Current efforts, collaborations and future directions in Antarctic heat flux research

The geothermal heat flux to the base of the Antarctic ice sheet is inherently difficult to measure, yet accurate estimates are necessary to better understand cryosphere dynamics. This is crucial to improve models of ice discharge and sea level change, and optimise site selection for ice core paleoclimate studies.

This workshop will include presentations and discussion around a new generation of Antarctic heat flux measurements, derivations and models, combining efforts to characterise and couple both deep (mantle) and shallow (crustal) heat flux. We will also discuss possible future international heat flux measurement initiatives in Antarctica. We invite interested researchers from the solid Earth, cryosphere and ice sheet modelling communities to join us in Hobart in March 2018.

The workshop will bring together a diverse community of researchers with a common interest in the geothermal heat flux of Antarctica. In addition to sharing research results and current directions, the conveners propose that participants work together to agree a program of actions towards two major outcomes to support the future research of the community: 1) Geothermal Heat Flux Observations Database and 2) Geothermal Heat Flux Model Sets. The database is envisioned as a dynamic repository that includes plans for future seasons. The model sets could include alternatives based on different approaches and also probabilistic information. We will provide a report on the workshop for the community and sponsors.

Abstract submission is open until 30 November 2017.
Early bird registration ($250, includes conference dinner) ends on 21 January 2018.

Further information, including the workshop themes and proposed outcomes, abstract submission and registration, is all available on the Workshop website.

Organising committee: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. (UTAS, Australia), Karsten Gohl (AWI, Germany), Weisen Shen (WashU, USA), Frank Pattyn (ULB, Belgium)

Supported by the ARC Antarctic Gateway Partnership & SCAR SERCE [Early Career Researchers and/or attendees from nations with an emerging Antarctic program may be eligible to apply for a travel grant]