TransAntarctic Mountains SEISmic experiment

(TAMSEIS)

In this project, we propose to address two outstanding questions concerning the tectonic development of Antarctica.

1. What is the origin of the Transantarctic Mountains (TAM)?
2. What is the structure of the East Antarctic craton?

To address these questions, we have designed a seismic experiment that will enable us to image details of the crust and upper mantle structure across the East-West Antarctic boundary. This seismic experiment consist of three elements:

1. A 1400 km linear array of 17 broadband seismic stations extending from the high central regions of the East Antarctic craton to the TAM (Array 1);
2. An intersecting 400 km linear array of 16 broadband seismic stations crossing the TAM (and array 1) nearly perpendicular to the first array (Array 2);
3. 11 broadband stations in the coastal regions along the TAM and on Ross Island and Franklin Island (Array 3).

We propose to conduct airborne surveys of surface elevation, ice thickness, gravity and magnetics along with the seismic elements over a three-year period beginning November 2000.

LINK TO PLANNING DOCUMENTS

Maps: These maps present the site locations of the seismometers.

• Site Locations throughout Antarctica:
• Site Locations Around the Ross Sea:
• This Year's Deployment: