Expressions of Intent for International Polar Year 2007-2008 Activities

Expression of Interest Details

PROPOSAL INFORMATION

Critical revision of Gondwana breakup  (GONDWANA GGPP)

Outline
There are many controversial ideas about how Gondwana broke up with different rigid plate models that include a variety of proposed segmentations for the South American continent to accommodate the various subplates. The timing is constrained by seafloor magnetic anomalies and the rotation poles derived from them. Palaeographical reconstructions need to also be constrained by geological and paleontological data, but frequently the kinematic modelers do not have the requisite expertise. On the other hand, researchers with a geological background detect and recognize phenomena by studying rocks and the fossil record but often infer geologically compelling scenarios that do not accurately meet the physics involved. Gondwana GGPP will bring together specialists in Geology, Geophysics, Paleontology, and Paleomagnetism [GGPP] to study the diverse tectonic models. Collectively they can fill the knowledge gaps that heretofore have precluded the formulation of a single comprehensive model for the break-up of Gondwana. The opening of the SW Weddell Sea and the southern South Atlantic will be the main focus of the project. The timings of the two openings are very much linked together. The age of the Paraná-Etendeka hotspot [~132 Ma] is known and the same age as the earliest seafloor spreading magentic anomalies in the southern South Atlantic, suggesting that it is improbable that there was a triple junction in the Weddell Sea prior to 132 Ma. On the other hand, if there is clear evidence for a medium to deep sea north of the Falkland-Malvinas Plateau earlier than 132 Ma then a triple junction could have been established earlier. Presently, there is conflicting evidence and at least 4 competing tectonic models. The paleontology from wells drilled on the Falkland/Malvinas Plateau and off the coast of Argentina need to be incorporated in the tectonic analysis. In addition, the ages of the Colorado, Salado and San Jorge Basins in Argentina as well as those of the Bredefort Basins off South Africa will provide important information regarding the break-up history of Gondwana and the early formation of the Weddell Sea. Paleomagnetic studies of the tectonic domains around the South Atlantic both prior to and during Gondwana break-up are essential to understanding the early break-up. The main project objectives include: 1) Organize the existing magnetic anomaly picks defining quality factors with reference to a single Geomagnetic Time Scale. 2) Revise the models of major plate drift through mapping of flowlines, synthetic isochrons and geographic reconstructions. 3) Investigate the extensive basalt outpourings (Bouvet, Karoo and Paraná-Etendeka) and the relationship between them. 4) Improve the paleomagnetic record around the South Atlantic to test and quantify the rigidity of the South American, African and Antarctic plates during initial break-up. 5) Revise the fossil match of the Gondwanide plates. Create data bank. 6) Revise the stratigraphic records. Create data bank. 7) Organize existing data and metadata to comply with JCADM standards. 8) Identify targets for high resolution magnetics and gravity surveying as well as future scientific drilling targets.

What significant advance(s) in relation to the IPY themes and targets can be anticipated from this project?
The project will revise, quantify and clarify the discrepancies in the interpretation of existing data relevant to the breakup of Gondwana, the opening of the Weddell Sea and South Atlantic and the evolution of Antarctica since Early Jurassic times. Understanding the processes that led to the break-up of Gondwana and the subsequent dispersal of its fragments goes in parallel with understanding the evolution of the biodiversity and the global climate change, as the result was the isolation of the Antarctic continent into an exceptional polar position that makes it play a major role in the Earth’s climate. This is basic Science, and the clarification intended by the project is needed for the benefit of many related programmes in some of which the proponents also participate.

What international collaboration is involved in this project?
The present status of international collaboration for this project involves the following countries and institutions: Argentina, several institutions. New Zealand, University of Canterbury. USA, The University of Texas at Austin. UK, University of Aberdeen, University of Plymouth. It is expected that the international collaboration will be enlarged (Chile, Brazil, South Africa, Germany). Conversations are underway.

FIELD ACTIVITY DETAILS

Geographical location(s) for the proposed field activities:
Antarctic Peninsula and Patagonia (South America).

Approximate timeframe(s) for proposed field activities:
Arctic: n/a
Antarctic: 12/05 - 03/06      12/07 - 03/08      12/08 - 03/09

Significant facilities will be required for this project:
Aircraft transportation to the Antarctic Peninsula and helicopters to establish field camps for rock sampling. The resources can be shared by other projects.

Will the project leave a legacy of infrastructure?
No infrastructure will remain in the Antarctic from this project after the IPY. The legacy of the project will be web based guided information, data bases and maps.

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

Logistics for land expeditions in Antarctica will be provided by national polar programs. Funding for field work in Southern South America will be requested to national agencies through proposals.

Has the project been "endorsed" at a national or international level?
Endorsement by national IPY committees: Argentina Endorsement being sought from national IPY committees: New Zealand, UK, USA Inernational: SCAR endorsed the theme Revised Gondwana reconstructions inside the topic A benchmark map series (paper by the SCAR Advisory Committee on the IPY).

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 project addresses an item listed in one of the SCAR GSSG Initiatives for IPY: A benchmark map series and hence it will have a strong link with the Tectonic Map of the Earth’s Polar Regions project. It will also be a component of and/or collaborate with POLARGATES, as it will provide a revision of base material for the interpretation of new Geophysical data.

How will the project be organised and managed?
There will be a phase of search of further collaboration of the main scientific players in Gondwana reconstructions. The organization of small workshops for discussions will be essential in the attempt to examine controversies. There will be a phase of critical revision of existing relevant material: data bases, published and unpublished maps, oil and mineral prospecting companies reserved data (for South America). A web site will be established in which the public will find: the project’s progress report; postings of currently addressed problems; calls for help in the solution of paradoxes; a forum of discussion; and much more.

What are the initial plans of the project for addressing the education, outreach and communication issues outlined in the Framework document?
Publication of maps and the tools with which they were created, including references to public license software as well as ad-hoc created software will be part of the educational component for undergraduate / graduate level. Public areas of the proposed website will offer a guided tour of Gondwana.

What are the initial plans of the project to address data management issues (as outlined in the Framework document?
The products arising from the project will be made available to the public on a specially created website. A discussion forum is also envisaged. All published material will contain clear geo-referencing information (i.e. projection and scale, etc.) as well as digital mapping tools to use the maps or make additions to them. Data archiving and metadata will follow the Joint Committee for Antarctic Data Management standards.

How is it proposed to fund the project?
The project will be funded by application in due time to National Funding Agencies. Some of the proposed activities have already submitted proposals for national funding, and others already have partial funding. Logistic support for field work in Antarctica will be requested to National Polar Programs/Organizations.

Is there additional information you wish to provide?
The project will be permanently open to the incorporation of new participants. The aim of the project is to approach the solution of the pending problems as much a possible, and with the widest possible consensus. Even though the involved disciplines are all in the Geosciences field, there are big breaches between them, whose surpassing is mandatory.

PROPOSER DETAILS

Dr  Marta Ghidella
Cerrito 1248, Buenos Aires


C1010AAZ
Argentina

Tel: +54 11 4812 6313
Mobile: no
Fax: +54 11 4813 7807
Email:

Other project members and their affiliation