Magnetotelluric measurements of crustal structure at a potential old ice drilling site on the flank of Dome A, Antarctica

The proposed project aims to execute a limited magnetotelluric (MT) survey on the southern flank of Dome A, Antarctica as an addition to the Center for Oldest Ice Exploration (COLDEX) 2024-25 ground geophysics campaign (I-186-MS). The MT survey aims to augment other already supported methods including ApRES, passive seismic, and existing airborne geophysical data. Its objective is to provide essential insights into the upper crustal structure and the possible existence of a subglacial groundwater system, thus refining our estimates of spatially variable geothermal heat flow and basal melting rates. This will enhance our knowledge of basal thermal conditions in a region critical for ancient ice core drilling. Ultimately, this improved geophysical characterization will advance COLDEX's broader objectives of unraveling Earth's climate history. I am a graduate student within COLDEX, coordinating with other MT groups on this work.