Background

The main aim of VUWAE 24 was to provide the scientific support for coring the floor of Western McMurdo Sound, an enterprise that would involve close collaboration with the Ministry of Works drilling team and the logistic services of Antarctic Division. In addition scientists from four other countries were to participate. The object of the drilling was to obtain a record of the early history of the East Antarctic ice sheet and hopefully reach strata predating its formation (Barrett, 1979). Preliminary results are given in Part I of this report. The planned programme also included a variety of investigations after drilling was completed. Some of these, such as the gravity and seismic surveys, were scientifically related to the drilling; others were mainly to allow scientists already in Antarctica for the drilling to exercise their skill and curiosity further. Post-drilling programmes of both types are described in Part II.

Because of the integral nature of preparations for the drilling and the subsequent field events they are discussed together below.