An interdisciplinary approach to constructing models of the lithosphere and asthenosphere of Antarctica

• Main Authors: Reading, A, Halpin, J, Cracknell, M
• Format: Conference Object
• Language: English
• Published: - 2015
• Subjects: Earth Sciences; Geology; Tectonics; Antarctic; The Antarctic; Antarc*; Antarctica; Ice Sheet; International Polar Year
• Online Access: http://ecite.utas.edu.au/100959

In this contribution, we aim to draw on the wealth of information that now exists across several Earth Sciencesdisciplines and relates to the structure of the lithosphere and asthenosphere of Antarctica. Geological terranesthat are well constrained in continents that were neighbours of Antarctica prior to the break-up of Gondwana(South America, Africa, India and Australia) are represented in three dimensions. Extrapolation into the interiorof Antarctica is constrained by extensive remote sensing and geophysical datasets. We also incorporate directinformation on the Antarctic continent which has substantially improved in both quality and coverage followingextensive field programs of several nations in association with the 2007-2008 International Polar Year. Whereseveral contrasting models remain possible, we construct multiple models that allow such alternatives to be readilycompared. The models that we construct are of an appropriate resolution for continent scale rheological and seismologicalsimulations. They consist of spatial coordinates including depth, material property values, and alsometadata which provide for nominal uncertainty estimates and provenance information for the model values. Thisapproach enables a variety of information to be included in a single model, and well and less-well constrainedparts of the model to be handled with rigor. The combination of multiple models, and model uncertainty metadata,into model suites is a liberating one.We maximise the inclusion of information across the disciplines of geosciencesuch that inaccurate, insufficient and inconsistent data may be evaluated. Applications of the new models include large-scale ice sheet modelling, including glacial isostatic adjustmentstudies. They can also be applied to sensitivity testing with respect to new instrumental deployments inAntarctica such as large scale passive seismic experiments. As the international community progresses fromreconnaissance studies to understanding the more detailed implications of lithospheric and asthenospheric heterogeneity,in the continent beneath Antarctica, such simulations have two-fold potential. Firstly, in illuminating therelationship between observable and inferable physical properties. Secondly, in optimising the locations of futuredeployments for the purpose of distinguishing between candidate deep Earth structures. Model suites will be madeavailable for the use of the research community in interoperable data formats.