Expressions of Intent for International Polar Year 2007-2008 Activities

Expression of Interest Details

PROPOSAL INFORMATION

Investigation of the Cryosphere-Solid Earth Interaction in Greenland  (Cryosphere-Solid Earth Interaction (CSEI), Greenland)

Outline
Greenland is the largest island in the world, covering an area of more than 2 million square km. Its history spans a period of nearly 4 Ga, from the Archaen to the Quaternary. It hosts the second largest ice mass in the world, and therefore has profound influence on the climate of the Arctic and sea level change. Our present understanding of the geologic and tectonic development of Greenland is largely derived from the geologic mapping of exposed bedrock along its perimeter, from reconnaissance level potential field surveys over the Greenland ice sheet and from offshore geophysical investigations. This EOI is part of an integrated, international, multidisciplinary initiative to study the crustal structure and geologic history, as well as the solid Earth–cryosphere interactions in Greenland. The main objectives of this particular EOI are the following: · investigation of the crustal architecture of the Precambrian shield, · mapping subglacial lithology, delineating sedimentary basins, intrusions and volcanic rocks in ice covered areas, · estimating geothermal heat distribution, · studying the subglacial hydrological system, and · detailed mapping of subglacial topography, geomorphology and englacial layering over selected sites. New data acquisitions, including airborne magnetic and ice penetrating radar surveys and drilling, are planned over several areas, including the onset of streaming flow of the NE ice stream, the deep subglacial trough of Jakobshavns Glacier, the subglacial hills and basal melt features in the drainage basin of Peterman Glacier, and along the boundary of the Nagssugtoqidian and Rinkian blocks in SW Greenland. We will combine the new data sets with existing potential field, ice penetrating radar and remote sensing data to characterize the sub-ice geology, ice volume and accumulation history through analysis of ice layers. Potential field data, acquired by recent satellite missions (GRACE, CHAMP, ØRSTED) will be integrated with near surface observations to investigate the structure, processes and tectonic evolution of Greenland. This new information, combined with surface elevation and ice velocity obtained from remote sensing, will promote better understanding of the inception and evolution of the Greenland ice sheet and provide long needed boundary conditions for a coupled thermo-mechanical ice flow model. This will be the first opportunity to study the influence of large-scale bedrock geology on the flow of overlying ice at a whole ice sheet scale. We will coordinate our program with the other proposals that are focusing on mapping the geodynamics, the large scale tectonics and the deep structure of Greenland (A. Braun and T. Dahl- Jensen) and with those monitoring current changes of ice sheet mass balance, climate and Arctic sea level change. Taken together, these results will provide the first comprehensive picture of the geodynamics and ice dynamics of the Greenland ice sheet and its interactions with the atmosphere and the surrounding ocean.

What significant advance(s) in relation to the IPY themes and targets can be anticipated from this project?
Theme_1. We will gain new knowledge about the crustal structure, subglacial geology and geomorphology of Greenland, and obtain important boundary conditions for modeling Theme_2. The project will open new avenues for studying glaciers and ice sheets by exploring the linkage between geology and ice dynamics Theme_3. The Greenland ice sheet is believed to be a major source of sea level change during interglacials and fresh water from its melt may affect ocean circulation patterns, in particular the thermohaline circulation. Therefore better understanding of its behaviour is important for global sea level studies. Theme_4. We will map subglacial lithology and explore the subglacial hydrological system of previously unknown regions.

What international collaboration is involved in this project?
This study is part of an internationally coordinated effort, including institutions from US, Canada, Denmark, Norway and Hungary. The collaborative project consists of 3 EOIs: from Canada (A. Braun, overall objectives, geodesy and geodynamics), USA (B. Csatho, cryosphere and subglacial geology) and Denmark (T. Dahl-Jensen, geology and seismics).

FIELD ACTIVITY DETAILS

Geographical location(s) for the proposed field activities:
Field work is planned in several sites in Greenland: onset of NE ice stream (N of Summit), upper region of Peterman and Humboldt drainage basins (NW Greenland), Jakobshavns drainage basin and a site west of Kangerlussuaq (Sondre Stromfjord, W Greenland).

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

Significant facilities will be required for this project:
Logistics will be coordinated with the other proposals of the initiative. Remote field camps should be established at each site. Strain grids will be remeasured in consecutive years. Magnetic surveys will be made by UAVs. Onset of NW ice stream: magnetic survey, ice penetrating radar and strain grid Peterman and Humboldt drainage basin camp: airborne magnetic and ice penetrating radar survey, rock drilling Kangerlussuaq-W: magnetic survey, rock drilling Jakobshavns drainage basin: strain grid, ice penetrating radar

Will the project leave a legacy of infrastructure?
This proposal will leave a database of radar, magnetic, and strain measurements 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 glaciology and geologic communities.

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

Coordination with other projects may include, but is not limited to: joint camps, common field put in, sharing aircraft by installing multiple instruments.

Has the project been "endorsed" at a national or international level?
The individual efforts listed in this EOI are in different stages of the endorsement by the appropriate national IPY committees.

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

The major components of the project in this proposal are in the category of “New Autonomous Proposal”. Funding request is pending for survey at the Jakobshavns drainage basin. Satellite and airborne remote sensing data are available from NASA’s PARCA project and ICESat and GRACE missions and from ESA.

How will the project be organised and managed?
The project will be managed jointly with the Univ. Calgary and KMS Denmark proposals and this and the following sections refer to the joint project management. The steering committee will have one member of each national component/institution and will meet twice a year, preferably during international scientific meetings. The steering committee will facilitate the development of field measurement strategies, logistical coordination, issues related to data archival and release as well as interdisciplinary interpretation. Annual progress meetings will be held for the whole project team and one international workshop is planned on Solid Earth – Cryosphere interaction.

What are the initial plans of the project for addressing the education, outreach and communication issues outlined in the Framework document?
The interdisciplinary project will bring together investigators and graduate students with different expertise. Techniques and results from the project will be used in courses offered by the member institutions. The results and their significance to the rapid changes currently observed in polar regions will be communicated through scientific journals and the public media. Education and outreach will be coordinated by the steering committee and results will be made available to the Greenland Home Rule Government, in order to contribute to policy and decision making.

What are the initial plans of the project to address data management issues (as outlined in the Framework document?
Data from the project will be archived and distributed through international data centers (e.g., NSIDC, WGDC) and USGS. Data, results and other project related information will also be provided through the web servers of project participants. Heterogeneous data sets and formats will be unified to provide convenient access.

How is it proposed to fund the project?
The individuals and research groups involved in the project will apply funding through their national agencies. Additional funding might be requested from international agencies for supporting international collaboration and the involvement of researchers from countries, which has not have a tradition in polar research.

Is there additional information you wish to provide?
None

PROPOSER DETAILS

Dr Bea Csatho
Byrd Polar Research Center, OSU
1090 Carmack Rd.
Columbus, Ohio
43210
USA

Tel: 1-614-292-6641
Mobile: no
Fax: 1-614-292-4697
Email:

Other project members and their affiliation