Airborne Lithosphere and Ice Cover Experiment: Corridor Aerogeophysics Southeastern Ross Transect Zone (CASERTZ)

了解整个西南极裂谷系统的构造框架对于破译冈瓦那太平洋边缘的演化、了解大陆伸展的宽模式和窄模式的特征以及确定对西南极冰盖动力学的地质控制至关重要，西南极冰盖是地球上最后一个巨大的“海洋”冰盖。该奖项支持和综合地球物理实验，包括机载雷达和经卫星图像增强的表面高度测量，以及在精心选择的西南极走廊内进行的航空重力和航空磁力测量。这条走廊覆盖了伯德冰下盆地的西部和内陆罗斯海湾的最东端。实验目标将通过成像整个西南极裂谷系统的构造组构和描述该走廊内沉积盆地、火山岩和重要的冰动力边界的分布来实现。

Understanding the tectonic framework across the West Antarctic Rift system is critical for deciphering the evolution of the Pacific margin of Gondwana; for understanding the characteristics of wide and narrow modes of continental extension; and for determining the geological controls on the dynamics of the West Antarctic ice sheet, the globe's last great "marine" ice sheet. This Award supports and integrated geophysical experiment including airborne radar and surface altimetry augmented by satellite imagery, in addition to airborne gravity and aeromagnetic measurements within a carefully chosen West Antarctic corridor. This corridor covers the western portion of the Byrd Subglacial Basin and the easternmost portion of the Interior Ross Embayment. The experiment objectives will be achieved by imaging the tectonic fabric across the West Antarctic Rift system and characterizing the distribution of sedimentary basins, volcanic rocks and important ice dynamical boundaries within this corridor.