Geophysical exploration of a West Antarctic subglacial lake
Lead Research Organisation:
Northumbria University
Department Name: Geography and Environmental Management
Abstract
Antarctic subglacial lakes are expected to contain unique microbial lifeforms and detailed records of past climate change. Examination of these contents requires in-situ measurement, which can only take place once a lake has been characterised fully by geophysical methods. Of the 101 known subglacial lakes in Antarctica none have been measured to the level required for meaningful direct sampling to take place. This proposal aims to undertake a comprehensive geophysical exploration of a 10 km ong subglacial lake in West Antarctica (near the Ellsworth Mountains). Data analysis and modelling will be undertaken at the University of Bristol, the British Antarctic Survey and Northumbria University.Ice thickness will be determined from ice-penetrating radar, water depths will be found using seismic exploration, and ice flow and accumulation will be obtained from direct surface measurements. A series of numerical models will be used to understand the history of the lake, the flow of ice across the lake and the circulation of water within the lake.Data visualisation will be undertaken in conjunction with Dr. Martin Jakobsson (collaborator). The result of the project will be the first fully characterised subglacial lake environment and the establishment of a candidate for future in-situ analysis.
Organisations
Publications
Ross N
(2020)
Basal melting over Subglacial Lake Ellsworth and its catchment: insights from englacial layering
in Annals of Glaciology
Wright A
(2012)
A fourth inventory of Antarctic subglacial lakes
in Antarctic Science
Smith A
(2018)
Evidence for the long-term sedimentary environment in an Antarctic subglacial lake
in Earth and Planetary Science Letters
Ross N
(2013)
The Ellsworth Subglacial Highlands: Inception and retreat of the West Antarctic Ice Sheet
in Geological Society of America Bulletin
Ross N
(2011)
Holocene stability of the Amundsen-Weddell ice divide, West Antarctica
in Geology
Woodward J
(2010)
Location for direct access to subglacial Lake Ellsworth: An assessment of geophysical data and modeling
in Geophysical Research Letters
Thoma M
(2011)
The "tipping" temperature within Subglacial Lake Ellsworth, West Antarctica and its implications for lake access
in The Cryosphere
Description | We have performed the most detailed geophysical characterisation of an Antarctic subglacial lake. |
Exploitation Route | There are over 400 lakes in Antarctica - our work demonstrates how each of them can be best examined from the ice surface |
Sectors | Environment |
Description | Inaugural Lecture |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | Yes |
Geographic Reach | Regional |
Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
Results and Impact | Lots of questions from the public Emails and twitter questions |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2015 |
URL | https://search.yahoo.com/search;_ylt=AwrBT.E48QNWo04AaNhXNyoA;_ylc=X1MDMjc2NjY3OQRfcgMyBGZyA3lzZXRfY... |
Description | Pint of Science |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | Yes |
Geographic Reach | Regional |
Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
Results and Impact | Many questions from the public about my talk Emails, and social media contact, from the public about my talk |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2015 |
URL | http://pintofscience.co.uk/event/undiscovered-origins/ |
Description | Plenary Lecture |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | International |
Primary Audience | Other academic audiences (collaborators, peers etc.) |
Results and Impact | The talk provoked many questions on subglacial lake exploration, from which several contacts have been made. The Korean Antarctic programme met with Siegert in August as a direct consequence of hearing the talk. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2015 |
URL | http://www.isaes2015goa.in/speakers.php |
Description | Royal Society Meeting on Subglacial Lake Exploration |
Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Type Of Presentation | workshop facilitator |
Geographic Reach | International |
Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
Results and Impact | International dialogue on the future of Antarctic subglacial lake exploration. Article in Eos on the findings of the workshop. A white paper detailing the 20 year future for subglacial lake exploration, fed to the Antarctic Roadmap Challenge to integrate with other long-term plans for exploration. A Royal Society book to document progress and plans. A high degree of community shared knowledge. A meeting with the Korean Antarctic Programme on subglacial exploration. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2015 |
URL | https://royalsociety.org/events/2015/03/subglacial-antarctic-lakes/ |
Description | Science Uncovered 2016 - exploration of East Antarctica |
Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | National |
Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
Results and Impact | The ICECAP2 programme ran a exhibit at the Natural History Museum's Science Uncovered event, London, 30 September 2016. The audience was in the 1000s, and come from the public, academic, policy and businesses. The exhibit demonstrated how polar exploration is undertaken, what the results are and how they are important for understanding sea level change. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2016 |
URL | http://www.nhm.ac.uk/visit/whats-on/programs/nhm/science_uncovered_2016.html?date=30.09.2016 |