*AIMS

A model to explain the occurrence of ground ice in glacial sediments and bedrock at high altitudes (>1000m) throughout the Dry Valleys where liquid water is rare was developed from work on Table Mtn. (Dickinson, 1997; Dickinson and Rosen, 2002). Although this model may apply at Table Mtn. for the very old glacial sediments of the Sirius Group, it has yet to be tested at other locations in the Dry Valleys. Massive ground ice was discovered for the first time in Pearse Valley during the field season 2001/02.

The sampling programme of the 2002/03 season aims to 1) clarify the nature and origin of massive ground ice in Pearse Valley, 2) gain a better insight into the glaciomorphological history of Columnar, Pearse and Victoria Valleys, and 3) clarify the evolution and occurrence of sand dunes in Pearse and Victoria Valleys.