Linking GIA and Lithospheric Structure of Antarctica with Satellite Gravity Gradients

Abstract (2017)

Authors

J Ebbing University of Kiel
F. Pappa University of Kiel
V. Barletta DTU Space
B. Blank Astrodynamics & Space Missions - Aerospace Engineering
F. Ferraccioli British Antarctic Survey
R. Forsberg DTU Space
W. van der Wal Astrodynamics & Space Missions - Aerospace Engineering
M Kern European Space Agency (ESA)
Research Group
Astrodynamics & Space Missions (Aerospace Engineering) (TU Delft)
More Info
expand_more

Published Date

2017

Language

English

Reuse Rights

Other than for strictly personal use, it is not permitted to download, forward or distribute the text or part of it, without the consent of the author(s) and/or copyright holder(s), unless the work is under an open content license such as Creative Commons.

Faculty

Aerospace Engineering

Department

Space Engineering

Research Group

Astrodynamics & Space Missions

Abstract

In the ESA Support to Science Element GOCE+Antarctica, we study the influence of the lithospheric structure on estimates of GIA. From recent geophysical, especially seismological, studies new insights on the deep structure of the Antarctic continents are available. However, the seismological models differ in resolution and do not provide a consistent image of the lithosphere. This is critical in analysing the feedback between the lithosphere and glacial loading or unloading. To reduce such ambiguities, we combine the latest seismological models with gravity gradient data derived from the GOCE satellite mission. The gradients are in particular sensitive to the geometry and density variations of the main lithospheric layers, i.e. ice and sediment thickness, the Moho depth and the temperature and composition of the upper mantle. Initial results indicate that differences exist in the mode of compensation for West and East Antarctica related to different mantle properties. The impact of an improved lithospheric model on GIA modelling is estimated by testing the sensitivity to the new temperature and density distribution and by comparing 1D and 3D viscosity models, especially in areas of low viscosity as in the Amundsen Sea sector.