Preview

PDF 116816 - Burton...pdf | Download (1MB) | Preview

Abstract

A new method for modeling heat flux shows that the upper crust contributes up to 70% of the Antarctic Peninsula's subglacial heat flux and that heat flux values are more variable at smaller spatial resolutions than geophysical methods can resolve. Results indicate a higher heat flux on the east and south of the Peninsula (mean 81 mW m−2) where silicic rocks predominate, than on the west and north (mean 67 mW m−2) where volcanic arc and quartzose sediments are dominant. While the data supports the contribution of heat-producing element-enriched granitic rocks to high heat flux values, sedimentary rocks can be of comparative importance dependent on their provenance and petrography. Models of subglacial heat flux must utilize a heterogeneous upper crust with variable radioactive heat production if they are to accurately predict basal conditions of the ice sheet. Our new methodology and data set facilitate improved numerical model simulations of ice sheet dynamics.

Item Type:	Article
Authors/Creators:	Burton-Johnson, A and Halpin, JA and Whittaker, JM and Graham, FS and Watson, SJ
Keywords:	Antarctic, geothermal, heat flux, radiogenic heat production, upper crust
Journal or Publication Title:	Geophysical Research Letters
Publisher:	Amer Geophysical Union
ISSN:	0094-8276
DOI / ID Number:	10.1002/2017GL073596
Copyright Information:	Copyright 2017 American Geophysical Union
Related URLs:	Google Scholar: Halpin, JA UTAS Profile: Halpin, JA Google Scholar: Whittaker, JM UTAS Profile: Whittaker, JM Google Scholar: Graham, FS UTAS Profile: Graham, FS
Item Statistics:	View statistics for this item

Actions (login required)

Item Control Page