Quantifying Surface Processes above Buried Ice in Antarctica: Implications for Terrestrial Climate Change and Glaciation on Mars

Trustees Of Boston University, Boston

Investigators

Abstract

Intellectual Merit: The recognition that Pliocene and Miocene age glacier ice lies buried beneath sublimation tills in the coldest parts of the Dry Valleys, and likely elsewhere in the Transantarctic Mountains, opens up the possibility of establishing multi-million year records of climate and atmospheric evolution. The PI proposes a quantitative analysis of the Mullins Glacier, the oldest debris-covered alpine glacier. Preliminary work suggests that ancient atmosphere is trapped within Mullins Glacier, however, geomorphic processes, have modified the glacier in unforeseen ways. In prior work, the PI developed qualitative models defining these processes, and in this proposal he seeks to quantify and test these models through quantitative modeling and higher-level data acquisition. Questions to be addressed include: What aspects of vapor diffusion, atmosphere-surface interactions, and till characteristics encourage long-term preservation of buried ice? How might sublimation tills and sublimation polygons at the ice surface influence subsurface ice loss and the composition of trapped gases in glacier ice? Do morphometric parameters of sublimation polygons shed light on the depth and purity of subsurface ice? If so, can these morphometric parameters be used to map undetected buried-ice deposits elsewhere on Earth and Mars? What can variations in the concentration/ style englacial debris in Mullins Glacier tell us about local environmental change over multi-million year old time scales? To answer these questions, the PI proposes numerous experiments for Mullins Glacier. Broader impacts: This work will quantify surface processes that modify what may be the longest record of atmospheric evolution and climate change. This research has relevance for understanding buried ice on Mars. The research will support a graduate student and undergraduates. The PI will continue his successful outreach activities with the Los Angeles Valley Community College system and in further developing his digital image analyses lab at Boston University, which showcases his Antarctic and planetary work in 3D to visiting students, faculty, parents, and those interested in Antarctica in the wider community.