This Small Grant for Exploratory Research investigates the origin of the Queen Maud Mountains, Antarctica, to understand the geodynamic processes that shaped Gondwana. Ages of various rock units will be determined using LA-MC-ICPMS analyses of zircons and 40Ar-39Ar analyses of hornblende. The project?s goal is to time deformation , sedimentary unit deposition, magmatism, and regional cooling. Results will be correlated with related rock units in Australia. By constraining the length and time scales of processes, the outcomes will offer insight into the geodynamic processes that caused deformation, such as slab roll-back or extension. In addition, dating these sedimentary units may offer insight into the Cambrian explosion of life, since the sediment flux caused by erosion of these mountains is conjectured to have seeded the ocean with the nutrients required for organisms to develop hard body parts. The broader impacts include support for undergraduate research.

Agency
National Science Foundation (NSF)
Institute
Division of Polar Programs (PLR)
Type
Standard Grant (Standard)
Application #
0835480
Program Officer
Alexandra Isern
Project Start
Project End
Budget Start
2008-09-01
Budget End
2011-08-31
Support Year
Fiscal Year
2008
Total Cost
$18,024
Indirect Cost
Name
University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh
Department
Type
DUNS #
City
Oshkosh
State
WI
Country
United States
Zip Code
54901