Expressions of Intent for International Polar Year 2007-2008 Activities

Expression of Interest Details

PROPOSAL INFORMATION

Cryo-Seismic Telluscope Antarctic Lattice (CRYSTAL)  (CRYSTAL)

Outline
Seismological observatories have been continuously present at the South Pole and Antarctica since the first IGY in 1957. A lattice seismic array telluscope (‘tellus’ latin for earth) is proposed for the Quiet-sector at the South Pole. The aperture of the array’s rings grows logarithmically from inner rings at 2.5 km to an outer ring of 200 km. Beyond the Quiet-sector, CRYSTAL is coordinated with POLENET’s continental-scale backbone network of permanent seismic stations proposed to enhance existing seismic coverage between the South Pole and the Antarctic coast of the Global Seismographic Network (GSN) and international Federation of Digital Broadband Seismic Networks. This Antarctic Telluscope will provide unprecedented seismological resolution of Antarctica and the Earth at length scales from 2.5 to 2500 km.CRYSTAL builds upon the success of the GSN station QSPA at the South Pole Remote Earth Science and Seismological Observatory (SPRESSO). Broadband seismometers deployed in boreholes below the firn achieve the quietest seismological observing conditions on Earth, making the Quiet-sector the premier location for array seismology on the planet. Array sensors will be deployed at the surface and in boreholes. Inner rings will be linked by cable to SPRESSO, outer rings will be telemetered, autonomous sites. GPS will installed at all sites, both for timing and for measurement of ice motion. A later planned phase for CRYSTAL includes a central 3-dimensional lattice in the 2.5 km of ice, incorporating AMANDA and ICEcube technology when these project approach completion.CRYSTAL will be uniquely sensitive to nanoearthquakes and icequakes, providing detailed crustal imaging of the Quiet-sector of the South Pole as well as the definitive assay of Antarctic seismicity. CRYSTAL will serve as a fiducial reference for portable array experiments in Antarctica focused at detailed structure. As an element of the Global Seismographic Network, CRYSTAL will significantly enhance the observational coverage of the Southern Hemisphere, contributing not only to global tomographic models of the Earth and imaging of the whole Antarctic lithosphere and mantle, but also earthquake detection, analysis, and hazard assessment and response. Located on the Earth’s Pole of rotation, CRYSTAL will be uniquely capable of imaging axis-symmetric structure in the Earth’s core and mantle related to convection in the outer core, which will have important implications in understanding the Earth’s magnetic field and its variability. Anisotropic structure of the inner core, and its differential rotation with respect to the mantle, will be imaged and constrained by CRYSTAL.

What significant advance(s) in relation to the IPY themes and targets can be anticipated from this project?
CRYSTAL establishes the premier seismological observatory on Earth, focusing on Antarctica outward globally. All fundamental scales of seismology are addressed, from icequakes and crustal structure to global Earth structure and dynamics. Seismological measurements will significantly enhance our understanding of the tectonics and dynamics of the Antarctic crust and mantle, providing important constraints on heat flow and mantle viscosity which affect ice sheet models. With array processing techniques, CRYSTAL offers unprecedented resolution of axis-symmetric structure in the inner and outer cores and mantle, and will provide constrains upon their relation to core convection and the dynamics of the Earth’s magnetic field.

What international collaboration is involved in this project?
CRYSTAL is associated with the Global Seismographic Network, and will participate within the international Federation of Broadband Digital Seismographic Networks (www.fdsn.org). All data will be archived and freely and openly available via FDSN archive at the IRIS Data Management Center.

FIELD ACTIVITY DETAILS

Geographical location(s) for the proposed field activities:
CRYSTAL is located in the Quiet-sector of the South Pole.

Approximate timeframe(s) for proposed field activities:
Arctic: n/a
Antarctic: 10/06 – 02/07      10/07 – 02/08      10/08 – 02/09

Significant facilities will be required for this project:
Electro-optical cable and power from the South Pole Remote Earth Science and Seismological Observatory (SPRESSO), ice drilling for boreholes, fixed-wing and snow terrain vehicles for autonomous sites, science lab space, ~1+ Gbyte/day telemetry from AntarcticaCRYSTAL will share facilities with other IPY activities and will coordinate with POLENET

Will the project leave a legacy of infrastructure?
CRYSTAL establishes substantial new infrastructure cabled to the South Pole Remote Earth Science and Seismological Observatory (SPRESSO), as well as autonomous sites and support infrastructure in the Quiet-sector. SPRESSO was established as a platform for vibration sensitive experiments requiring a quiet background vibration environment.

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

Logistics for station deployment, operations, and maintenance will be allocated primarily through the US NSF Office of Polar Programs. Polar operators from other nations that participate in CRYSTAL coordinate with NSF/OPP.

Has the project been "endorsed" at a national or international level?
Expression of interest is in the process of being considered by the US National Committee for IPY, Switzerland via SCAR, and other FDSN and POLENET national programs.

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

CRYSTAL is an enhancement to the existing Global Seismographic Network station at the South Pole, and GSN and Federation of Digital Broadband Seismic Network coverage of Antarctica.

How will the project be organised and managed?
CRYSTAL will be managed through the Incorporated Research Institutions for Seismology (IRIS), which also manages the Global Seismographic Network, and coordinated with the international Federation of Digital Broadband Seismic Networks and POLENET. A steering committee will be established under the GSN including participation from the FDSN and POLENET. CRYSTAL will become a member of FDSN.

What are the initial plans of the project for addressing the education, outreach and communication issues outlined in the Framework document?
Education and Outreach activities will be developed in coordination with the active programs at IRIS and FDSN partners. All real-time data from the CRYSTAL will be available to FDSN members for real-time web and museum displays worldwide.

What are the initial plans of the project to address data management issues (as outlined in the Framework document?
All CRYSTAL data will be archived at the FDSN archive for continuous data at the IRIS Data Management Center, which manages >50Tb and possesses state-of-the-art information technology and data access tools. All data are freely and openly available via the Internet. All real-time may be streamed directly to interested users.

How is it proposed to fund the project?
Funding for the CRYSTAL will be obtained primarily via proposal to the US NSF Office of Polar Programs, and will be coordinated with funding available to ETH Zurich and other international participants. Private sector funds are also being sought.

Is there additional information you wish to provide?
CRYSTAL will participate within the framework of the Global Earth Observing Systems of Systems (GEOSS) as a societal benefit in monitoring earthquake and tsunami hazards. All data will be provided for real-time earthquake and tsunami monitoring and response.

PROPOSER DETAILS

Dr Rhett Butler
The IRIS Consortium
1200 New York Avenue NW, Suite 800
Washington, DC
20005
USA

Tel: 1-202-682-2220 & 808-956-6347
Mobile: no
Fax: 1-202-682-2444 & 808-956-3188
Email:

Other project members and their affiliation