An inventory of Antarctic sub-glacial lakes

1996 ◽  
Vol 8 (3) ◽  
pp. 281-286 ◽  
Author(s):  
M.J. Siegert ◽  
J.A. Dowdeswell ◽  
M.R. Gorman ◽  
N.F. McIntyre
Keyword(s):  
Ice Sheet ◽  
East Antarctica ◽  
Glacial Lake ◽  
Ice Thickness ◽  
Minimum Length ◽  
Glacial Lakes ◽  
University Of Cambridge ◽  
Radio Echo Sounding ◽  
Polar Research Institute ◽  
Lake Type

An extensive analogue database of 60 MHz radio-echo sounding records of Antarctica (covering 50% of the ice sheet) is held at the Scott Polar Research Institute, University of Cambridge. This database was analysed in order to determine the presence and location of Antarctic sub-glacial lakes. In total, 77 sub-glacial lake-type records were identified, 13 more than detected in previous studies. An inventory of these sub-glacial lakes includes geographical coordinates, minimum length and overlying ice thickness for each lake. Information concerning the location of these lakes indicates that the majority (~70%) are found in the proximity of ice divides at Dome C and Ridge B within East Antarctica.

scholarly journals Refined broad-scale sub-glacial morphology of Aurora Subglacial Basin, East Antarctica derived by an ice-dynamics-based interpolation scheme

2011 ◽  
Vol 5 (3) ◽  
pp. 551-560 ◽  
Author(s):  
J. L. Roberts ◽  
R. C. Warner ◽  
D. Young ◽  
A. Wright ◽  
T. D. van Ommen ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Sea Level ◽  
Ice Sheet ◽  
East Antarctica ◽  
Geometric Constraints ◽  
Ice Thickness ◽  
Interpolation Scheme ◽  
Ice Dynamics ◽  
High Resolution Data ◽  
Physically Based ◽  
Glacial Morphology

Abstract. Ice thickness data over much of East Antarctica are sparse and irregularly distributed. This poses difficulties for reconstructing the homogeneous coverage needed to properly assess underlying sub-glacial morphology and fundamental geometric constraints on sea level rise. Here we introduce a new physically-based ice thickness interpolation scheme and apply this to existing ice thickness data in the Aurora Subglacial Basin region. The skill and robustness of the new reconstruction is demonstrated by comparison with new data from the ICECAP project. The interpolated morphology shows an extensive marine-based ice sheet, with considerably more area below sea-level than shown by prior studies. It also shows deep features connecting the coastal grounding zone with the deepest regions in the interior. This has implications for ice sheet response to a warming ocean and underscores the importance of obtaining additional high resolution data in these marginal zones for modelling ice sheet evolution.

scholarly journals Ice Cover, Subglacial Landscape, and Estimation of Bottom Melting of Mac. Robertson, Princess Elizabeth, Wilhelm II, and Western Queen Mary Lands, East Antarctica

2022 ◽  
Vol 14 (1) ◽  
pp. 241
Author(s):  
Sergey Popov
Keyword(s):  
Sea Level ◽  
Field Research ◽  
Research Area ◽  
Melting Rate ◽  
East Antarctica ◽  
Ice Thickness ◽  
Radio Echo Sounding ◽  
Base Elevation ◽  
Vast Area ◽  
Grove Mountains

This study demonstrates the results of Russian airborne radio-echo sounding (RES) investigations and also seismic reflection soundings carried out in 1971–2020 over a vast area of coastal part of East Antarctica. It is the first comprehensive summary mapping of these data. Field research, equipment, errors of initial RES data, and methods of gridding are discussed. Ice thickness, ice base elevation, and bedrock topography are presented. The ice thickness across the research area varies from a few meters to 3620 m, and is greatest in the local subglacial depressions. The average thickness is about 1220 m. The total volume of the ice is about 710,500 km3. The bedrock heights vary from 2860 m below sea level in the ocean bathyal zone to 2040 m above sea level in the Grove Mountains area (4900 m relief). The main directions of the bedrock orographic forms are concentrated mostly in three intervals: 345∘–30∘, 45∘–70∘, and 70∘–100∘. The bottom melting rate was estimated on the basis of the simple Zotikov model. Total annual melting under the study area is about 0.633 cubic meters. The total annual melting in the study area is approximately 1.5 mm/yr.

