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Location for direct access to subglacial Lake Ellsworth: An assessment of geophysical data and modeling

Lookup NU author(s): Professor Neil RossORCiD, Professor Matt King

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Abstract

Subglacial Lake Ellsworth has been proposed as a candidate for direct measurement and sampling, to identify microbial life and extract sedimentary climate records. We present a detailed characterization of the physiography of this subglacial lake from geophysical surveys, allowing bathymetry and geomorphic setting to be established. Lake Ellsworth is 14.7 km x 3.1 km with an area of 28.9 km(2). Lake depth increases downlake from 52 m to 156 m, with a water body volume of 1.37 km(3). The ice thickness suggests an unusual thermodynamic characteristic, with the critical pressure boundary intersecting the lake. Numerical modeling of water circulation has allowed accretion of basal ice to be estimated. We collate this physiographic and modeling information to confirm that Lake Ellsworth is ideal for direct access and propose an optimal drill site. The likelihood of dissolved gas exchange between the lake and the borehole is also assessed. Citation: Woodward, J., A. M. Smith, N. Ross, M. Thoma, H. F. J. Corr, E. C. King, M. A. King, K. Grosfeld, M. Tranter, and M. J. Siegert (2010), Location for direct access to subglacial Lake Ellsworth: An assessment of geophysical data and modeling, Geophys. Res. Lett., 37, L11501, doi: 10.1029/2010GL042884.


Publication metadata

Author(s): Woodward J, Smith AM, Ross N, Thoma M, Corr HFJ, King EC, King MA, Grosfeld K, Tranter M, Siegert MJ

Publication type: Article

Publication status: Published

Journal: Geophysical Research Letters

Year: 2010

Volume: 37

Issue: 11

Print publication date: 02/06/2010

ISSN (print): 0094-8276

ISSN (electronic): 1944-8007

Publisher: American Geophysical Union

URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1029/2010GL042884

DOI: 10.1029/2010GL042884


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Funding

Funder referenceFunder name
NE/D008638/1NERC-AFI
NE/D009200/1NERC-AFI
NE/D008751/1NERC-AFI

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