LOGISTICS REPORT
K114: Geophysical investigations of the tectonic, sedimentary and volcanic history of the Victoria Land Basin: Site surveys for ANDRILL Project
Antarctica New Zealand
*AIMS
- K114P: Seismic shot hole drilling team (Pyne)
- K114N: Seismic survey team (Naish)
- K114W: Magnetic-gravity survey team (Wilson)
- K114D: Aeromagnetic survey team (Damaske)
- K114Webster: Installation of ANDRILL containers, CRP riser check (Rutland)
Our proposed scientific programme had two aims. Firstly, to accurately define the structural and stratigraphic architecture of the southern Victoria Land Basin in McMurdo Sound for the location of proposed ANDRILL Project drill sites. Secondly, to use this information to test and develop models of rift evolution and uplift of the Transantarctic mountains. Both objectives were to be achieved through an integrated geophysical survey involving a seismic reflection, ground-based gravity and magnetic measurements and an aeromagnetic survey. Collectively, the imaging/remote sensing of geological properties and Earth models derived from these techniques can provide information on the subsurface distribution, geometry and structure of (1) the basement floor of the basin, (2) rift-reiated and intraplate volcanoes, and (3) sediments infilling the basin.
Recent geological drilling, glacial geology and geophysical investigations demonstrate that understanding the evolution of sedimentary basins beneath the Ross Sea and Ross/McMurdo !ce Shelf is key to deciphering the evolution of the West Antarctic Rift, uplift of the Trans Antarctic Mountains (TAM) and Cenozoic ice cover history. The Victoria Land Basin has developed in response to the propagation of a rift system through west Antarctica and its sediments should record the mechanism and timing of uplift of the TAM together with its influence in Antarctic climate and ice sheet development.
This year, the programme acquired 40km of seismic reflection data in the New Harbour area and on the Ross/McMurdo ice shelf between Hut Point Peninsula and Ross Island. Three, 80 km line grids (New Harbour, Windless Bight/McMurdo Ice Shelf, Southern McMurdo Sound/McMurdo Ice Shelf) were traversed with magnetometer and gradiometer for gravity and magnetic measurements. An area of 5000km 2 was covered by a helicopter-borne aeromagnetic survey between Hut Point Peninsular White Island and Minna Bluff/Brown Peninsula. Additionally differential GPS was used to estimate ice movement in the vicinity of proposed drill sites.
Our geophysical programme (of which year 1 is complete) is already providing information that can directly address some of the above issues. However, the value of this geophysical work will be fully realised once integrated with drill core records to be recovered by the ANDRILL project. Major progress has been made towards addressing the immediate goals of the research which are two-fold: (1) Use data to design a safe and successful drilling programme, and (2) to publish a geophysical account of the internal stratigraphic architecture of the Victoria Land Basin in southern McMurdo Sound region, particularly beneath the Ross/McMurdo Ice Shelf.
The research team lead by the Institute of Geological and Nuclear Sciences involved collaboration from the following institutes and countries:
- University of Oxford, UK. NERC-funded "Evolution of Sedimentary Basins in Southern McMurdo Sound: Implications for Antarctic tectonic and climate history",
- British Antarctic Survey, UK - use of seismic equipment
- University of Nebraska, USA - NSF-funded "Seismic and stratigraphic data acquisition and integration for Cenozoic tectonic and paleoenvironmental analysis in McMurdo Sound"
- Geological and Nuclear Sciences, NZ - FRST-funded Neogene Global Cooling - ANDRILL Site Survey Task"
- Victoria University of Wellington, Antarctic Research Centre - Internal funding
- Bundesanstalt fuer Geowissenscaften und Rohstoffe, Germany
Webster Drilling and Exploration (Sub-contract)
*PERSONNEL
*PLANNING
- Application process: Fine - no problems. Except for on-going issue of how to deal with science proposals with a multi-year, multinational, multifunded programme such as ANDRILL. However, this is being worked through.
- Communications with Antarctica New Zealand staff: Excellent
- Provision of maps and aerial photographs: No issues here
- Pre-season information: Logistics support allocations and information was very late. This was because of a change over to a new field operations manager and the size and complexity of K114. However, resources requested were eventually allocated and communication with Ant. NZ staff excellent.
- Medicals, documentation and flights to Antarctica: I have anumber of issues with the medical approvals: 1. The forms arrived too late. 2. The assessment of the forms was too late and left very little time for replacing team members who "failed". 3. I'm not convinced that the assessment criteria are consistent reasonable. Communication between Ant NZ "doctor" and event members or their doctor was very poor in the case of our "failed" team member.
Other comments: Although plenty of advance warning and information was provided on transport of explosives from ChCh to McM, a problem with compatibility of product with USAF codes was not anticipated and resulted in our explosives (Anzomex boosters) not being flown south. This would have jeopardised a significant part of the event had the USAP not been able to loan us replacement explosives. My feeling is that this problem could have been foreseen if Ant NZ movements staff had communicated more widely with USAF/USAP regarding requirements following approval of the dangerous goods flight negotiated by Julian Tangaere with NSF staff (Brian Stone) in June/July 2001. Moreover, as event leader I should have ensured that Orica Explosives had provided adequate documentation. Notwithstanding this the USAF code problem was not foreseen by any of the parties. This is because previously used ICI explosive product had USAF code approval.
