Dec. 2010 - Jan. 2011: Halvfarryggen, Dronning Maud Land, Antarctica

71°10’ S / 6°45’ E

Start of traverse and test measurements at Neumayer III

Expedition goals

The expedition aims at performing a seismic reflection survey from the surface at the Halvfarryggen ice dome, a candidate for the upcoming IPICS 2k/40k ice cores. At ice domes the internal structure imaged with radar data often indicates upwarping internal layers, so-called isochrone arches or Raymond bumps. Modelling studies indicate that the crystal orientation fabric (COF) at larger depths at ice domes should be highly anisotropic. As changes in COF also change the impedance contrast such changes are also detectable with seismic methods, as shown during the LIMPICS ANT 2009/10 expedition. Scientific goals therefore are to map internal seismic reflection horizons in a 2D grid centred on Halvfarryggen, which will later be compared to radar reflection horizons map the ice-bed interface and image the upper tens of meters of the underlying bedrock. In addition to these scientific goals the expedition will test improved drilling devices and the operational application of a vibroseis truck, in preparation for a seismic study at Kohnen station in 2011/12.