Final Results: Heat Flow in the Terror Rift System Made Simple

After weeks of work, we now have a clear picture of heat flow in the Terror Rift System. We measured heat flow at 52 locations and found an average value of 94 mW/m². Let’s break down what this means and what’s next.

What Do These Numbers Mean?
Heat flow tells us how much heat is escaping from inside the Earth. Our value of 94 mW/m² is high, suggesting that the Earth's crust is thinner here, allowing more heat to escape. This is common in rift zones where the crust is stretching and magma moves closer to the surface.

How Does This Compare Globally?
To put it simply:

• Normal ocean heat flow is around 70-90 mW/m².
• Young, active areas like mid-ocean ridges can exceed 200 mW/m².
• Older, stable ocean crust shows lower values of 40-50 mW/m².
  

Our measured heat flow is higher than typical ocean crust but not as extreme as mid-ocean ridges. This tells us the Terror Rift is an active region but not as hot as newly forming crust.

What Needs to Be Corrected?
Even though our values look good, a few things could influence the results:

1. Ice Sheet History
   Ice sheets have come and gone over this region, changing the heat structure. We’ll need to correct for these effects.
2. Sedimentation
   Fast sedimentation can bury heat signals or distort the values. We’ll model these effects back onshore.
3. Water Flow
   Pore water moving through the sediments can change heat flow. We’ll check for any signs of this.
   

Refining the Data Onshore
Back onshore, we’ll combine our data with geophysical models, sediment records, and ice sheet histories. This will help us fine-tune the heat flow values and ensure we get the most accurate picture.

Why This Matters
These corrected values will help us better understand how the Terror Rift System is evolving. They’ll also refine models of crustal stretching, magmatic activity, and even improve predictions of geothermal resources in the region. Plus, they’ll contribute to better Antarctic climate models by showing how heat moves beneath the ice.
Stay tuned as we continue to explore the fascinating secrets hidden beneath the seafloor!

Dr. Florian Neumann
MARUM, University of Bremen