Part of NSF IPY proposal: IPY in the Antarctic Peninsula -- Ice Shelves, Oceans, Climate, and Biota
Inquiries about this page to: Greg Balco, balcs@bgc.org
Introduction to cosmogenic-nuclide exposure dating in Antarctica
Target sites are circled and labeled. Links to more information on each site below. The highest priority sites -- the ones that appear from air photo reconnaissance to be most likely to yield dateable material -- are highlighted in red.
N1. Ice-free areas of western James Ross Island.
Lowest priority.
MOA image
Many large ice-free areas. Deglaciation of this area not clearly related to dynamics of Peninsula ice cap outlet glaciers -- perhaps more related to collapse of LGM marine ice or development of precipitation shadow -- thus a low priority for this project. Many past scientific visits; literature review and photo reconnaissance needed. Also subject of Mike Bentley/BAS planned field project.
N2. Sjogren Glacier area.
Highest priority.
More information and air photos -- MOA image
Many nunataks adjacent to glacier appear to offer good exposure-dating sites. Drastic recent glacier change in this area; in northern part of focus area where marine geology suggests multiple periods of ice shelf breakup in Holocene. Some nunataks near lower glacier may be accessible by small boat.
N2A. Cape Longing.
More information and air photo
Small snowy outcrops accessible by small boat. Likely targets of opportunity. Accessible by boat. Worth a look.
N3. Larsen Inlet - Sjobral Peninsula - Edgeworth Glacier.
Highest priority.
More information and air photos -- MOA image
Low-angle nunataks near center of these glaciers offer good exposure-dating sites. Again, marine geology suggests multiple periods of ice shelf breakup in this area in Holocene.
N4. Drygalski Glacier nunataks.
High priority.
More information and air photos -- MOA image
Nunataks adjacent to south side of Drygalski Glacier. Low-angle ice-free areas identified from air photos. Possible small-boat access to sites near glacier terminus.
N5. Robertson Island - Seal Nunataks.
More information and air photos
Close to Matienzo station. Not promising for exposure-dating purposes. Likely GPS site.
Sites in central Larsen embayment
L1. Hektoria Glacier area.
High priority.
More information and air photos -- MOA image
Nunataks adjacent to Hektoria Glacier. Low-angle ice-free areas identified from air photos near glacier terminus (Hektoria Bluffs) and in upper glacier. Likely small-boat access to Hektoria Bluffs. Helicopter access required for upper glacier sites.
L2. Crane Glacier area.
Highest priority.
Air photos -- MOA image
Two primary areas. First, Large, low-angle, ice-free area adjoining central Crane Glacier. Ideal location for stranded erratics. Helicopter access required for this site. Second, extensive outcrop forming southern margin of Crane Glacier near glacier terminus. Ice shelf breakup has made this series of nunataks accessible by small boat.
L3. Melville Glacier area.
High priority.
Air photos-- MOA image
Low-angle nunataks near the middle of this glacier identified on air photos. Helicopter access required. Many nunataks in this area; airborne reconnaissance may yield additional sites.
L4. Starbuck Glacier area.
High priority.
Air photos-- MOA image
Similar to Melville Glacier -- low-angle nunataks near the middle of this glacier identified on air photos. Helicopter access required. Many nunataks in this area; airborne reconnaissance may yield additional sites.
L5. Flask Glacier.
Lower priority.
Air photos-- MOA image
Low-angle nunataks near glacier terminus identified on air photos.
L6. Leppard Glacier.
High priority.
Air photos-- MOA image
Nunatak near south side of glacier terminus appears in air photos to have a lateral moraine well above the present glacier surface.
L7. Cape Framnes.
More information and air photos
Small, snowy outcrops accessible by small boat. Relationship between exposure ages here and major Peninsula glaciers is unclear, but this is a likely site of opportunity. Likely GPS site.