CARGO
Cargo Item | Qty | Approx. Weight (if known) |
---|---|---|
Drilling system container | 1 | |
Seismic recorder box | 1 | |
Boxes of seismic detonators | 2 | |
Equipment boxes | 4 | |
Seismic cable pallet | 2 |
Other comments: I simply do not have all this information. You should have it on file. Gary Wilson and Webster Drilling and Exploration can provide remainder of information on request
*PREPARATIONS FOR THE FIELD
▪ Reception and planning for your event:
Our event was one of the first big events to be staged at Scott Base that season. The base engineering crew were fresh, but provided us with a good level of support. K114 N and P (seismic teams) included an experienced mechanic who had wintered in 1992 (Mike Collins) and new his way around ANT NZ equipment and Scott Base. Mike and the drilling team were able to prepare our equipment (primarily the Hagglunds with seismic gear and the drill rig), without any real demands on the time of the engineering staff. The only real pressure placed on the engineering staff was to provide space in the garage for staging vehicles and sledges. Jim Cowie and the Field Operations Officer did a good job at allocating resources to a complicated and multi-facetted event.
▪ Availability and condition of equipment received:
All resources requested were available. The Alpine skidoos were the oldest at Scott Base and consequently broke down in New Harbour on two occasions. We understand the reluctance to allow newer skidoos to do sea-ice work, but these skidoos did not break down due to maltreatment. Polar tents were adequate as weather was generally good, however they were old and would not have held up well in a big storm.
▪ Field training:
Fine
▪ Field party equipment 'shakedown' journey
Not required
▪ Delays at Scott Base, whatever the cause
Problem with explosives arriving from ChCh by USAF
Problem with surveying through the approach to the "white-out landing zone"
▪ Safety and Risk Management processes
Explosives transport and handling protocol was lodged with ANT NZ Operations Manager and followed out in the field. Each team had a nominated safety officer. Seismic operations were carried out to industry safety standards. Areas for sea-ice activities were carefully checked out by Alex Pyne. Webster Drilling members followed guidelines outlined in their safety manual for polar regions. All activities were carried out subject to the field operating guidelines adhered to by Antarctica New Zealand.
Other comments:
FIELD TRANSPORT
- Vehicles: In general no issues. However, inadequate heavy plant was allocated by ANT NZ engineering to tow the New Harbour camp back to Scott Base. A D3 was sent while the D6 sat idol at Scott Base. There was no adequate explanation for this. The return trip was 22hrs in duration. It raised a number of safety issues for personnel driving the D3 and the accompanying Hagglunds. Mike Collins our mechanic had to relieve the ANT NZ plant operator who fell asleep in the D3. This placed undue stress on my team members who had just finished a physically demanding period of field work and placed all concerned in a dangerous situation
-
Aircraft Operations: Helicopter operations - HNZ excellent and really helpful, some problems arose from miscommunication regarding aeromag survey requirements in advance. This could have been solved by earlier communication between GSW and pilots rather than backwards and forwards between several people - a sort of pre event brief in NZwould have been good. But I realise the final planning for this happened very late in the season and all problems were quickly solved on ice. But we could have ensured a more functional operation by sorting this out earlier. No blame on any party just an observation that a pre-brief in NZ to work through requirements would have helped.
Major Issue with USAF over transport of Orica explosive product that could have jeopardised season (see above). However, we are very appreciative of the efforts made by Jim Cowie and Julian Tangaere that enabled fieldwork to continue. Particularly we are indebted to USAP "master blaster" for providing replacement product.
-
Ship Operations: N/A
Other comments:
*Event Diary
*WEATHER
Great
*ACCIDENTS, INCIDENTS OR HAZARDS
NIL
FIELD EQUIPMENT
Field training - ensure an element of use of clothing etc properly is included. Building a shelter and travel is only a small component of what we require for safe operations in the field.
Field staging was very awkward and difficult -I understand Ant NZ is addressing this but it needs restating that this is a top priority.
Field equipment and food. Different groups have different requirements - better liaising with groups prior to deployment would help ensure this is better adapted to different groups.
RADIO COMMUNICATIONS
- Communications - some comms operators were very good, some not. The not so good ones made things difficult. But we would suggest that the SB ops manager get on the radio for a daily scheduled with parties to keep updated with operations and requirements and it is much easier to communicate this with SB ops rather than comms operators that do not understand the environment and requirements.
