Background to the Erebus Expedition

Mt. Erebus is presently the most active volcano in Antarctica. During the summer of 1972-73 it was observed to contain a lava lake undergoing small but frequent strombolian eruptions (Giggenbach et al., 1973). In November 1973 the lava lake had grown in size and was being fed by a flow about 20 m long. strombolian eruptions were continuing.

Attempts during the 1972-73 season to enter the inner crater were unsuccessful due to the lack of suitable equipment and the inexperience of expedition members at working on active volcanoes at high altitudes in polar regions. On two occasions a man was winched 65 m down the steep walls into the main crater.

In July 1973, Kyle invited Dr. Haroun Tazieff to join a combined DSIR-VUWAE expedition to Mt. Erebus in 1974-75. Tazieff was considered essential for the success of the expedition, as he was to provide the equipment and expertise for a descent into the inner crater. In November 1973, Tazieff inspected the crater of Erebus with Kyle and discussed plans for the expedition with Antarctic Division. A page 4 proposal to RDRC outlining requirements was made in March 1974 by Kyle.

Shaun Norman was appointed field supervisor by Antarctic Division in July 1974 and took responsibility for final planning and preparations for the expedition.

Reference:

Giggenbach, W; Kyle, P.R.; Lyon. G. 1973. Present volcanic activity on Mt. Erebus, Ross Island, Antarctica. Geology 1: 135-36.