Seismology in Antarctica
Seismology is a powerfull tool for investigating the deeper regions of the solid earth. Especially for understanding of deeper structures and geodynamics in ice covered regions seismologcal recordings provide valuable insights. In addition, seismic sensors are sparsely distributed in the polar regions as well as in the oceans resulting unequal conditioned earth models.
Since 1982 the Neumayer seismological network, Antarctica, has permanently expanded. Its phase readings have permanently reported to international data centers. Investigations have been carried in
- deeper structure of the earths crust and mantle and
- monitoring of local and regional seismicity.
Recording of harmonic tremor originated from giant icebergs may provide new ideas of generating volcanic tremor.
To extend the knowledge about deeper structure and neotectonics, several temporal experiments have been carried out in Dronning Maud Land. The interpretation of results from receiver function analysis, seismic anisotropy, and monitoring of local seismicity are combined with results from other geophysical and geodetic methods.
In the Arctic, a new method of small arrays of ordinary seismometers on drifting ice floes has been successfully applied to monitor seismic and volcanic activity of the slow-spreading Gakkel Ridge.