SCOTT BASE AND ARRIVAL HEIGHTS LABORATORY FACILITIES
Facility | Use |
---|---|
Hatherton Geoscience Laboratory | Great to have an office allocated for duration |
Q-Hut Laboratory benches | NA |
Scott Base Wet Laboratory | NA |
Scott Base Summer Laboratory | NA |
Arrival Heights Laboratory | NA |
COMPUTER FACILITIES
- Excellent given band limitations
REFUGE AND RESEARCH HUTS
Refuge/research hut name | |
Overall condition | |
Scale and condition of provisions | |
Suitability of location | |
Unnecessary equipment or rubbish/debris in the area |
Other comments:
*ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT
*Sites Visited
Site name | New Harbour sea-ice |
Site location | See Map |
Dates occupied | 17 th-Oct to 11 th-Nov |
Total days (or hours) at site | 25 |
Maximum number of people at site | 14 |
Total person-days (or person-hours) at site | 150 |
Main activity undertaken | Geophysical surveys of sub-sea ice |
Protected Areas Visited
Protected Area name | N/A |
Date of entry | |
Total time spent in area | |
Maximum number of people in area | |
Total person-days (or person-hours) at area | |
Comments on condition or management of area |
Interference
Species | N/A |
Location | |
Dates or periods of collection or disturbance | |
Total number or quantity removed, restrained or disturbed | |
Nature of interference |
Geological Material
Location | N/A |
Specimen type | |
Quantity (kg) |
Chemicals
Chemical form | N/A |
Quantity used | |
Location of use | |
Storage/release details of unused chemicals |
Explosives
Importation
Name of species/substance | N/A |
Location(s) taken to | |
Quantity released | |
Returned to New Zealand? |
Equipment installed/left in field
Type of equipment/marker installed | N/A |
Location of installation/left in field | |
Size of items left in field | |
Number of items left in field | |
Date of intended retrieval |
*Other environmental impacts
NIL
*Differences from original Preliminary Environmental Evaluation (PEE)
No significant differences
*ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT
*Sites Visited
Site name | McMurdo/Ross ice Shelf between Scott Base and White Island |
Site location | See Map |
Dates occupied | 3 rd to 26 th Nov |
Total days (or hours) at site | 23 |
Maximum number of people at site | 10 |
Total person-days (or person-hours) at site | 161 |
Main activity undertaken | Geophysical surveys of sub ice shelf |
Protected Areas Visited
Protected Area name | N/A |
Date of entry . | |
Total time spent in area | |
Maximum number of people in area | |
Total person-days (or person-hours) at area | |
Comments on condition or management of area |
Interference
Species | N/A |
Location | |
Dates or periods of collection or disturbance | |
Total number or quantity removed, restrained or disturbed | |
Nature of interference |
Geological Material
Location | N/A |
Specimen type | |
Quantity (kg) |
Chemicals
Chemical form | N/A |
Quantity used | |
Location of use | |
Storage/release details of unused chemicals |
Explosives
Date used | 4 th to 13 th of Nov |
Location of use | 5-25 kms east of Crater Hill on Ross/McMurdo ice Shelf |
Explosive type | Orica licensed Anzomex PPP primers and seismic detonators |
Size of charge (kg) | 10x 0.4kg PETN ANZOMEX PPP primers per shot |
Number exploded | 2000 |
Importation
Name of species/substance | N/A |
Location(s) taken to | |
Quantity released | |
Returned to New Zealand? |
Equipment installed/left in field
Type of equipment/marker installed | N/A |
Location of installation left in field | |
Size of items left in field | |
Number of items left in field | |
Date of intended retrieval |
*Other environmental impacts
NIL
*Differences from original Preliminary Environmental Evaluation (PEE)
No significant differences
*ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT
*Sites Visited
Site name | McMurdo Ice Shelf between Brown Peninsula/Black Island and Mt Discovery/Minna Bluff |
Site location | See Map |
Dates occupied | 4th to 13 th Jan |
Total days (or hours) at site | 9 |
Maximum number of people at site | 4 |
Totat person-days (or person-hours) at site | 36 |
Main activity undertaken | Geophysical surveys of sub ice shelf |
Protected Areas Visited
Protected Area name | N/A |
Date of entry | |
Total time spent in area | |
Maximum number of people in area | |
Total person-days (or person-hours) at area | |
Comments on condition or management of area |
Interference
Species | N/A |
Location | |
Dates or periods of collection or disturbance | |
Total number or quantity removed, restrained or disturbed | |
Nature of interference |
Geological Material
Location | N/A |
Specimen type | |
Quantity (kg) |
Chemicals
Chemical form | N/A |
Quantity used | |
Location of use | |
Storage/release details of unused chemicals |
Explosives
Date used | N/A |
Location of use | |
Explosive type | |
Size of charge (kg) | |
Number exploded |
Importation
Name of.species/substance | N/A |
Location(s) taken to | |
Quantity released | |
Returned to New Zealand? |
Equipment installed/left in field
Type of equipment/marker installed | N/A |
Location of installation left in field | |
Size of items left in field | |
Number of items left in field | |
Date of intended retrieval |
*Other environmental impacts
NIL
*Differences from original Preliminary Environmental Evaluation (PEE)
No significant differences
HISTORIC SITES
Historic site name | |
General observations on site condition |
Other comments:
PROTECTED AND MANAGED AREAS
N/A
ANTARCTIC GEOGRAPHIC PLACE NAMES
Location of Feature | Type of Feature | Proposed Name |
---|---|---|