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National Science Foundation Award #0538494

The Physical Properties of the US ITASE Firn and Ice Cores from South Pole to Taylor Dome

Investigator(s):

Debra Meese (PI) ; Ian Baker (Co-PI)

Sponsor:

University of Maine, ME 04469 2075811484

Start Date/Expiration Date

2006-06-01 to 2007-05-31 (amended 2006-04-03)

Awarded Amount to Date:

$128,006

Abstract: 0538494 Meese This award supports a project for physical properties research on snow pits and firn/ice cores with specific objectives that include stratigraphic analysis including determination of accumulation rates, annual layers, depth hoar, ice and wind crusts and rates of grain growth with depth. Studies of firn densification rates and how these parameters relate to the meteorology and climatology over the last 200 years of snow accumulation in Antarctica will also be investigated. The project will also determine the seasonality of accumulation by co-registration of stratigraphy and chemistry and determination of chemical species at the grain boundaries, how these may change with depth/densification (and therefore temperature), precipitation, and may affect grain growth. Fabric analyses will be made, including variation with depth, location on undulations and if any variation exists with climate/chemistry. The large spatial coverage of the US ITASE program offers the opportunity to determine how these parameters are affected by a large range of temperature, precipitation and topographic effects. The intellectual merit of the project includes the fact that ITASE is the terrestrial equivalent of a polar research vessel that provides a unique, logistically efficient, multi-dimensional (x, y, z and time) view of the atmosphere, ice sheet and their histories. Physical properties measurements/ analyses are an integral part of understanding the dynamic processes to which the accumulated snow is subjected. Recent advancements in the field along with multiple core sites provide an excellent opportunity to gain a much broader understanding of the spatial, temporal and physical variables that impact firnification and the possible resultant impact on climatic interpretation. In terms of broader impacts, the data collected by US ITASE and its international ITASE partners is available to a broad scientific community. US ITASE has an extensive program of public outreach and provides significant opportunities for many students to experience multidisciplinary Antarctic research. A graduate student, a post-doctoral fellow and at least one undergraduate would be funded by this work. Dr. Meese is also a member of the New England Science Collaborative, an organization that educates the public on climate change based on recent scientific advancements.

NSF Org:

ANT - Antarctic Sciences Section

Award Number:

0538494

Award Instrument:

Continuing grant

Program Manager:

Julie Palais
ANT Antarctic Sciences Section
OPP Office of Polar Programs

NSF Program(s):

ANTARCTIC GLACIOLOGY, EXP PROG TO STIM COMP RES

Field Application(s):

Polar Programs-Related

Program Reference Code(s):

EXP PROG TO STIM COMP RES, 9150
UNASSIGNED, 0000

Program Element Code(s):

5116
EXP PROG TO STIM COMP RES, 9150