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Victoria University Antarctic Research Expedition Science and Logistics Reports 1977-78: VUWAE 22

PREPARATIONS FOR VUWAE 22

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PREPARATIONS FOR VUWAE 22

Victoria University of Wellington Antarctic Research Centre submitted three scientific projects to RDRC for the March meeting. These projects were approved in their entirity and passed onto Antarctic Division.

The projects involved a wide range of scientific disciplines and seven investigators:

A. Glacial Sediment Studies (VUWAE 22A).

A continuing investigation into the processes of entrainment, transport and deposition of polar ice debris, extending the poorly understood basal dynamics of high latitude ice. A study of 'recent past' glacial processes was proposed with the objective of extending the knowledge of present ice dynamics to already deposited glaciogenic sediments.

B. Geochemical Studies in McMurdo Sound Region (VUWAE 22B).

An investigation by Mössbauer spectroscopic study, the physical and chemical weathering processes of the lavas on Ross Island and bedrock and soils of the Dry Valleys.

C. Beacon Studies (VUWAE 22C).

A project with two-fold objectives (i) to map, describe and interpret the Permian glacial landscape and deposits exposed in the Kennar Valley region, and (ii) an investigation of the diagenetic history of the Beacon Supergroup in the Beacon Heights area.

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Logistic Support: and Further Planning

Antarctic Division, along with NSF provided the logistic support and major field equipment requirements. All VUWAE personnel travelled between New Zealand and Antarctica by Naval Task Force VXE-6 Hercules and Starlifter. Internal logistic support consisted of 34 hours of helicopter flying time and almost a full season's motor toboggan support.

To complete the glacier survey (initiated in Dec. 1975), two surveyors and a field assistant were requested from Antarctic Division. The field assistant was seconded to the Beacon Studies party (VUWAE 22C) upon completion of the early season glacier survey. A further request for a field assistant for VUWAE 226 was approved.

Following discussions at Tekapo it was suggested that a field assistant be assigned to VUWAE 22A while the subglacial tunnel was excavated. This was tentatively approved subject to Scott Base and Antarctic Division personnel requirements at the time of the proposed tunnelling.

Minor adjustments, due to bad weather and logistic changes, in the VUWAE programme were approved and implemented through the cooperation of Bob Straight (Leader, Scott Base) and John Lythgoe (Deputy Leader, Scott Base).