Mapping, Measuring and Modeling Geomorphology and Ice Change in Dronning Maud Land, Antarctica

This research fills critical gaps in the geologic record of the pattern and timing of vertical changes in the East Antarctic Ice Sheet in western Dronning Maud Land, by focusing on areas that are critical for differentiating between possible models of past ice sheet configuration. Reconstruction of ice-sheet surface changes involved mapping and cosmogenic nuclide dating of glacially sculpted bedrock, ice-marginal moraines, and erratic boulders at different elevations on nunataks.

Patterns of in situ 10Be, 26Al, 14C, and 21Ne concentrations and ratios enabled inferences about the timing and magnitude of changes in maximum ice-surface elevations and periods of burial by non-erosive (cold-based) ice. Results are being integrated with data from other areas to provide insight into changes across the entire Antarctic Ice Sheet, and into the role of large ice sheets in climate evolution and global sea level changes.

The field-based results provide constraints against which predictive ice sheet models are being tested and improved, contributing to glaciology, climate and Quaternary science. Broader impacts of this study also advanced the development of the next generation of STEM students and polar scientists. While gaining experience in international collaboration, field and laboratory methods, data analysis, and modeling, two graduate students worked with teachers to develop, implement, and disseminate standards-based lesson plans for student activities linking this research to learning objectives for middle school science.