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Victoria University Antarctic Research Expedition Science and Logistics Reports 1976-77: VUWAE 21

E. Mt. Erebus

E. Mt. Erebus

  1. The temperature of the lava of Mt. Erebus was measured for the first time, using a Leeds-Northrup Co. Optical Pyrometer. A value, uncorrected for emissivity, of 980 ± 20°C was obtained.
  2. The lava lake has slightly expanded in area since December 1975.
  3. The activity of the volcano in December 1976 was less than it has ever been during monitoring periods since they commenced in December 1972. During the 10 day period spent at the summit, no eruptions were heard and no fresh bombs seen. However quite loud "whooshing" sounds from the Inner Crater were relatively common.
  4. It is possible that major slumping may be commencing in the non lava half of the Inner Crater.page 12
  5. The geothermal cave system (Giggenbach, 1976) near the camp has changed significantly, due to partial collapse of the roof and floor in places, and inblown snow. Air and soil temperatures in and around the "seismological chamber" have increased in places and decreased in others, as have tunnel and chamber diameters. Access to the "seismo" chamber was more difficult than in previous years and may become even more difficult as blown snow accumulates inside the entry chamber. Easier access may be possible via the chamber below an enlarged tower forty metres up-slope from the usual one.

Stronger variable winds than in previous years inside the "seismo" chamber indicate that the new exit has altered the convection system and possibly the "delicate heat balance" (Giggenbach, 1976) inside the cave system. Certainly there is much more snow and ice inside the entry chamber than in previous years.

Reference:

Giggenbach, W.F., 1976. Geothermal ice caves on Mt. Erebus, Ross Island, Antarctica. N.Z.J. Geology Geophysics, v.19(2), p.365-72.