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Victoria University Antarctic Research Expedition Science and Logistics Reports 1990-91: VUWAE 35

6) FUTURE RESEARCH

6) FUTURE RESEARCH

The 1990-91 field season was the last in the current round of Beacon studies at Victoria University. However, it is clear that further research should be carried out The excellent exposure and preservation of geological features in the Beacon Supergroup at Allan Hills makes the area ideal for the study of fluvial process. Many exposures documented by this and previous projects should be revisited in order to further our understanding of geological processes.

A number of findings made by the 1990-91 expedition will almost certainly result in further work being undertaken both in Antarctica and elsewhere.

a)Fluvial modelling is expected to produce a new model to explain the deposition of sediment by meandering rivers. Funding has already been secured for additional fieldwork in south Westland and it is anticipated that additional Antarctic field work will be proposed in the next few years.
b)New evidence relating to Gondwana glaciation is likely to generate substantial international interest It is likely that a proposal to revisit Allan Hills to further investigate Jurassic glaciation, Permian glacio-fluvial interactions and glacially produced bedrock deformation will be prepared.
c)Paleobotanical studies have revealed an unequalled occurrance of high-latitude Permian trees. It is almost certain that additional climatological and botanical studies will be conducted at Allan Hills considering the international significance of the occupance.
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In general it is felt that the next round of Beacon studies at Victoria University will involve additional interaction with overseas institutions and will be process orientated. However, although several overseas parties have expressed an interest in working with the universities Beacon program no definite plans for future work have been formulated.