I think there is often a challenge of fully relaying the importance of studying Earth processes to the public. But in Antarctica, studying the geology is truly exciting. Antarctica is roughly the size of the US and Mexico combined, but less than 1% of its rocks are exposed above the ice sheets, mainly along the Transantarctic Mountains. That is like taking samples along the peaks of the Rocky Mountains and trying to determine the geology for the entire US! It is exhilarating to be able to explore a continent that is so fully unknown. But it is also incredibly important. Something like 70% of Earth’s fresh water is stored in the Antarctic ice sheets, and understanding the geology beneath that ice could help scientists understand how that ice will be affected from human-induced climate changes. Additionally, understanding the mechanisms involved with subduction and the shifting of the continents can and has led to important discoveries about natural resources and natural hazards.
Please join me in championing this cause to help support future generations of scientists by donating at my campaign page: https://www.crowdrise.com/o/en/campaign/science-a-thon-2018/elizabetherickson11/ You can also follow my “Day of Science” on Instagram @schemerthedreamer
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Elizabeth Erickson 