Workshop Overview
This foundational workshop established the framework for the SCAR-INSTANT "Probing the Solid Earth and its Interactions" (PSE) theme and brought together approximately 50 researchers from the US and international polar geophysics community. The workshop identified grand challenges for the next decade of polar geophysical research and established priorities for observational network development.
Workshop Goals
🎯 Define Grand Challenges
Identify the most pressing scientific questions in polar geophysics that can be addressed through coordinated observational efforts over the next 10 years.
🌐 Network Design
Develop recommendations for optimal seismic and geodetic network configurations to address key scientific questions in Antarctica and the Arctic.
🤝 International Collaboration
Establish frameworks for collaboration with international partners, particularly through SCAR-INSTANT and related initiatives.
📊 Community Coordination
Create mechanisms for ongoing community engagement, data sharing, and coordination of field activities.
Key Scientific Themes
1. Glacial Isostatic Adjustment (GIA)
Understanding Earth's response to ice mass changes through integrated seismic, geodetic, and gravity observations. Key questions include:
- • What is the rheological structure beneath major ice sheets?
- • How does mantle viscosity vary spatially across Antarctica?
- • What are the implications for ice sheet stability predictions?
2. Solid Earth-Ice Sheet Interactions
Investigating how bedrock properties and processes influence ice sheet behavior:
- • Subglacial topography and its evolution
- • Heat flow variations and their impact on basal melting
- • Flexural response to ice loading/unloading
3. Tectonic Evolution & Structure
Revealing the deep structure and tectonic history of polar regions:
- • Crustal thickness and composition variations
- • Ancient rifting and mountain building events
- • Lithospheric structure and dynamics
4. Cryoseismology
Using seismic signals to understand ice dynamics:
- • Icequakes and glacier mechanics
- • Calving events and ice shelf stability
- • Basal processes and sliding
Workshop Outcomes
The workshop produced several key deliverables:
📘 Workshop Report
A comprehensive report documenting discussions, scientific priorities, and recommendations for future observational efforts. The report has been distributed to the community and funding agencies.
🎯 Community Priorities
A ranked list of scientific questions and observational needs, developed through community consensus-building exercises.
🔧 Network Recommendations
Specific recommendations for POLENET and other network configurations, including station locations, instrumentation needs, and operational timelines.
🌍 SCAR-INSTANT PSE Framework
Establishment of the Probing the Solid Earth theme within SCAR-INSTANT, including working group structure and coordination mechanisms.
Participants & Institutions
Approximately 50 researchers participated, representing institutions from:
United States
- • Colorado State University
- • Stony Brook University
- • Washington University in St. Louis
- • Columbia University
- • Penn State University
- • UC Berkeley
- • And many more...
International
- • TU Dresden (Germany)
- • GNS Science (New Zealand)
- • British Antarctic Survey (UK)
- • And others...
Workshop Materials
Access the full workshop report and related materials:
Note: Materials are being compiled and will be made available soon. Contact the organizers for specific requests.