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Report on the Sixth and Seventh Victoria University of Wellington Antarctic Expedition 1962-63: VUWAE 6 & 7

ACHIEVEMENTS

ACHIEVEMENTS

Reports summarizing the various fields investigated are given later.

Geology:

The expedition mapped the Brown Hills region - this taking less time than allowed for as the geology was less complex than expected. As the party could not sledge across to Darwin Mountains or Tentacle Ridge, air support was asked for to allow the mapping of Darwin Mountains.

Due to the short length of time required in the Darwin Region it was decided to map Taylor Valley as well this season. As well as dealing with Taylor Valley itself the expedition spent a few days at Marble Point, a few miles north east of Taylor Valley. This work completes the detailed coverage by V.U.W.'s Antarctic Expeditions 1, 2, 3 and 4 in the "McMurdo Oases" - a largely ice-free region stretching from the Koettlitz névé north to McKay Glacier, an area of about 3,000 sq. miles.

Biology:

Numerous samples of lichen and algae were collected from the Darwin region, and lichen, algae and moss from the Taylor Valley. Also collected from Taylor Valley were several species of "mites" and "springtails" and from along the coast samples of marine life.

As previous V.U.W. Antarctic Expeditions have also collected lichens, algae and moss and after handing them over to "interested" people outside the University have, in most cases, not received any indication that any work is being done on them, members of this year's expedition intend to do their own research work as far as possible, and at least publish a preliminary note on their findings.

Meterology:

Unfortunately, due to an accident while unloading a Globemaster, the expedition's Barograph and Thermograph were smashed, so no continuous records could be obtained.

Gravity:

Dr. Colin Bull spent five days with the expedition in the Taylor Valley, during which time he did a gravity traverse of the valley. (See report later.)