The connection of the exposed geology and the geophysics is often loose, specifically in mountain/nunatak areas that have only sketchily been studied. Key areas need to be identified where detailed geological field studies and focused geophysics should be carried out in order to understand the significance of major geophysical lineaments and the boundaries of tectonics blocks. There are still unmapped areas. The systematic aerogeophysical surveying starts to reveal the sub-ice geology of the continent.

One key area for unravelling the geodynamic evolution of East Antarctica has been identified in central Dronning Maud Land, where the major Forster Magnetic Anomaly, a possible suture zone, appears to dissect the Dronning Maud Land mountains. At present, the aerogeophysics of this key region is being improved as a joint AWI-BGR effort. Central Dronning Maud Land requires focused field work with ground-truthing of the new geophysical data in search of the significance of the major Forster Magnetic Anomaly and the Ulvetanna Lineament. The action group has strong links to IGCP 648: Supercontinent Cycles & Global Geodynamics.

This group has cross-link interest with the ADMAP Expert Group that may provide suitable magnetic anomaly data to improve the geological knowledge of Antarctica.

Terms of Reference

Aims and objectives

• Identify highest priority areas where lineaments and/or apparent tectonic block boundaries intersect with outcrops
• Coordinate and develop multinational capabilities in geophysics and geology
• Plan and initiate international expeditions to key areas
• Provide improved geological maps, specifically in logistically demanding areas
• Improve connections to adjacent continents within Gondwana/Rodinia and project the knowledge of these into Antarctica
• Identify worthy drill sites for basement recovery and connect to other Antarctic drilling communities