:

Other project members and their affiliation