Paleomagnetic Studies Designed to Refine the Misozoic Paleo-position of the Antarctic Penninsula and Test Models of Weddell Sea Opening

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This project will continue studying the geologic history of West Antarctica and the relationship of West to East Antarctica by collecting paleomagnetic samples from Mesozoic age Antarctic Peninsula rocks. Resolving the position of the different West Antarctic crustal blocks is critical in understanding the opening history of the Weddell Sea and the resulting paleo-climatic, paleo-oceanographic and paleo- biologic implications of the Weddell Sea opening. It is hoped that by systematically collecting paleomagnetic samples ranging in age from the Triassic through late Cretaceous that a more complete apparent polar wander path can be constructed for the Antarctic Peninsula. Such a polar wander path can help constrain the position of the Antarctic Peninsula with respect to East Antarctica and provide information on the time of opening of the Weddell Sea. The field program depends in the close support from the R/V Polar Duke to collect paleomagnetic samples from sedimentary, volcanic and intrusive rock from the Antarctic. Supplemental funds will allow the purchase equipment for the field analysis of paleomagnetic data.