U.S.-Chile: Morphotectonic Evolution of the U.S.-Chile: Mejillones Peninsula, Northern Chile Using Precise GPS Measurement of Uplifted Coastal Terraces

Investigator(s):

Nicholas Pinter (PI)

Sponsor:

Southern Illinois University at Carbondale, IL 62901 6184534540

Start Date/Expiration Date

2005-06-15 to 2007-05-31 (amended 2005-07-12)

Awarded Amount to Date:

$15,000

Abstract: 0514266 Pinter This U.S.-Chile/U.S.-Germany award will support Dr. Nicholas Pinter and Ms. Constanza A. Casanova of Southern Illinois University at Carbondale to work with Dr. Gabriel A. Gonzalez of Universidad Catolica del Norte in Antofagasta, Chile, as well as with Dr. Ulrich Radtke at the University of Cologne in Germany, on a dissertation enhancement project entitled "Morphotectonic Evolution of the Mejillones Peninsula, Northern Chile Using Precise GPS Measurement of Uplifted Coastal Terraces." This peninsula was largely inaccessible until the last few years. It contains a sequence of uplifted coastal terraces that rank among the best in the world. At least 13 distinct terrace levels are present, and because of the extreme aridity, is unmatched in preserved terrace morphology, terrace-capping sedimentary deposits and the abundant fossil material preserved in those deposits. The goal of this research is to map, precisely measure and analyze this sequence. The results would add to the worldwide databse of terrace-based sea-level information, investigating local climate evolution, and documenting the Plio-Pleistocene tectonic evolution of the sediment-starved Chilean subduction complex. Dr. Radtke will train Ms. Casanova in the Electron Spin Resonance (ESR) dating technique. ESR is done on fossil mollusk shells that will be collected on each identified terrace level. Results of this project will be posted on a bilingual website for geology students in the U.S. and Chile.

NSF Org:

OISE - Office of International Science and Engineering

Award Number:

0514266

Award Instrument:

Standard Grant

Program Manager:

Susan Parris
OISE Office of International Science and Engineering
O/D OFFICE OF THE DIRECTOR

NSF Program(s):

GLOBAL SCIENTISTS & ENGINEERS

Field Application(s):

Other nsf.applications NEC

Program Reference Code(s):

AMERICAS PROGRAM, 5977
CHILE, 5974
GERMANY (F.R.G.), 5936
UNASSIGNED, 0000
WESTERN EUROPE PROGRAM, 5980

Program Element Code(s):

7316