Expressions of Intent for International Polar Year 2007-2008 Activities

Expression of Interest Details

PROPOSAL INFORMATION

Torellian unconformity on Svalbard: the Grenvillian/Caledonian structural stages boundary or a trace of Iapetus opening event ?  (Torellian unconformity)

Outline
The objective of this project is to resolve the controversy about the age and character of the major regional unconformity within Caledonian crystalline basement of Svalbard. Identified and defined by Birkenmajer (1975*), Torellian unconformity separates older Deilegga Group sequence from the overlying younger Sofiebogen Group rocks. This unconformity is recognizable in the lithostratigraphic profiles of basement along all West coast of Spitsbergen. For example, the equivalent of the Torellian unconformity in the N part of WJL is a break between Nordbukta and Dunderbukta/Rechrchefjorden sequences (Dallmann et al., 1990). To date, the age of Torellian unconformity is not well defined. Overlying rocks are probably of late Proterozoic age: they contain Varangian glaciation tillites at the top of the profile. The age of underlying sequence, however, is undetermined yet. Also, a character of this unconformity is under discussion. Some researchers recognize it as a break in sedimentation and deep erosional dissection of Deilegga Group rocks connected with uplift and block-faulting (Birkenmajer 1990). To others the structural contrasts across unconformity suggest more intensive diastrophism or even large-scale translation of nappe-like structures (Bjornerud et al. 1990). Sometimes Torellian unconformity is simply identified as the boundary between Grenvillian and Caledonian structural stages (in spite of similar, greenschist facies metamorphism in rocks on both sides of unconformity; Ohta 1992). Aim of this project is to find a solution to the above dilemmas based on focused petrological and geochemical investigations of rocks on both sides of the unconformity, in particular: • metapelites and metabasites from older Deilegga/Nordbukta and younger Sofiebogen/Dunderbukta/Recherchefjorden sequences; • Slyngfjellet/Konglomeratfjellet metaconglomerates resting unconformably at a base of younger sequence and containing clastic material derived from erosion of underlying Deilegga/Nordbukta rocks; • augen gneisses and feldspar quartzites of sequence Magnethogda, with unclear both origin and relation to Torellian unconformity (Dallmann et al. 1990). Petrological investigations will concentrate on determining the age and the pressure-temperature (PT) conditions of metamorphism. As a result of this study we expect to: • establish the age of metamorphism of rocks on both sides of the unconformity based on isotope analysis of monazites and zircons; • determine and compare the degree of metamorphism of rocks on both sides of the unconformity using mineral geothermobarometers; • quantify the lateral variability of PT conditions of metamorphism in the entire region; • correlate magmatic events which are related to this unconformity, based on geochemical analyses of metavolcanic rocks. * - references in part 3.6

What significant advance(s) in relation to the IPY themes and targets can be anticipated from this project?
The project will contribute to the understanding of geology of Arctic, particularly: • will permit to explain meaning and spatial range of the Grenvillian orogeny in the region; • will establish whether Svalbard underwent the late Proterozoic rifting connected with opening of the Iapetus Ocean; • will make possible correlations of the Proterozoic sequences in the scale of all Arctic, from the N Canada to Greenland, Svalbard and Scandinavia.

What international collaboration is involved in this project?
Comenius University, Bratislava, Slovakia

FIELD ACTIVITY DETAILS

Geographical location(s) for the proposed field activities:
Svalbard, West Spitsbergen, Wedel Jarlsberg Land: southern and northern parts, and central nunatack area between westre and austre Torellbreen.

Approximate timeframe(s) for proposed field activities:
Arctic: 07/2005 - 08/2005      06/2007 - 09/2007      06/2008 - 09/2008
Antarctic: n/a

Significant facilities will be required for this project:
This project assume utilisation of available logistic assets: • transport will be related to the activity of national polar operator; • base camps will use hus Hyttevika in the S part of WJL, Calypso Station in the N part of WJL and tent camp in central nunatack area

Will the project leave a legacy of infrastructure?
No

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

• Own national polar operator: in 2005-2008 – transport of people and equipment to area of investigations by ship; • Commercial operator: in 2008 only – Norwegian or Russian helicopter for foundation of tent camp in central part of WJL; • Own support: transport by boat and by ski

Has the project been "endorsed" at a national or international level?
Accepted by Polish National Committee for 4-IPY 2007-2008

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?
Exp

Geological mapping on WJL area were carried out by geologists from AGH in years 1983-1990 (Czerny et al. 1993). From 2002 year, new cycle of polar research was started in the same area, concentrating mainly on petrological problems (geothermobarometry). Project „Torellian unconformity" is a natural continuation of recent investigations.

How will the project be organised and managed?
Project is organized and managed by dr. Jerzy Czerny, Department of Mineralogy, Petrology and Geochemistry AGH – University of Science and Technology, Krakow, Poland. All Polish participants are employees or students of AGH – University of Science and Technology. This project and other projects carried out in the AGH within the framework of the IPY will be coordinated by prof. Andrzej Manecki, AGH – University of Science and Technology (manecki@geol.agh.edu.pl)

What are the initial plans of the project for addressing the education, outreach and communication issues outlined in the Framework document?
Ph.D. and master graduate students will participate in the field and laboratory research (3-4 persons). The progress and results will be publicized through www site and popular articles as well. Exhibition of photos showing beauty of Arctic is planned also.

What are the initial plans of the project to address data management issues (as outlined in the Framework document?
Data management issues will be coordinated by the National Programme of Polar Research, Poland.

How is it proposed to fund the project?
The fieldwork will be mostly funded by AGH funds. Application for support of laboratory part of investigations from the Polish National Programme of Polar Research and Framework Programmes of the EU is planned

Is there additional information you wish to provide?
References: Birkenmajer, 1975. Bull. Geol. Soc. Denmark, 24, 1-19. Birkenmajer, 1990. Geology of the Hornsund area, Spitsbergen. Uniwersytet Śląski, Katowice, pp.1-42. Dallmann, Hjelle, Ohta, Salvigsen, Bjornerud, Hauser, Maher, Craddoc

PROPOSER DETAILS

Dr Jerzy Czerny
AGH - University of Science and Technology
al.Mickiewicza 30
Krakow
30-059
Poland

Tel: (48) (12) 617 23 74
Mobile: no
Fax: (48) (12) 633 43 30
Email:

Other project members and their affiliation