Publication and future research

The Ferrar Glacier samples will form the basis of a BSc Honours thesis by David Kelly, who will compare the texture and mineralogy of glacier surface sediment and sea floor sediment to identify the sources of the latter. The results will be incorporated into a review paper by Barrett on modern sedimentation in McMurdo Sound.

We would like to continue work with Rice University to improve the recovery of sediment traps, the only satisfactory approach for finding out what is currently being deposited on the sea floor. A special design will be required to test the idea that most mud in the Ross Sea comes from density currents emanating from the major outlet glaciers.