Antarctic subglacial lakes

摘要: Abstract Antarctic subglacial lakes were first identified by Robin et al. (1970) after airborne radio-echo sounding (RES) investigations of the ice-sheet interior. Recently, satellite altimetry was used to measure anomalous near-flat regions on surface that represent a manifestation lake beneath. Using RES and altimetry, location extent can be identified. The largest exists beneath Vostok Station, is 14,000 km2 in area. combined area additional Dome C 15,000 at least lies remainder ice sheet. water depth estimated through seismic (although data exist only for Lake Vostok) consideration bedrock slopes border lakes. depths many are order 10's–100's metres. total volume held sheet between 4000 12,000 km3. To date, there six known examples reflections from floors (at no more than 20 m). Since e/m attenuation related salinity, these indicate very pure fresh. Some usually occur over have been observed where exist. Such features may caused water-saturated basal sediments rather Finally, spatial variation geothermal heat flux around central Antarctica established employing simple thermal model under an assumption temperature above equal pressure melting value. Calculations varies spatially Plate 37 65 mW m−2.