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Victoria University Antarctic Research Expedition Science and Logistics Reports 1994-95: VUWAE 39

Camp 2: Mt Feather, 77°56′S, 160°28′E, 23-30 Nov

Camp 2: Mt Feather, 77°56′S, 160°28′E, 23-30 Nov.

Our camp was at 2500 m altitude on a bench covered with Sirius tillite. We were flown in on the second attempt, one day later than scheduled. Rachel Brown joined our Event, to gain first hand experience of field work and to assist Nerida with sampling since we also hoped to collect palaeomagnetic samples. On the first day we had gale force winds and were confined to camp. The second was clear and we reconnoitred to determine the extent of the Sirius formation and to look for a section suitable for palacomagnetic sampling. The .Sirius was extensive but we wore unable to reach the Aztec red beds, which were overlain by a thick dolerite sill. In any case this would have made them unsuitable for sampling. However, we found an accessible exposure of Permian Weller coal measures and decided to sample them. The following three days were spent by Nerida and Rachel surveying and collecting 15 samples from three sites of the Sirius deposits. Adam and Chris surveyed the Weller coal section, finding a series of thin beds suitable for sampling. Again, by flagging a route along the valley edge both parties were able to work in poor visibility without danger of getting lost. Fifty cores were obtained - some from positions under overhangs, making drilling difficult. Weather conditions were again indifferent. By 1000 a mist would come up from the Beacon Valley to the north and stay all day. Temperatures were around −25°. Working conditions were similar to those at Table Mt except it was generally a little colder. We exceeded our objectives.