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Victoria University Antarctic Research Expedition Science and Logistics Reports 1984-85: VUWAE 29

Programme

Programme

The aim of the proposed scientific programme of the 1984/85 GANOVEX IV geophysical expedition in northern Victoria Land was to:
(a)investigate the boundary fault between the Ross Sea and the Transantarctic Mountains;
(b)investigate the boundary fault between the West Antarctic fold belt and the East Antarctic Shield;
(c)investigate the Bowers Zone and its tectonic significance including its extention into the Ross Sea area;
(d)investigate the northern part of the Victoria Land Basin and its connection with the Bowers Zone.
The planned methods and organisation used to carry out the main geophysical programme were:
(a)An aerial survey of magnetics and radio-echo sounding using 2 Dornier 228 aircraft covering approximately a 650 km by 200 km area over the Transantarctic Mountains and the Ross Sea in flight lines about 4 km apart. Part of this research was a joint BGR-USGS co-operation.
(b)Geophysics ground-check groups to make geophysical measurement of areas with a geologic significance and where major anomalies are detected by the airborne magnetic profiling.
(c)A helicopter-supported gravity survey from the Ross Sea to the East Antarctic Shield and in areas where special anomalies are detected. Local radio echo-sounding measurements accompanying the gravity measurements would be made to establish the ice thickness.

The main programme would be carried out by about 35 scientists and technicians based at Gondwana Station, Terra Nova Bay, and in small field camps; a second phase of the airborne programme would be carried out from McMurdo. Transport of the main party and cargo between Christchurch and McMurdo and other logistical support would be provided by the U.S.A. and N.Z.; all other transport would be done with the 2 Dornier aircraft, 3 Squirrel 350 Helicopters, and 3 Skidoos stationed in the field.

The two members of this event were invited to participate in the main geophysical programme, under the direction of the expedition leader.

This work was to be a continuation of the BGR geologic expeditions GANOVEX I and III in northern Victoria Land, using geophysical methods. The results of those expeditions are published in the volumes: "GANOVEX 1979/80" and "GANOVEX III 1982/83" page 27 (Volume 1), N. Roland (editor), each published by the Federal Institute of Geosciences and Natural Resources and the Geological Surveys of the various Federal German States; Volume 2 of the latter, to include geologic maps, is in press.