A new detailed ice thickness and subglacial topography DEM for Dome A, East Antarctica

• Published in: Polar science 2015-12, Vol.9 (4), p.354-358
• Main Authors: Cui, Xiangbin, Sun, Bo, Guo, Jingxue, Wang, Tiantian, Zhang, Dong
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Deep ice core; Dome A; Ice thickness; Ice-penetrating radar; Subglacial topography
• ISSN: 1873-9652; 1876-4428
• DOI: 10.1016/j.polar.2015.09.003

A new deep ice core is being drilled at the Chinese Kunlun Station in the Dome A region. As ice thickness and subglacial topography in the area are important factors of estimating ice core age, we investigated this region using ice-penetrating radars in three austral seasons during CHINARE 21, 24 and 29 expeditions. Previous results from radar measurements during CHINARE 21 and 24 played critical role in locating the deep ice core drilling site, basal ice age modeling and study of geomorphology of the Gamburtsev Subglacial Mountains. Recent radio echo sounding in the area during CHINARE 29 improved on the grid's resolution, intended for improving modeling results. All radar data from three austral seasons were processed to build more detailed maps of ice thickness and subglacial topography. The new maps show high resolution ice thickness distribution varying between 1548 m and 3347 m in the area. The small scale subglacial valley glaciated terrain is shown in great detail, such as mountain peaks and ridges, main deep valley and its branches, valley steps and overdeepened concavities. The results are essential for accurate regional ice sheet modeling in the area to study basal processes and ice age modeling, as well as locating new deep ice core drilling site.