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Victoria University Antarctic Research Expedition Science and Logistics Reports 1996-97: VUWAE 41

Geomorphology of Beaches:

Geomorphology of Beaches:

Detailed descriptions were made from sections, using evidence at the surface as well as digging holes in strategic locations. It would have been nice to have trenches through the ridges, as may be possible in a temperate environment, but frozen ground did not make this possible. An essential tool in many holes, where digging below the permafrost level was desirable, was the use of a poinjar. This worked effectively to remove material, otherwise various shovels, spades and picks were employed. Along this part of the coast the permafrost level is about 0.5 m, but is extremely variable with water being struck in one hole. Information from the holes included the structure of the beach ridge, pebble counts to work out maximum energy and development of the beach from imbrication. Indications that there was little, if any, ice influence in most of the beaches could be seen by a lack of ice features in the holes.

Where holes were not dug surface pebble counts gave approximations to the same things. Holes were not able to be dug where the whole beach ridge was boulders. Other large scale measurements were made such as cusp sizes. Profiles of high energy sites and lower energy sites were made for comparison.

Measurements of the same features on the active beaches provided a basis for comparison to the raised beaches. After the sea ice broke out there were opportunities to watch the beach processes in action with waves and ice. Earlier, it was attempted to use an underwater camera to observe any processes occurring while there was still shore attached ice. This was not particularly successful but it is believed that the ground is covered in ice at this stage and not active. Future work, next season, will include a lot more process observations and measurements of the open water conditions.