scholarly journals Refined broad-scale sub-glacial morphology of Aurora Subglacial Basin, East Antarctica derived by an ice-dynamics-based interpolation scheme

2011 ◽  
Vol 5 (1) ◽  
pp. 655-684 ◽  
Author(s):  
J. L. Roberts ◽  
R. C. Warner ◽  
D. Young ◽  
A. Wright ◽  
T. D. van Ommen ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Sea Level ◽  
Ice Sheet ◽  
East Antarctica ◽  
Geometric Constraints ◽  
Ice Thickness ◽  
Interpolation Scheme ◽  
Ice Dynamics ◽  
High Resolution Data ◽  
Physically Based ◽  
Glacial Morphology

Abstract. Ice thickness data over much of East Antarctica are sparse and irregularly distributed. This poses difficulties for reconstructing the homogeneous coverage needed to properly assess underlying sub-glacial morphology and fundamental geometric constraints on sea level rise. Here we introduce a new physically-based ice thickness interpolation scheme and apply this to existing ice thickness data in the Aurora Subglacial Basin region. The skill and robustness of the new reconstruction is demonstrated by comparison with new data from the ICECAP project. The interpolated morphology shows an extensive marine-based ice sheet, with considerably more area below sea-level than shown by prior studies. It also shows deep features connecting the coastal grounding zone with the deepest regions in the interior. This has implications for ice sheet response to a warming ocean and underscores the importance of obtaining additional high resolution data in these marginal zones for modelling ice sheet evolution.

scholarly journals Comparison of Electromagnetic and Seismic-Gravity Ice Thickness Measurements in East Antarctica

1975 ◽  
Vol 15 (73) ◽  
pp. 137-150 ◽  
Author(s):  
David J. Drewry
Keyword(s):  
Seismic Reflection ◽  
East Antarctica ◽  
Ice Thickness ◽  
South Pole ◽  
Victoria Land ◽  
Radio Echo Sounding ◽  
Mean Differences ◽  
Thickness Measurements ◽  
Better Than ◽  
Echo Sounding

AbstractThe errors involved in ice thickness determinations in Antarctica by seismic reflection shooting, gravity observations and radio-echo sounding are briefly discussed. Relative accuracies of 3%, 7-10% and 1.5% have been suggested. Double checks of ice depths from radar sounding in east Antarctica indicate an internal consistency of measurement for this technique of <1%. Comparison of carefully executed seismic shooting and routine radio-echo sounding results against absolute ice thickness values from two deep core drilling sites show no significant differences between these two remote methods (i.e. both are better than 1.5%).Over 60 comparisons are examined between radar ice thicknesses and over-snow measurements obtained on eight independent traverses in east Antarctica. Three traverses exhibit consistently unacceptable results-U.S. Victoria Land Traverse II (southern leg), Commonwealth Transanlarctic Expedition and the U.S.S.R. Vostok to South Pole Traverse—which probably result from misinterpretation of “noisy” seismograms. The remaining comparisons indicate mean differences, including some navigational uncertainty, of ≈3%, <8% and 5% between radio-echo and (1) seismic, (2) gravity, and (3) gravity tied to seismic determinations, respectively.

scholarly journals Ice-Sheet flow in the Vicinity of Southern Victoria Land, Antarctica: Implications for Glacial Chronology

1979 ◽  
Vol 24 (90) ◽  
pp. 483
Author(s):  
David J. Drewry
Keyword(s):  
Ice Sheet ◽  
East Antarctica ◽  
Small Surface ◽  
The North ◽  
Ice Surface ◽  
Glacial Chronology ◽  
Victoria Land ◽  
Dry Valley ◽  
Radio Echo Sounding ◽  
Taylor Glacier

Abstract Systematic radio echo-sounding during three seasons since 1971–72 has produced data on the configuration of the ice sheet in East Antarctica. In the sector extending inland from southern Victoria Land, the ice sheet exhibits a large ridge which drives ice towards David Glacier in the north and Mulock and Byrd Glaciers to the south. Within 100 km of the McMurdo dry-valley region soundings along ten sub-parallel lines (c. 10 km apart) provides detail on ice surface and flow patterns at the ridge tip. A small surface dome lies just inland of Taylor Glacier. The surface drops by 100 m or more before rising to join the major ridge in East Antarctica.

