Coupling of lithosphere dynamics, surface processes and ice-sheet evolution: constraints from Marie Byrd Land, West Antarctica

Summary of Project Aims and Methods

West Antarctica combines one of the largest active rift systems with one of the largest ice sheets on Earth. Complete melting of the West Antarctic Ice-Sheet (WAIS) would result in a global sea level rise of about 5 m. Understanding ice-sheet dynamics is of major importance for predicting future deglaciation processes in Antarctica. Generally, it is assumed that the geodynamic activity of Western Antarctica as the “cradle” of the WAIS exerts a strong influence on ice sheet dynamics, but coupling and feedback mechanisms are poorly understood. Also, information on both, the geodynamic evolution of West Antarctica and on long-term changes of its ice-sheet is scarce.

Our project aims to apply geophysical and thermochronological methods for unravelling the geodynamic evolution of Marie Byrd Land (West Antarctica) in terms of crustal structure, exhumation and erosion rates, fault activities, and (paleo-)geothermal gradient. Furthermore, we will use cosmogenic nuclide analysis for reconstructing thinning rates and glacial retreat in Marie Byrd Land. The combination of both data sets will provide information on spatial and temporal correlations of geodynamic activity and ice-sheet evolution. This will contribute to our understanding of interrelations between lithospheric processes, surface processes, and ice sheet dynamics, thus providing benchmarks for future deglaciation models.

Scientists

Cornelia Spiegel
Dynamics of the Polar Regions
Dept. of Geosciences
University of Bremen

Dr. Frank Lisker
Dynamics of the Polar Regions
Dept. of Geosciences
University of Bremen

Dr. Karsten Gohl
Section of Geophysics
Alfred Wegener Institute for Polar and Marine Research
Bremerhaven

Research areas

Continental margin of Marie Byrd Land, West Antarctica

Publications

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Homepage

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Research funding organisation

German Research Foundation

Project number: GO 724/13, SP 673/6
Funding period: 2009 - 2013