Expressions of Intent for International Polar Year 2007-2008 Activities

Expression of Interest Details

PROPOSAL INFORMATION

The geoelectrical model of Antarctic Peninsula and neighbour regions  (GEOELMOD)

Outline
The main aim of the Project is creation the geoelectrical model of Antarctic Peninsula and neighbour regions on the base of new data about deep structure of the Antarctic peninsula using the magnetotelluric soundings (MTS) and deep magnetovariational (MV) methods. In spite of activity of geoelectrical investigations on the other continents there is only a few MTS and deep MV estimation in West Antarctic region. The preliminary results of MTS and MV investigations from last years have been demonstrated the high capabilities of this methods for studying either upper earth lithosphere structure or upper-middle mantle conductivity for the depth than more a few hundreds kilometers. For example the low resistively layer in the depths of 10 – 15 km, which probably connected with the geodynamical peculiarities of a lithosphere in the region of Ukrainian Antarctic station Vernadsky (west Antarctic peninsula) was discovered by MTS. In the framework of this Project first of all the analyses of magnetic observatory data in West Antarctica for studying of deep structure (conducting layers) will be carry out. Than the geoelectrical sounding along the western slope of the Antarctic peninsula will be carry on the bases of permanent Antarctic station (Bellingshausen (Arctowski), Palmer, Vernadsky, Esperanza, Marambio, Rothera, San Martin etc.) and on the selection points by season field camps (total 15-20 points). In addition we provide measurements on the 10-15 geoelectrical sounding points by profile (or two profiles) across the extension of main geological structures of Antarctic peninsula on the latitude 65S. Proposed GEOELMOD project will be fulfilled in the framework of logistic cooperation with TIMIS (Troposphere-ionosphere-magnetosphere interaction study over Antarctic Peninsula using network of automatic meteo-magnetic stations) Project and opened to involve other countries contribution within IPY. 3-components magnetic-variation stations LEMI and automated meteo-magnetic stations (AMMS) assembled in Ukraine will be use for this investigation. All records will be calibrated by magnetic observatory Argentine Islands (AIA - Ukrainian Antarctic station Vernadsky) data with continuously records of X, Y, Z, E, H components in a wide frequency range (1-300 Hz). As a result on the base of conductivity distribution the 3D geoelectrical model on the different depths of Earth crust and upper-middle mantle will be carry out. The new obtaining results will allow refining the deep geological-geophysical structures and their role in the main stage and evolution of West Antarctica.

What significant advance(s) in relation to the IPY themes and targets can be anticipated from this project?
The GEOELMOD will focus for the modern geoelectrical structure of West Antarctica. The geological-geophysical background and evolution of the central-northern part of Antarctic peninsula and neighbour regions will be analysed with new data of deep geoelectrical structure of the region. The new results about conducting layers of earth crust and upper-middle mantle and construction of 3D geoelectrical model with the other geological-geophysical data will allow reconstructing the main stage and evolution of West Antarctica and giving advance development in understanding the processes of building whole Antarctic continent.

What international collaboration is involved in this project?
The International collaboration in frame of GEOELMOD will be supplied by participation in the researches scientists from Ukraine, Russia, Poland, Finland and Czech Republic. We hope collect and process the data from national operators which work in Antarctic Peninsula region. We expect that the project will supported by logistic operations in West Antarctica during IPY via shipping trips to year-round base and season Antarctic stations.

FIELD ACTIVITY DETAILS

Geographical location(s) for the proposed field activities:
West Antarctica, Antarctic Peninsula and adjacent islands, Bellinsgausen sea, Drake Passage and Scotia sea. The location of area is 295-305E and 62-66S. MTS profile(s) across Antarctic peninsula along the latitude 65S.

Approximate timeframe(s) for proposed field activities:
Arctic: n/a
Antarctic: 11/2007 – 03/2008      11/2008 – 02/2009      

Significant facilities will be required for this project:
Fieldwork will be based on near-shore of existing year-round bases and field stations. Stations and ships will be shared with other projects during the IPY. The new field season station(s) and helicopter support will be involved.

Will the project leave a legacy of infrastructure?
The database of survey will be created for Antarctic Peninsula and neighbour regions and will be available for data management after the IPY.

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

The National polar operator Ukrainian Antarctic Center will coordinate the field work across the profile through Antarctic peninsula on the basis of Ukrainian year-round station Vernadsky.

Has the project been "endorsed" at a national or international level?
The project will be supported in the framework of National Ukrainian Program research in Antarctica for 2005-2007(till 2010). The logistic support cooperate with the TIMIS Project which has been endorsed at Ukraine by IPY Initiative Group and included as part of National Research Program for 2005-2007.

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 is a new component of geological-geophysical investigations in the framework of National Ukrainian Program research in Antarctica. The preliminary test research in vicinity of Vernadsky base during summer season 2005/2006 yy will be carried out. During IPY phase the project could be developed as a new project.

How will the project be organised and managed?
The project has a realistic plan for structuring and managing activities, which is implemented by the Ukrainian Antarctic Center and Institute of Geophysics National Academy of Science of Ukraine. Field activities and logistics operations will be coordinated between participating scientists and national logistic departments. The main logistic support expected from Ukraine National Antarctic operator. Taking into account the distance between season field camps and AMMS network points we seek for logistic support of other IPY projects.

What are the initial plans of the project for addressing the education, outreach and communication issues outlined in the Framework document?
The graduate and post-graduate students will be involved in this Project. The main results will be included into student training programs in Universities and high schools.

What are the initial plans of the project to address data management issues (as outlined in the Framework document?
The all project data and results will be sent to National Agency for spreading within International Information Organizations (ICESTAR Program Committee, ICSU World Data Centers, Joint Committee for Antarctic Data Management, WCRP). Information about research activities will be available in all contributing countries through GEOELMOD Web portal.

How is it proposed to fund the project?
All equipments, measurements and interpretation work mostly will be funded from Ukrainian national resources (through Ukrainian Antarctic Center and other Institutes and Departments). We will ask about national resources from the other participants and ask funding from SCAR to focus of logistic support. Also funding for some logistic support will be asked for at different national and international funding institutions in the framework other IPY projects.

Is there additional information you wish to provide?
None

PROPOSER DETAILS

Dr Vladimir Bakhmutov
Palladin av.32, Kiev-142


03680
Ukraine

Tel: +38 (044) 4241186
Mobile: no
Fax: +38 (044) 4502520
Email:

Other project members and their affiliation