Airborne Lithospher and Ice Cover Experiment ALICE: The Antarctic Rift System Examined with Corridor Aerogeophysics

了解整个南极西部裂谷系统的构造格局对于破译冈瓦纳太平洋边缘的演化至关重要；了解大陆伸展的宽伸展和窄伸展的特征；并确定了地球上最后一个巨大的“海洋”冰盖——南极西部冰盖动力学的地质控制。该合同支持综合地球物理实验，包括通过卫星图像增强的机载雷达和地面测高，以及精心选择的南极西部走廊内的机载重力和航空磁测量。这条走廊覆盖了伯德冰川下盆地的西部和罗斯海湾内陆的最东部。实验目标将通过对整个南极西部裂谷系统的构造结构进行成像，并描述该走廊内沉积盆地、火山岩和重要冰动力边界的分布特征来实现。

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 an 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 experimental 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.