Heat Flow survey in the Ross Sea, Antarctica #
Abstract #
We present new marine heat flow data from the Terror Rift System in the Ross Sea, West Antarctica. A total of 52 heat flow measurements yield an average value of 94 mW/m², notably higher than typical oceanic crust but lower than values found at mid-ocean ridges. This suggests that the region is actively extending, with elevated geothermal gradients likely associated with crustal thinning and magmatic processes. To refine these results, we address the influence of glacial history, rapid sedimentation, and pore water circulation. Integrating these measurements with onshore data and geophysical models will improve our understanding of rift evolution and thermal processes beneath the Antarctic ice sheet.
Introduction #
The thermal state of the lithosphere plays a key role in shaping the structure and evolution of continental rift systems. In West Antarctica, the Terror Rift—a prominent feature of the Ross Sea—represents one of the southernmost active extensional regions on Earth. Quantifying heat flow in this area provides crucial insight into crustal processes, magmatism, and geothermal potential, as well as implications for subglacial hydrology and climate modeling. This study presents a new dataset of marine heat flow measurements from the Terror Rift, forming the basis for an updated thermal characterization of this enigmatic region.
Background #
Heat flow measurements provide a direct window into the thermal structure of the Earth's crust and upper mantle. In rift settings, where the crust is being thinned and extended, elevated heat flow values are commonly observed due to enhanced mantle upwelling and magmatic intrusions. Previous data from the Ross Sea have been sparse and often lacked resolution, limiting our understanding of the spatial variability and controlling factors of heat transfer in this tectonically active region. Additionally, Antarctica's complex glacial and sedimentary history imposes challenges to interpreting raw heat flow data, necessitating corrections for transient effects.
Objectives #
This study aims to:
Quantify the spatial distribution of heat flow in the Terror Rift System through direct marine measurements.
Compare observed values with global analogues to infer the tectonic and magmatic state of the rift.
Identify and correct for environmental and geological influences such as past ice sheet dynamics, sedimentation rates, and fluid flow that may bias heat flow observations.
Integrate marine data with onshore records and geophysical models to refine the regional thermal framework.
Contribute to broader geodynamic, geothermal, and climatic models by improving our understanding of heat transport processes beneath West Antarctica.