COLLABORATIVE RESEARCH: Dynamic Models for the Tectonic Evolution of the Transantarctic Mountains and Ross Embayment

合作研究：横贯南极山脉和罗斯海湾构造演化的动态模型

• 批准号: 0338009
• 负责人: Paul Fitzgerald
• 金额: $ 3.88万
• 依托单位: Syracuse University
• 依托单位国家: 美国
• 项目类别: Standard Grant
• 财政年份: 2004
• 资助国家: 美国
• 起止时间: 2004-05-01 至 2007-04-30
• 项目状态: 已结题
• 来源: https://www.nsf.gov/awardsearch/showAward?AWD_ID=0338009&HistoricalAwards=false
• 关键词: COLLABORATIVE; RESEARCH; Dynamic; Models; Tectonic

This is a proposal to address many aspects of the formation of the Transantarctic Mountains (TAM) and the Ross Embayment, which (as documented in the geologic record) remain poorly understood, little studied or controversial. For example, the volume of uplifted rocks of the TAM is about five times greater than any other rift flank uplift worldwide; or it remains unclear why the larger magnitude extension during the Cretaceous produced relatively little denudation in the TAM, while the minor Cenozoic extension produced more. The wide rifting of the Ross Embayment in the Cretaceous with accompanying TAM denudation has not yet been modeled, and existing models explain only the main Cenozoic uplift phase of the TAM. New constraints on the geology history and the density and seismic structure of the TAM and Ross Embayment combined with recently improved numerical techniques prompt to propose evaluation of ideas for the tectonic and erosional development of the region using dynamic models of lithospheric deformation. It is now possible to combine numerical models of large-scale (100 to 1000 kilometers) mechanical and thermal evolution of the lithosphere with consideration of the small-scale development of individual faults. The small-scale deformation capability means that geologic data, like fission track studies, can be compared to model predictions. The proposed approach is to first study models for separate components of the problems that may relate to the tectonic development of the TAM and Ross Embayment, and then integrate the results later. The tight integration of geophysical and geological data with numerical models will be critical to determine which sequence of processes is likely to have shaped the region. The proposal outcome will provide the framework for a better understanding of the mechanisms responsible for the formation of the TAM and the mechanical behavior of the Ross Embayment lithosphere. The proposal objectives match with science goals of the international Antarctic Margin Drilling initiative (ANDRILL), as well as may provide a valuable input to the scientific goals of the new international research initiative on Antarctic Climate Evolution (ACE). Generally, the proposed modeling will contribute to the understanding of geologic processes and how such a long and high mountain range was formed and maintained. Broader impacts of this proposal include providing an opportunity for graduate students to participate in the modeling project, to include summer students in the ongoing analysis through the Lamont summer intern program, give presentations at the annual Open House that are usually well attended by the public. The team plans to create an educational Web site with model animations and make the proposed research a part of outreach activities at both Lamont and Syracuse Universities.

这项提案旨在解决横贯南极山脉 (TAM) 和罗斯海湾形成的许多方面问题，这些问题（如地质记录中所记录的）仍然知之甚少，研究很少或存在争议。例如，TAM 隆起岩石的体积大约是世界上任何其他裂谷侧面隆起的五倍；或者还不清楚为什么白垩纪期间较大的伸展在TAM中产生的剥蚀相对较少，而新生代较小的伸展产生了更多的剥蚀。白垩纪罗斯海湾的大裂谷以及伴随的 TAM 剥蚀尚未建立模型，现有模型只能解释 TAM 的主要新生代隆起阶段。 TAM 和 Ross Embayment 的地质历史、密度和地震结构的新限制，加上最近改进的数值技术，促使人们提出使用岩石圈变形动态模型评估该地区构造和侵蚀发展的想法。现在可以将岩石圈大尺度（100至1000公里）机械和热演化的数值模型结合起来，并考虑单个断层的小尺度发育。小规模变形能力意味着裂变径迹研究等地质数据可以与模型预测进行比较。所提出的方法是首先研究可能与 TAM 和罗斯海湾构造发育相关的问题的各个组成部分的模型，然后将结果整合起来。地球物理和地质数据与数值模型的紧密结合对于确定哪些过程序列可能塑造了该地区至关重要。该提案的结果将为更好地理解 TAM 的形成机制和罗斯海湾岩石圈的力学行为提供框架。该提案的目标与国际南极边缘钻探计划（ANDRILL）的科学目标相匹配，并且可能为新的南极气候演化国际研究计划（ACE）的科学目标提供有价值的投入。一般来说，所提出的模型将有助于理解地质过程以及如此长而高的山脉是如何形成和维持的。该提案的更广泛影响包括为研究生提供参与建模项目的机会，让暑期学生通过拉蒙特暑期实习生计划参与正在进行的分析，在通常受到公众广泛关注的年度开放日上进行演讲。该团队计划创建一个带有模型动画的教育网站，并将拟议的研究作为拉蒙特大学和雪城大学外展活动的一部分。