Publication Date:
2017-04-04
Description:
We present the interpretation of 11 radio echo-sounding (RES) missions carried out over the
Vostok–Dome Concordia region during the Italian Antarctic expeditions in the period 1995–
2001. The extension and the density of the radar data in the surveyed area allowed to reconstruct
a reliable subglacial morphology and to identify four relevant morphological structures namely:
the Aurora trench, the Concordia trench, the Concordia ridge and the South Hills. These
structures show evidence compatible with the presence of tectonic features. Morphological
considerations indicate their development in Cenozoic time. Hybrid cellular automata (HCA)-
based numerical modelling allowed to justify a possible role played by the tectonics of the
Aurora and Concordia trench evolution. This was accomplished by matching the bed profiles
along opportunely projected sections with the modelled surfaces as derived by the activity of
normal faults with variable surfaces within the continental crust. The Vostok–Dome C region
is characterized by a large number of subglacial lakes. From the analysis of basal reflected
power echo, we identified 14 new lakes and obtained information about their physiography as
well as their possible relations with tectonics.We propose a grouping of subglacial lakes on the
base of their physiography and geological setting, namely relief lakes, basin lakes and trench
lakes. Relief lakes located in the Belgica subglacial highlands and are characterized by sharp
and steep symmetric edges, suggesting a maximum water depth of the order of 100 m. Their
origin may well relate to localized, positive geothermal flux anomalies. Basin lakes located
in the Vincennes subglacial basin and are characterized by wider dimension that allow the
development of well-defined, flat ice surface anomalies. Trench lakes characterize the Aurora
and Concordia trenches as the possible effect of normal fault activity.
Key words: Antarctica, HCA modelling, radio echo sounding, subglacial
Description:
Published
Description:
(1029-1040)
Description:
JCR Journal
Description:
reserved
Keywords:
Antarctica,
;
modelling,
;
01. Atmosphere::01.01. Atmosphere::01.01.04. Processes and Dynamics
Repository Name:
Istituto Nazionale di Geofisica e Vulcanologia (INGV)
Type:
article
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