Greenland ice cap aeromagnetic survey 1983: acquisition of high sensitivity total field and gradient magnetic data

Abstract

A new high sensitivity aeromagnetic survey covering approximately 145 000 km2 of the lnland Ice (fig. 14) has been carried out during two periods of field operations in AprilIMay and September 1983. It is the first time a systematic, high sensitivity aeromagnetic coverage over the Greenland lnland Ice has been achieved. This note briefly reports on the background of the project, the fieId operations, and the preliminary results. Previous aeromagnetic surveys of ice-free regions of central and southern West Greenland (Thorning, 1976, 1977, and in prep.) have shown that many major geological boundaries are clearly reflected in the aeromagnetie data acquired over these regions. Geological field work in south-east Greenland has revealed the existence of similar geological boundaries, but their assumed position under the lnland lce has so far been guesswork. The aeromagnetic survey reported here is intended to provide real information on regional struetures under the lnland lce between the two coastal areas.