Radar sounding survey over Devon Ice Cap indicates the potential for a diverse hypersaline subglacial hydrological environment
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Published:2022-02-02
Issue:2
Volume:16
Page:379-395
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ISSN:1994-0424
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Container-title:The Cryosphere
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language:en
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Short-container-title:The Cryosphere
Author:
Rutishauser AnjaORCID, Blankenship Donald D., Young Duncan A.ORCID, Wolfenbarger Natalie S., Beem Lucas H., Skidmore Mark L., Dubnick AshleyORCID, Criscitiello Alison S.ORCID
Abstract
Abstract. Prior geophysical surveys provided evidence for a
hypersaline subglacial lake complex beneath the center of Devon Ice Cap,
Canadian Arctic; however, the full extent and characteristics of the
hydrological system remained unknown due to limited data coverage. Here, we
present results from a new, targeted aerogeophysical survey that provides
evidence (i) supporting the existence of a subglacial lake complex and (ii)
for a network of shallow brine/saturated sediments covering ∼170 km2. Newly resolved lake shorelines indicate three closely spaced
lakes covering a total area of 24.6 km2. These results indicate the
presence of a diverse hypersaline subglacial hydrological environment with
the potential to support a range of microbial habitats, provide important
constraints for future investigations of this compelling scientific target,
and highlight its relevance as a terrestrial analog for aqueous systems on
other icy worlds.
Funder
G. Unger Vetlesen Foundation National Aeronautics and Space Administration
Publisher
Copernicus GmbH
Subject
Earth-Surface Processes,Water Science and Technology
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