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Victoria University Antarctic Research Expedition Science and Logistics Reports 1979-80: VUWAE 24

Event 11b

Event 11b

A. TRANSPORT

Event 11b would have used nearly all its allotted 6.5 hours helicopter time in being placed near Mt Brooke in the Coombs Hills and in Bull Pass page 41 in the Dry Valleys. However, another move to the northeastern end of the Coombs Hills became possible through "backloading" on a support flight to S. 053 (Dr. J. Annexstad, NASA) operating in the Allen Hills.

B. See Itinerary

C. WEATHER

Overall the weather conditions in the Coombs Hills ranged from poor to dismal. Out of the nine days (6th to 14th) spent in the Mt. Brooke end of the Hills four were entirely lost due to gale conditions (winds in excess of 50 knots and temperatures down to −18°C). On another one and a half days conditions were at best only marginal. At the second (lower) campsite at the northern end of Coombs Hills near the Curreen Glacier conditions were considerably better. Only one day was lost, although gale conditions made another marginal. Observations of the Mt. Brooke end of the Hills made from the northeastern (Curreen Glacier) end suggested that bad weather conditions (i.e. non working) existed in the former location when workable conditions existed in the latter.

We would strongly recommend that campsites in the Coombs Hills along the Plateau edge and near the headof the Odell Glacier be avoided. On no account should parties camp on the Upper Odell Glacier. Very strong katabatic winds would appear to be common throughout the region and in the latter area would place a party at risk.

At Bull Pass the typical Dry Valley climate was relaxing and much appreciated. Summary of weather records are presented in Appendix III.

E. LOSS/DAMAGE TO EQUIPMENT

Primus problems

The primus issued with the NZARP kitchen box was not usable in the Coombs Hills. Although tested by us and apparently O.K. at Scott Base, at 2000 m the production of carbon monoxide was profuse, the indicator becoming black within minutes. The back-up stove (an Optimus from the VUWAE store) operated safely and well at all times.

F. RECOMMENDATIONS

Equipment

Brady and McKelvey were outfitted with cold weather gear by Antarctic Division D.S.I.R. for which VUWAE paid a rental. The new D.S.I.R. issue (green) quilted jackets and the new style windproofs were much appreciated under the weather conditions encountered in the Coombs Hills. The windproof trousers do need braces, however, as they work down particularly when the pockets contain equipment, etc. Ankle tapes are also needed as it's very easy to snag a crampon spike and, and while climbing, even a projecting rock.

Further work

Every effort should be made to extend for at least one more season the search for "old" pre-Pleistocene tills and tillites, and striated pavements north of the Mawson Glacier. Particularly, this should be done in the Trinity Nunatak, Schultz Peak - Mt Armytage, and Mount Murray regions. It is appreciated that the Coombs Hills-Allan Hills area is at the limit of helicopter range for a payload of 1650 lbs. However, we feel that by adopting a much more austere (but still adequate) field ration and by pruning equipment to essentials this load for a ten day trip could be reduced to under 1000 lbs. This could be done without jeopardizing in any way the safety of the field party. Given the refueling facility at Marble Point, could not the operational range be extended so as to reach these localities at the head of and on the north side of the Mawson Glacier.