A proposal outlining a programme involving four main scientific projects was submitted to the March meeting of RDRC. After some discussion, all four projects were approved, and the VUWAE programme passed on to Antarctic Division.

In summary it was proposed to send seven members to carry out the following projects and objectives:-

A. Glacial Studies

To investigate the processes of debris entrainment and the formation of debris layers within glacial ice.

To determine whether the change in mode of till deposition around glaciers such as the Taylor Glacier, results from a change in the dynamic and thermal conditions of a body of ice.

B. Salt Studies

To continue soil and surface measurements (temperature profiles, frozen ground level depths, surface colour etc.) on dark surfaces at chosen localities.

To examine and sample the Taylor mineral deposit at the snout and up glacier.

To investigate the structure of the large snow-ice features on Mts. Discovery and Morning.

C. Moss Ecology

To make a quantitative study of the ecology of mosses in the McMurdo Sound Region.

D. Geology of the Fry Glacier Region

To carry out geological reconnaissance in the previously unexplored Fry Glacier region 170 km north of Scott Base and to study in some detail the glacial geology of the dry valley areas and exposures of the Beacon Supergroup there.

Logistic Support and Further Planning

Major requirements requested from Antarctic Division were the usual items of field equipment, fuel and food. Helicopter time requested was 41 hours. Because of the nature of the expedition four toboggans and six sledges were requested.

One surveyor and two field assistants were also requested from Antarctic Division. Following discussion at Tekapo between the Superintendent and the Field Operations Officer (Antarctic Division), the Surveyors and VUWAE members, it was decided that both surveyors accompany VUWAE 21A on the first part of the Taylor Glacier expedition. This resulted in a considerable easing of workloads.

After the French volcanologists withdrew from the planned Erebus expedition, a small NZARP party was organised to continue the monitoring and surveying programme on the volcano. VUWAE members Stern and Keys were to participate and take seismic recordings and possibly a lava temperature measurement.

Minor changes in the VUWAE programme were implemented following discussion between VUWAE members, Kevin Tasker (Leader, Scott Base) and John Charles (Deputy Leader, Scott Base).