Crustal heterogeneity of Antarctica signals spatially variable
radiogenic heat production
Abstract
Crustal structure controls geothermal heat flux which is a key basal
boundary conditions for ice-sheet flow in Antarctica. The crustal
thickness of Antarctica is well resolved at large-scale, but the
smaller-scale structures and density variations in the crust remain
poorly constrained. Using 3D gravity inversion constrained by seismic
Moho estimates, we model crustal structure in Antarctica, resolving
sedimentary basin thickness and density, crustal density and internal
layering, and the Moho. Spatial variations in upper crustal density are
mapped to radiogenic heat production using a petrophysically-defined
mapping approach. Significant variations are observed averaging 1.2 to
1.6 µW/m3, and as high as 2 µW/m3 in West Antarctica. The crustal
contribution to geothermal heat flow is similarly variable averaging 18
to 27 mW/m2 and could be up to 60 mW/m2. The mapped variations are
significant for correctly representing heat flow in Antarctica.