Mapping, Measuring and Modeling Geomorphology and Ice Change in Dronning Maud Land, Antarctica

重建和预测南极冰盖对气候变化的响应是地球科学界面临的重大挑战。冰盖行为的计算机模型是解决这一挑战的核心。在这个项目中，我们将测试和改进冰盖模型，方法是将模型对过去冰盖范围的预测与南极洲Dronning Maud地的地质记录进行比较。这个创新的项目将从被称为nunataks的山脉收集关键的地质数据，这些数据延伸到当前和以前的冰平面之上，可以作为“标尺”来重建冰高度的变化，这些变化将用于改进模型。最终的结果将是更好地了解南极冰盖过去的三维变化，并改进模型，使其能够更准确地模拟冰盖未来的潜在变化。这项研究将通过关注对区分过去冰盖结构的可能模型至关重要的区域，填补东南极冰盖西部Dronning Maud地垂直变化模式和时间的地质记录中的关键空白。冰盖表面变化的重建将包括对冰川雕刻的基岩、冰缘冰碛和不同海拔的不稳定巨石进行测绘和宇宙核素定年。10Be、26Al、14C和21Ne浓度和比率的模式将有助于推断最大冰面高度变化的时间和幅度以及非侵蚀性（冷基）冰的埋藏期。研究结果将与其他地区的数据相结合，以深入了解整个南极冰盖的变化，以及大冰盖在气候演变和全球海平面变化中的作用。基于实地的结果将提供检验和改进预测冰盖模型的约束条件，对冰川学、气候和第四纪科学作出贡献。这项研究的广泛影响还将促进下一代STEM学生和极地科学家的发展。在获得国际合作、实地和实验室方法、数据分析和建模方面的经验的同时，两名研究生将与教师合作，为学生活动制定、实施和传播基于标准的课程计划，将这项研究与中学科学的学习目标联系起来。

Reconstructing and predicting the response of the Antarctic Ice Sheet to climate change is a major challenge facing the Earth Science community. Computer models of ice sheet behavior are central to addressing this challenge. In this project we will test and improve ice sheet models by comparing model predictions of past ice extent to the geologic record in Dronning Maud Land, Antarctica. This innovative project will collect key geologic data from mountains called nunataks that extend above current and former ice levels that can be used as "dipsticks" to reconstruct changes in ice elevation that will be used to improve the models. The end result will be both much better knowledge of past three-dimensional changes of the Antarctic Ice Sheet, and improved models that allow for more accurate simulations of potential future changes in the ice sheet. This research will fill critical gaps in the geologic record of the pattern and timing of vertical changes in the East Antarctic Ice Sheet in western Dronning Maud Land, by focusing on areas that are critical for differentiating between possible models of past ice sheet configuration. Reconstruction of ice-sheet surface changes will involve mapping and cosmogenic nuclide dating of glacially sculpted bedrock, ice-marginal moraines, and erratic boulders at different elevations on nunataks. Patterns of 10Be, 26Al, 14C, and 21Ne concentrations and ratios will enable inferences about the timing and magnitude of changes in maximum ice surface elevations and periods of burial by non-erosive (cold-based) ice. Results will be integrated with data from other areas to provide insight into changes across the entire Antarctic Ice Sheet, and into the role of large ice sheets in climate evolution and global sea level changes. The field-based results will provide constraints against which predictive ice sheet models will be tested and improved, contributing to glaciology, climate and Quaternary science. Broader impacts of this study will also advance the development of the next generation of STEM students and polar scientists. While gaining experience in international collaboration, field and laboratory methods, data analysis, and modeling, two graduate students will work with teachers to develop, implement, and disseminate standards-based lesson plans for student activities linking this research to learning objectives for middle school science.