Funded Projects

The Antarctic and Greenland ice sheets are essential in governing the Earth's water budget and sea-level rise. Our satellite-based reconstruction revealed rapidly changing regions that we attribute to changing basal conditions in areas with high subglacial heat production. Bedrock composition and structure are essential constrains on ice motion and ice sheet changes. However, geophysical studies of subglacial geology are mostly limited to airborne measurements. There is a growing need to apply ground (on ice) geophysical observations for a detailed characterization of the bed's internal structure. To bridge this gap, we propose to purchase a seismometer, which, combined with existing instrumentation at UB Geology (ground-penetrating radar, seismoelectric) and expertise in geophysical measurements and polar fieldwork, will allow UB to conduct field campaigns on glaciers and ice sheets. For interpretation of the observations we propose an integrated system modeling approach to test the hypotheses that regional tectonics and geology as well complex basal water networks can solve the mass balance. We will employ a combination of high-resolution satellite data, analytic mass-balance modeling, and numerical simulations of three-dimensional non-linear ice flow and water networks. Spatial analysis and ice sheet simulations will be analyzed with an interactive, immersive virtual reality system, building on the hardware in the Geodynamics Research and Visualization lab in the Department of Geology. The proposed work would allow us to develop a synergistic approach to address ice sheet processes from field observation to numerical modeling and visualization. Building on our expertise in numerical modeling of geodynamics and hydrology, we will be able to apply an innovative, interdisciplinary approach to better understand the behavior of the ice, bedrock, and subglacial till system. The proposal will fund the purchase of a seismometer and a Visualization Tracking System.