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Victoria University Antarctic Research Expedition Science and Logistics Reports 1980-81: VUWAE 25
PREPARATIONS FOR VUWAE 25
PREPARATIONS FOR VUWAE 25
PROGRAMME
Four scientific projects were submitted by Victoria University of Wellington Antarctic Research Centre to RDRC. These projects were approved and passed to Antarctic Division for logistic support where minor modifications were incorporated. The modified programmes are detailed below:
A. McMurdo Sound Sediment Studies - fauna and flora.
The purpose is to collect further sediment samples from the floor of McMurdo Sound in various places so that sediment type and faunal content can be related to present day geography. The coast at New Harbour will also be examined for the sediment and the modern flora. This project continues work on sediments in McMurdo Sound, carried out by VUWAE 23 in 1978, and begins a Ph.D. programme that will concentrate on the Sound's benthic fauna, in particular foraminifera. Foraminifera are sensitive to a wide range of pollutants and "baseline" information on their present distribution may well be useful to help assess environmental impact in the future.
A sea ice-based seismic refraction programme will also be undertaken "off shore" at Butter Point in conjunction with the sediment sampling party. The gravity anomaly found during the MSSTS drilling programme last season (1979-80) will be investigated by seismic refraction and correlated with previous shipboard seismic profiling in the area.
B. Beacon Studies.
The purpose is to sample key strata and rock types for magnetic measurements to determine ancient pole positions. Measurements of samples from the 1978-79 season show that meaningful results can come only from a few rock types, and more samples are now needed.
The Permian coal measure sequence in the Lashly Mountains will be investigated to correlate with the work done during the previous two seasons further north.
C. Basement Studies.
The area between the Miers and Garwood Valleys will be mapped to determine the relationship between basement intrusive and metamorphic rocks. Detailed studies will include the chemical and petrological investigation of the granitic intrusives and specifically the relationship between a granite pluton and the enclosing metamorphic rocks.
D. Erebus Studies.
The purpose is to extend the information base for seismic audio and magnetic studies at Erebus Crater. Dr. Dibble will join an international team of scientists for the International Mount Erebus seismic Survey, which will this year begin a three year programme of carefully organised data collection and analysis.
FINANCE
A grant of $11,000 was obtained from the University Grants Committee to run the nine man expedition. This covered the major running costs of food, travel and freight, insurance, field clothing and minor scientific supplies. The University's Internal Research Committee provided financial support for five students, a grant towards a Salinity Temperature Bridge, and a Ph.D. research grant with which 1,000 metres of winch wire was purchased. A "Golden Kiwi" scientific grant provided money towards the major items of scientific equipment built for the McMurdo Sound Sediments programme.
EQUIPMENT
Several major items of equipment were specially built and purchased for the sediment sampling programme. The VUW Engineering Workshop built the large diameter sediment corer (sphincter corer) and accompanying sub-sample corer. Boxes for freighting the corer and samples and a specially designed motorised winch to carry the 1,000 metres of 5mm wire rope were built outside the University. The salinity temperature bridge, with 300 metres of cable, was purchased.
The Workshop also built several small items including ice pins to fasten the winch and tents on the sea ice and modified a snatch block to meter the length of cable down the hole.
It was once again necessary to borrow some equipment from other sources. A current meter was borrowed from the New Zealand Oceanographic Institute and 12 inch diameter ice augers from the Soil and Water Section (MOW). The augers did not perform satisfactorily so a set loaned by McMurdo Station was used. Also an orange peel grab from the McMurdo Biolab was used for 2 weeks. The Lands and Survey "Watts theodolite" was used to position sampling sites on the sea ice.
Antarctic Division provided logistic support which included accommodation at Scott Base, most field equipment including tents and food/fuel. Three toboggans, sledges and a Sno Trac (for 1 week) were supplied to the sea ice party. VUWAE 25 personnel were charged $35 per week for food and accommodation by Antarctic Division.
Three new sets of insulated overalls were imported as a substitute for down clothing on the sea ice. Second hand mukluks were once again bought and a down jacket hired from Antarctic Division for the summer season.