GEOLOGICAL AND GEOPHYSICAL INVESTIGATIONS OF THE EAST ANTARCTIC MARGIN

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GEOLOGICAL AND GEOPHYSICAL INVESTIGATIONS OF THE EAST ANTARCTIC MARGIN Summary of Recommendations The working group reports provide strong scientific rationale for development of geological and geophysical projects along the East Antarctic margin. These onshore and offshore research possibilities range from investigation of Proterozoic tectonic events, eg. the assembly and dispersal of Rodinia and Gondwana supercontinents, to high resolution reconstructions of Holocene paleoclimate. Clearly, the need for both ship-based and land-based research has been expressed and justified. Given the breadth and volume of research proposed here, a single season of research would only scratch the surface. For this reason, despite general prioritization of logistics objectives, working groups opted to outline potential sequences of projects into three to four field seasons. In addition, prioritization by general research site, based on a combination of scientific, logistical and international collaborative reasons, is summarized below. Research Priorities GROUP 1 NEARSHORE
MARINE
RESEARCH GROUP 2 CONT.SHELF-
OCEANIC
CRUST MARINE
RESEARCH GROUP 3 BEDROCK
GEOLOGY GROUP 4 ONSHORE TERTIARY
RESEARCH 1 Wilkes Land Wilkes Land Prince Charles Mts. 2 Queen Maud Land Prince Charles Mts. Beaver/Radok Lakes 3 Amery Ice Shelf/
Prydz Bay Enderby Land Dronning Maud Land 4 Wilkes Land Queen Maud Land We emphasize that creative use of the USAP logistics platforms will enhance our ability to complete both offshore and onshore work. We suggest a combination of ship and aircraft efforts including the possibilities of: Creating additional airstrips for wheeled and/or ski-equipped aircraft to land at Beaver Lake, Casey Station, and the sea ice in the vicinity of Davis Station to support land-based research. Establishing fuel caches for the support of drilling in Beaver Lake/Radok Lake and other inland science in the Southern Prince Charles Mountains. Allow deep-field helicopter deployment via C-130 Allow Mid-cruise crew exchange via C-130 (minimize transit; address refueling options) Establish Helicopter support from U.S. research vessels Maximize transport of field science personnel on board ship In particular, we promote combined LC-130, Twin otter and Helicopter support at remote locations, especially within the context of shared support from international partners. This support may be in the form of large helicopters, enhanced air strips, or refueling assistance. With regard to the suggested drilling programs on Beaver and Radok Lakes, modification and use of the Cape Roberts Drilling Platform is recommended. We also emphasize the need for development of a ship-board drilling rig which could be used aboard multiple platforms, such as the sea ice, from the research ships, and on sediment or rock. Ideally, conversion between the different platforms would be fairly simple and rapid, such that drilling could occur from more than a single site per season. Another important consideration is the ease of transport of the drilling system such that delivery to the field site may be possible via air support. This necessitates a compact, portable system. Finally, we underscore the need for international cooperation and collaboration. This is necessary not only to recognize the international programs already in place, but also to maximize our scientific potential. For example, it is clear that the Australian Antarctic Program already has far-reaching scientific programs in the Prydz Bay - Amery Oasis - Prince Charles Mountains region. Existing international collaborations must be noted, particularly in the case of work on the Pagodroma Group. Extension of the collaborative framework of Cape Roberts Project to drilling work in the Amery Oasis should emphasize not only the use of the drilling platform, but also the model of international cooperation exemplified by the Cape Roberts project.

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