Introduction

The main scientific object of V.U.W.A.E. 8 was to examine the physics and chemistry of the many lakes and ponds in the dry valleys - ice free regions west of Mc Murdo Sound. Previous workers had shown that three of the lakes were density stratified. Following to a high salt concentration which increased downwards and that temperatures well above the mean annual air temperature existed. It was proposed to extend measurements of salt concentration and temperature to other lakes, and to take measurements mere intensively in those already investigated.

The chemical data give information on climatic changes between 50 and 50,000 years ago. The physical data are used in determining the source of heat in the lake concerned and also supply information on level change back to about 200 years ago.

Apart from these investigations, measurements were made on the temperature distribution within the Canada Glacier, notes were made on the structure of ice on the lakes including evidence for determining ablation rate, and soil samples were analysed for soluble salt content.