Triple-dating (Pb-FT-He) of Antarctic Detritus and the Origin of the Gamburtsev Mountains

This Small Grant for Exploratory Research investigates the origin and evolution of the Gamburtsev subglacial mountains (GSM). These mountains are considered the nucleation point for Antarctica's largest ice sheets; however, being of indeterminate age, they may postdate ice sheet formation. As well, their formation could reflect tectonic events during the breakup of Gondwana. The project studies GSM-derived detrital zircon and apatite crystals from Prydz Bay obtained by the Ocean Drilling Program. Analytical work includes triple-dating thermochronometry by U/Pb, fission track, and (U/Th)/He methods. The combined technique offers insight into both high and low temperature processes, and is potentially sensitive to both the orogenic events and the subsequent cooling and exhumation due to erosion. In terms of broader impacts, this project supports research for a postdoctoral fellow.

本小型探索性研究资助项目旨在探究甘布尔采夫亚冰下山脉（Gamburtsev Subglacial Mountains, GSM）的成因与演化历程。该山脉被视作南极最大冰盖的成核点位，但其形成年代尚未明确，甚至可能晚于南极冰盖的形成过程。此外，其成因或与冈瓦纳大陆解体时期的构造活动存在关联。
本项目以大洋钻探计划（Ocean Drilling Program）于普里兹湾（Prydz Bay）获取的沉积物为研究对象，从中提取源自GSM的碎屑锆石（detrital zircon）与磷灰石（apatite）晶体开展分析工作。本次分析采用U/Pb、裂变径迹以及(U/Th)/He三种方法，实施三重热年代学（triple-dating thermochronometry）定年。该联合分析技术可同时揭示高温与低温地质过程，对造山事件以及后续因侵蚀作用引发的冷却与剥露过程均具有敏感性。
在broader影响力方面，本项目将为一名博士后研究员的研究工作提供支持。