The ASUMA project proposes methods to maximize the reliability of SMB projections, through a large-scale analysis of surface snow/firn in the 1500-2000m asl transition zone. To resolve these queries, the ASUMA project is organized in 5 tasks or work packages.

Due to the remoteness of this sector of Antarctica from research stations, a scientific traverse is necessary (Task 1 : scientific and logistical coordination). We will first get punctual SMB data from firn cores and interpolate the data over long distances thanks to GPR data (Task 2 : Ice core drilling and dating). Then, as described in the previous section, we will offer :

1. an accurate analysis of surface snow physics in the region of study,
2. the physical relationships between the surface physical characteristics and the remote sensing signal (Task 4 : snow physical characteristic study in relationship with remote sensing),
3. a better assessment of current moisture transport towards Antarctica and hence of atmospheric processes and circulations (Task 3 : Ice core content analysis),
4. a better modeling of the SMB and hence a more accurate estimation of the future SMB of Antarctica and its mitigation effect on global sea level (Task 5 : Modeling)

The project will train two PhD students, co-supervised between the 3 French laboratories involved in cryospheric research (LGGE, LSCE and LEGOS), reflecting and reinforcing the strong collaboration already existing between the involved teams.