Expressions of Intent for International Polar Year 2007-2008 Activities

Expression of Interest Details

PROPOSAL INFORMATION

Exploration of Subglacial Lithosphere and Habitats in west Antarctica with Aerogeophysics, Passive Seismics and Surface and Sub-ice sampling  (Fire, Ice and Life)

Outline
Volcanism, ice and life are intimately related throughout the solar system. Although links between volcanism and ice sheet stability have been proposed for west Antarctica, little is known about the lithosphere, upper mantle, and ice sheet of west Antarctica including Marie Byrd Land (MBL), the largest volcanic region in Antarctica. Through three experiments, the Fire, Ice and Life program explores the linkages between life and tectonics beneath the West Antarctic Ice Sheet (WAIS) and the role lithospheric structure and volcanism play in the stability of this major marine ice sheet. These experiments aim to remotely investigate the deep and shallow structure and composition of the mantle, lithosphere and WAIS and sample the active volcanism in selected locations. To image the crust and lithosphere of some of the youngest volcanoes and the northern and southern edges of the West Antarctic Rift System in MBL and central west Antarctica, we will deploy a passive seismic experiment, along a linear array of stations extending from MBL to the Horlick Mountains. The new images of the deep earth structures will delineate the thermal regime in the lithosphere --advancing our understanding of the origin of the MBL magmatism and constraining ice sheet dynamics models as well as the mechanics of rifting. To determine the nature and extent of the magmatism we will acquire airborne radar, gravity, magnetic and laser ranging data over MBL encompassing the Ice Divide and onset region for Ice Stream E, to investigate the ice sheet volume and internal layer structure, locate subglacial lakes and characterize the bedrock elevation and composition as well as investigate feedbacks between ice sheet loading and unloading and fluxes in magmatism as observed in Iceland. To determine the impact of subglacial volcanism on the WAIS we will conduct an in-depth study of an active sub-ice volcano identified from aerogeophysical surveys in central west Antarctica. High resolution mapping of the ice sheet and bedrock topography will determine the detailed form of the volcano and the history of ice flow. Sampling of the sub-ice environments along a drilling transect will map the variations in the sub-glacial ecosystem along a thermal gradient and determine the age and chemistry of the volcano. Measurement of the heat flow will determine the influence the feature has on the melt water budget of the West Antarctic Ice Streams. Existing and new rock samples from exposed MBL volcanoes will be integrated into this study.

What significant advance(s) in relation to the IPY themes and targets can be anticipated from this project?
Theme 3: Exploration of this unique sub-ice volcanic environment is an ideal target of efforts in West Antarctica during the International Polar Year 2007/8 and has the potential to be an example of the power of integrated studies as well as a key stepping stone on the path to exploration of sub-glacial lakes. A fundamentally integrated study of sub-glacial volcanism will provide new insights into the nature of sub-glacial volcanism, limits on life, the role volcanism plays in the water budget, lakes, ice streams, biota and relation to ice sheet dynamics. Theme 4. MBL has only been surveyed by a couple of traverses decades ago and by several flyovers. Lack of surface and subsurface sampling and geophysical data coverage of the volcanoes restrict evaluation of their geological history. MBL is truly a geographical frontier of science in Antarctica.

What international collaboration is involved in this project?
Detlef Damaske, BGR; Fausto Ferracioli, British Antarctic Survey; Magnus Tumi Gudmundsson, University of Iceland, Anya Reading, Australia National University

FIELD ACTIVITY DETAILS

Geographical location(s) for the proposed field activities:
Marie Byrd Land coastal region from ~78 o S-74 o S; 110 o -136 o W (including Mts. Murphy and Takahe to Executive committee Range and Flood Ranges) for airborne geophysical and rock sampling studies; a seismic profile from ~76o S, 112 o W to 86o S, 150o W; drilling near the Whitmore Mtns, Central West Antarctica (~82oS; 110oW).

Approximate timeframe(s) for proposed field activities:
Arctic: n/a
Antarctic: Summer 2007      Summer 2008      2009 (recover instruments)

Significant facilities will be required for this project:
1. Airborne geophysical data collection and surface rock sample collection will require a multi-instrumented Twin Otter, fuel and a large field camp in Marie Byrd Land or at Byrd Surface Camp. 2. Seismic stations will be deployed using small fixed wing aircraft (such as twin otter) and in some cases, by overland traverse, that can stop at field camps for the other parts of the experiment. 3. The drilling experiment will require a rock drilling rig be launched from Byrd Surface Camp. The drilling material and fuel can be traversed from Byrd.

Will the project leave a legacy of infrastructure?
This proposal will provide a model for quick release of data to the international community and leave a database of radar, gravity, magnetic, laser and seismic observations as well as ice and rock cores and samples. The legacy of sampling beneath the ice sheet will provide important new capability to both the subglacial lake community and the geologic community.

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

Has the project been "endorsed" at a national or international level?
Proposals for this program will be submitted to the National Science Foundation in June, 2005. Studies of terrestrial geology and ice dynamics in west Antarctica have been identified as priorities by the West Antarctic Ice Sheet Working Group.

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

he project will be proposed for funding to the National Science Foundation in June, 2005. The goals of the project match many of those identified in international workshops, most recently, REVEAL, SEAP and Fastdrill, as well as by the WAIS working group and are therefore priorities for the Earth Science community.

How will the project be organised and managed?
An advisory board will guide survey design, data collection priorities and utilization of the data by the Antarctic solid earth, glaciology and climate modeling communities. By coordinating these activities with international efforts during IPY--including survey design, development of policies related to open access to data, and input to existing data bases, we can maximize and broaden the use of all data sets. Support for the US effort will be provided by the US Antarctic Program and logistics will be coordinated through them. Instrumentation support for the US effort will be obtained through the IRIS-PASSCAL instrument center and technical decisions will be made with their consultation. This project will operate under the umbrella of the WAIS working group.

What are the initial plans of the project for addressing the education, outreach and communication issues outlined in the Framework document?
We will coordinate Education and outreach activities with the well developed Education and outreach programs of IRIS as well as other Education and outreach programs supported by the US Antarctic Program. Some specific ideas include engaging teachers to utilize data products in the classroom, use of webcams and web blogs to follow the installation expedition, etc.

What are the initial plans of the project to address data management issues (as outlined in the Framework document?
Data will be freely distributed through international data bases, such as National Snow and Ice Data Center, World Geophysical Data Center and IRIS Data Management Center as well as the Ice core laboratory and Ohio State University rock collection two years after the completion of the project. In addition, project web-servers will provide data, results, and contact information to the scientific communities as well as the interested public.

How is it proposed to fund the project?
Project will be funded by each nation’s own scientific organizations. For the US, this will be the Office of Polar Programs in the US National Science Foundation.

Is there additional information you wish to provide?
None

PROPOSER DETAILS

Dr Carol Finn
MS 964
Denver Federal Center
Denver, CO
80225
USA

Tel: 303-236-1345
Mobile: no
Fax: 303-236-1425
Email:

Other project members and their affiliation