Weather

A detailed weather log using the instruments supplied by Scott Base was kept in a "Met book" and relayed at each sked (9 AM and 9 PM daily) to Scott Base.

Generally, the weather at Table Mountain was good. Recorded temperatures ranged from a high of −11°C to a low of −23°C. Winds were recorded in an excess of 40 knots on a few occasions, but only 4 of the 38 field days were deemed severe enough to remain in the tent (perhaps two more should also have been designated as such). During the first half of the field season, significant snow (up to 10 cm) of recent snow covered the rock outcrops and hindered work greatly. Fortunately, on Christmas and Boxing days (Dec. 25-26) high winds blew, and were sufficient to remove most of the snow. Most fortunately, a stable high pressure system settled over the Table Mountain area for about 10 days. The resultant brilliant weather allowed the party the opportunity to collect data, unencumbered by the weather.

On the day of the pull out, high winds (in excess of 40 knots) and impending deteriorating weather forced a cancellation (later rescheduled) of helicopter movements to sampling sites and necessitated leaving about half of our camp equipment (and rock samples) at Table Mountain.