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

了解西南极裂谷的构造框架 该系统对于破译太平洋的演变至关重要 Gondwana边缘;为了了解宽 和狭窄的大陆延伸模式;并确定 西南极冰动力学的地质控制 这是地球仪上最后一个巨大的“海洋”冰盖。 这个奖项 支持和综合地球物理实验，包括机载 雷达和地面测高卫星图像增强， 除了航空重力和航空磁力测量外， 精心挑选的西南极走廊 这条走廊覆盖了 伯德冰下盆地的西部和 罗斯湾内陆的最东部。 实验 目标将通过成像的构造结构， 西南极裂谷系， 沉积盆地，火山岩和重要的冰动力 这条走廊的边界。

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.