COLLABORATIVE RESEARCH: Dynamic Models for the Tectonic Evolution of the Transantarctic Mountains and Ross Embayment

这是一项解决跨南极山脉（TAM）和罗斯湾形成的许多方面的建议，这些方面（如地质记录所记载的）仍然知之甚少，很少研究或有争议。例如，TAM的隆起岩石体积大约是世界上任何其他裂谷侧翼隆起的五倍;或者仍然不清楚为什么白垩纪期间较大幅度的伸展在TAM中产生相对较少的剥蚀，而新生代的轻微伸展产生更多。罗斯湾在白垩纪伴随TAM剥蚀的广泛裂谷尚未建模，现有的模型只能解释TAM的主要新生代隆起阶段。新的地质历史和密度和地震结构的TAM和罗斯湾结合最近改进的数值技术的限制，提示提出评价的想法，该地区的构造和侵蚀的发展，使用岩石圈变形的动态模型。现在可以将岩石圈大尺度（100到1000公里）力学和热演化的联合收割机与考虑单个断层的小尺度发展的数值模型结合起来。小规模的变形能力意味着地质数据，如裂变径迹研究，可以与模型预测进行比较。建议的方法是首先研究模型的单独组件的问题，可能涉及到的TAM和罗斯湾的构造发展，然后整合的结果。将地球物理和地质数据与数值模型紧密结合，对于确定可能塑造该区域的过程顺序至关重要。该提案的结果将提供一个框架，更好地理解的机制，负责形成的TAM和罗斯湾岩石圈的力学行为。该提案的目标与国际南极边缘钻探倡议（ANDRILL）的科学目标相匹配，并可能为新的南极气候演变国际研究倡议（ACE）的科学目标提供宝贵的投入。一般来说，所提出的建模将有助于了解地质过程，以及如何形成和维持这样一个长而高的山脉。这项提案的更广泛的影响包括为研究生提供参与建模项目的机会，通过拉蒙暑期实习生计划将暑期学生纳入正在进行的分析，在每年一度的开放日上发表演讲，这些演讲通常受到公众的欢迎。该团队计划创建一个带有模型动画的教育网站，并将拟议中的研究作为拉蒙和锡拉丘兹大学外展活动的一部分。

This is a proposal to address many aspects of the formation of the Transantarctic Mountains (TAM) and the Ross Embayment, which (as documented in the geologic record) remain poorly understood, little studied or controversial. For example, the volume of uplifted rocks of the TAM is about five times greater than any other rift flank uplift worldwide; or it remains unclear why the larger magnitude extension during the Cretaceous produced relatively little denudation in the TAM, while the minor Cenozoic extension produced more. The wide rifting of the Ross Embayment in the Cretaceous with accompanying TAM denudation has not yet been modeled, and existing models explain only the main Cenozoic uplift phase of the TAM. New constraints on the geology history and the density and seismic structure of the TAM and Ross Embayment combined with recently improved numerical techniques prompt to propose evaluation of ideas for the tectonic and erosional development of the region using dynamic models of lithospheric deformation. It is now possible to combine numerical models of large-scale (100 to 1000 kilometers) mechanical and thermal evolution of the lithosphere with consideration of the small-scale development of individual faults. The small-scale deformation capability means that geologic data, like fission track studies, can be compared to model predictions. The proposed approach is to first study models for separate components of the problems that may relate to the tectonic development of the TAM and Ross Embayment, and then integrate the results later. The tight integration of geophysical and geological data with numerical models will be critical to determine which sequence of processes is likely to have shaped the region. The proposal outcome will provide the framework for a better understanding of the mechanisms responsible for the formation of the TAM and the mechanical behavior of the Ross Embayment lithosphere. The proposal objectives match with science goals of the international Antarctic Margin Drilling initiative (ANDRILL), as well as may provide a valuable input to the scientific goals of the new international research initiative on Antarctic Climate Evolution (ACE). Generally, the proposed modeling will contribute to the understanding of geologic processes and how such a long and high mountain range was formed and maintained. Broader impacts of this proposal include providing an opportunity for graduate students to participate in the modeling project, to include summer students in the ongoing analysis through the Lamont summer intern program, give presentations at the annual Open House that are usually well attended by the public. The team plans to create an educational Web site with model animations and make the proposed research a part of outreach activities at both Lamont and Syracuse Universities.