scholarly journals Mass–Balance and Ice–Flow–Law Parameters for East Antarctica

1985 ◽  
Vol 31 (109) ◽  
pp. 334-339 ◽  
Author(s):  
T.C Hamley ◽  
I.N. Smith ◽  
N.W. Young
Keyword(s):  
Power Flow ◽  
Grid Point ◽  
Ice Sheet ◽  
Field Measurements ◽  
East Antarctica ◽  
Surface Velocity ◽  
Shear Strain Rate ◽  
Polar Research Institute ◽  
Flow Law ◽  
Basal Shear

AbstractA comprehensive set of ice-velocity and thickness data from traverses within the IAGP study area (bounded by long. 90°E. and 135°E., and north of lat. 80°S.) is compared with steady-state mass-flux calculations based on Scott Polar Research Institute (SPRI) map compilations.The results of previous regional mass-budget estimates are reviewed and followed by a description of the new field measurements and the basis upon which a computer “grid–point” program is used to calculate balance fluxes.A comparison of measured and balance fluxes indicates that the ice sheet in this region of East Antarctica is unlikely to be significantly out of balance.The ratio of average column to surface velocity is discussed and calculated to be 0.89.An analysis of the mean shear strain-rate (VS/Z), versus down-slope basal shear stress (τb=ρgᾱZ), suggests that power flow-law parameters ofn= 3.21 andk= 0.023 bar−nm−1are appropriate for the effective basal shear zone in this region of the Antarctic ice sheet.

scholarly journals A revised inventory of Antarctic subglacial lakes

2005 ◽  
Vol 17 (3) ◽  
pp. 453-460 ◽  
Author(s):  
MARTIN J. SIEGERT ◽  
SASHA CARTER ◽  
IGNAZIO TABACCO ◽  
SERGEY POPOV ◽  
DONALD D. BLANKENSHIP
Keyword(s):  
East Antarctica ◽  
Large Lake ◽  
Dome A ◽  
Lake Vostok ◽  
The Third ◽  
The Us ◽  
Radio Echo Sounding ◽  
Subglacial Lakes ◽  
Lake Type ◽  
Echo Sounding

The locations and details of 145 Antarctic subglacial lakes are presented. The inventory is based on a former catalogue of lake-type features, which has been subsequently reanalysed, and on the results from three additional datasets. The first is from Italian radio-echo sounding (RES) of the Dome C region of East Antarctica, from which 14 new lakes are identified. These data also show that, in a number of occasions, multiple lake-type reflectors thought previously to be individual lakes are in fact reflections from the same relatively large lake. This reduces the former total of lake-type reflectors by six, but also adds a significant level of information to these particular lakes. The second dataset is from a Russian survey of the Dome A and Dome F regions of East Antarctica, which provides evidence of 18 new lakes and extends the coverage of the inventory considerably. The third dataset comprises three airborne RES surveys undertaken by the US in East Antarctica over the last five years, from which forty three new lakes have been identified. Reference to information on Lake Vostok, from Italian and US surveys taken in the last few years, is now included.

Radio echo sounding map of Antarctica, (˜90°E–180°)

Polar Record ◽  
1975 ◽  
Vol 17 (109) ◽  
pp. 359-374 ◽  
Author(s):  
David J. Drewry
Keyword(s):  
Task Force ◽  
Ice Sheet ◽  
Antarctic Ice Sheet ◽  
Natural Environment Research Council ◽  
The Us ◽  
Radio Echo Sounding ◽  
Polar Research Institute ◽  
Antarctic Research ◽  
Logistic Support ◽  
The Antarctic

In 1967 the Scott Polar Research Institute (SPRI) undertook the first longrange airborne radio echo soundings of the Antarctic ice sheet. The results of this season were encouraging and led to other programmes being organized in 1969–70, 1971–72, and 1974–75. The initial impetus for this work came from A. P. Crary of the US National Science Foundation (NSF), who suggested that the radio echo equipment that had been developed at SPRI under the direction of S. Evans and G. de Q. Robin, with financial assistance from the Royal Society's Paul Instrument Fund and later from the Natural Environment Research Council (NERC) should be operated over the Antarctic ice sheet, and he offered the logistic support of the US Antarctic Research Program (USARP). Since those early flights, a productive relationship has been developed between SPRI and that arm of NSF represented by USARP and US Navy Task Force 43 (now 199) and, up to the end of the 1971–72 season, it had resulted in 210000 km of radio echo profiling in the Antarctic. A further 135 000 km was accomplished during the 1974–75 season.

