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Victoria University Antarctic Research Expedition Science and Logistics Reports 1975-76: VUWAE 20

PREPARATIONS FOR VUWAE 20

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PREPARATIONS FOR VUWAE 20

A proposed programme outline for VUWAE 20 (1975-76) was submitted to the RDRC at their March meeting. This programme involved seven expedition members in two main scientific projects:

DVDP McMurdo Sound Drillhole/Glacial sediment studies

The logging, photographing and on-site sampling of the core according to previously established DVDP procedures. Sampling of recent glacial sedimentary environments to provide baseline data for interpreting the sedimentary sequences cored in McMurdo Sound was proposed to extend last season's field work.

Late Cenozoic Stratigraphy

A continuation of geological mapping of Late Cenozoic till deposits in the Upper Taylor Valley and detailed study of present-day glacial drift deposition from the Taylor Glacier.

Correlation of Cenozoic glaciomarine deposits, moraines and benches of Black Island and Brown Peninsula, McMurdo Sound.

The loss of the third Hercules at Dome Charlie required a review of the programme approved by RDRC because NZARP personnel could no longer plan on returning to New Zealand after mid-December. Alternative arrangements were made for planned geophysical work on the DVDP drill core, and the operator dropped from the programme, reducing the expedition from 7 to 6 persons. At the time of the mishap two of the six were in Antarctica, and were scheduled out in December in any event. A revised programme for the Late Cenozoic stratigraphy project for a field season terminating mid-December was prepared and approved by Antarctic Division. Subsequent changes in aircraft schedules made it possible for three VUWAE personnel to stay on into January. This extended the Late Cenozoic project and allowed the completion of work on the strain net on Taylor Glacier. All changes were made in consultation with the Leader and Deputy-Leader of Scott Base.