Objectives

The overarching scientific goal of the GLANAM network is to determine the controls on the development in time and space of glaciated continental margins with specific reference to the NorthAtlantic. This is broken down into 5 specific objectives:

1. To determine the role of different glacial/non-glacial sedimentary processes in shaping the glaciated North Atlantic margins (Figure 1).
2. To contribute to the understanding of the extent, timing and rates of decay of marine-based ice sheets.
3. To contribute to the understanding of the influence the ice ages have imposed on the hydrocarbonsystems on the glaciated North Atlantic margin including sedimentation rates/location of depo-centres, subsidence/tilting and direct ice loading through multiple glaciations.
4. To determine the influence of climate change and sedimentary processes on the fluid flow (and gas hydrate) systems on the glaciated North Atlantic margin.
5. To identify the controlling factors and the role of submarine mass movements (with resulting tsunamis) on the glaciated North Atlantic margin.

Collectively, these five objectives flow into the overall scientific goal of GLANAM: to determine the spatial and temporal controls on the development of glaciated continental margins with specific reference to the North Atlantic. The first objective provides the basis for tackling the others. The second objective will be of special importance for global climate change research and models (i.e. for the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change IPCC). The third and fourth objectives are particularly relevant to industry. The fifth, and final objective, is of great societal relevance.