scholarly journals Airborne Radio Echo-Sounding in Shirase Glacier Drainage Basin, Antarctica

1987 ◽  
Vol 9 ◽  
pp. 160-165
Author(s):  
S. Mae ◽  
M. Yoshida
Keyword(s):  
Main Part ◽  
Drainage Basin ◽  
Ice Sheet ◽  
Main Flow ◽  
Ice Thickness ◽  
Echo Intensity ◽  
Flow Area ◽  
Bedrock Topography ◽  
Radio Echo Sounding ◽  
Echo Sounding

Airborne radio echo-sounding was carried out in order to measure the thickness of the ice sheet in the Shirase Glacier drainage basin and map the bedrock topography. It was found that the elevation of bedrock was approximately at sea-level from Shirase Glacier to 100 km up-stream of the glacier and thereafter it was 500–100 m higher. Investigation of the echo intensity reflected from the bedrock indicates that at ice thicknesses less than 1000 m absorption was about 5.2 dB/100 m, but at greater ice thicknesses echo intensity did not depend upon the ice thickness but became approximately constant. Where ice thicknesses were greater than 1000 m in the main flow area of the Shirase Glacier drainage basin, the reflection strengths of about 9 dB were greater than outside the basin. Since the increase in echo intensity was considered to be due to the existence of water, the strong echo observed in the main part of the basin supported an hypothesis that the base of the basin was wet and the ice sheet was sliding on the bedrock.

Draining and Filling of an Interconnected Sub-glacial Lake Network in East Antarctica

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anna Hogg ◽  
Noel Gourmelen ◽  
Richard Rigby ◽  
Thomas Slater
Keyword(s):  
Ocean Circulation ◽  
Ice Sheet ◽  
East Antarctica ◽  
Glacial Lake ◽  
Antarctic Ice Sheet ◽  
Geothermal Heating ◽  
Hydrological System ◽  
Subglacial Lakes ◽  
The Antarctic ◽  
The Impact

&lt;p&gt;The Antarctic Ice sheet is a key component of the Earth system, impacting on global sea level, ocean circulation and atmospheric processes. Meltwater is generated at the ice sheet base primarily by geothermal heating and friction associated with ice flow, and this feeds a vast network of lakes and rivers creating a unique hydrological environment. Subglacial lakes play a fundamental role in the Antarctic ice sheet hydrological system because outbursts from &amp;#8216;active&amp;#8217; lakes can trigger, (i) change in ice speed, (ii) a burst of freshwater input into the ocean which generates buoyant meltwater plumes, and (iii) evolution of glacial landforms and sub-glacial habitats. Despite the key role that sub-glacial hydrology plays on the ice sheet environment, there are limited observations of repeat sub-glacial lake activity resulting in poor knowledge of the timing and frequency of these events. Even rarer are examples of interconnected lake activity, where the draining of one lake triggers filling of another. Observations of this nature help us better characterise these events and the impact they may have on Antarctica&amp;#8217;s hydrological budget, and will advance our knowledge of the physical mechanism responsible for triggering this activity. In this study we analyse 9-years of CryoSat-2 radar altimetry data, to investigate a newly identified sub-glacial network in the Amery basin, East Antarctica. CryoSat-2 data was processed in &amp;#8216;swath mode&amp;#8217;, increasing the density of elevation measurements across the study area. The plane fit method was employed in 500 m by 500 m grid cells, to measure surface elevation change at relatively high spatial resolution. We identified a network of 10 active subglacial lakes in the Amery basin. 7 of these lakes, located below Lambert Glacier, show interconnected hydrological behaviour, with filling and drainage events throughout the study period. We observed ice surface height change of up to 6 meters on multiple lakes, and these observations were validated by independently acquired TanDEM-X DEM differencing. This case study is an important decade long record of hydrological activity beneath the Antarctic Ice Sheet which demonstrates the importance of high resolution swath mode measurements. In the future the Lambert lake network will be used to better understand the filling and draining life cycle of sub-glacial hydrological activity under the Antarctic Ice Sheet.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;/p&gt;

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