Project Title

A Comprehensive Seismic Investigation of the Crust and Uppermost Mantle Beneath the South Pole, East Antarctica

Summary

Event Number:
G-298-M/S
NSF / OPP Award 2145410

Program Director:
Dr. William Ambrose

ASC POC/Implementer:
Paul Sullivan / Jenny Cunningham / Sheryl Seagraves / Leah Street

Principal Investigator(s)

Dr. Weisen Shen
weisen.shen@stonybrook.edu
State University of New York Stony Brook
Stony Brook, New York

Location

Supporting Stations: McMurdo Station, South Pole Station
Research Locations: South Pole Station

Description

Understanding the subsurface structure near the South Pole can help answer some of the most exciting scientific questions in Antarctic Earth science, ranging from the origin of the high subglacial mountains and the southernmost volcanic rocks to the existence of nearby subglacial lakes. It had been extremely difficult to investigate these questions since the area is remote and the ice cover is thick. Using seismic stations deployed on top of the ice sheet provides an alternative tool to see the continent through the ice, as the seismic signal they record contains sensitive information about the geology of the crust below. For example, crustal rocks with more radioactive heating elements may have caused the melts of the ice sheet to create subglacial lakes, and these rocks can be identified by their unique seismic signatures. This project will deploy new seismic sensors in the South Pole area and collect data to perform a suite of modern seismic data analyses to produce a variety of seismic observations.

Field Season Overview

On-site fieldwork for the upcoming season includes: (1) deploying up to 370 high-frequency, three-component, portable seismic nodes near the South Pole, encompassing the nearby Southern Transantarctic Mountains (STAM) and the polar subglacial basins; (2) collecting continuous seismic data for 4 weeks before the nodes are retrieved; (3) conducting additional tests and modifications to the 10th broadband station deployed at the site designated “DICH”; and (4) retrieving 10 broadband stations deployed in prior seasons.

Arctic Trucks will provide a light traverse platform for all field activities. The science team will stage at McMurdo Station before deploying to the South Pole. The team will be housed at the non-governmental organization camp outside of South Pole Station, and all support will be provided through subcontractor Antarctic Logistics & Expeditions (ALE) and Arctic Trucks. The United States Antarctic Program will provide inter- and intra-continental fixed wing transportation and extreme cold weather gear. The team will be provided working space in the B2 Lab at South Pole Station and at McMurdo Station as they transit through.

Deploying Team Members