Meltwater channels

Little attention has been paid to the role of meltwater channels in landsurface sculpture in Victoria Land. As rainfall is negligible, almost all water in channels is meltwater. Only general observations (of both channel walls and channel bed) have been made to date. Little that is new or original has come from this general study other than recognition that processes associated with meltwater affect enormous area of the valley floors, particularly on the southern side of Lake Fryxell (Taylor Valley). No attempt has yet been made to map the extent and character of various meltwater deposits and forms (this mapping constitutes part of next year's field programme).

At the present time the processes and mechanisms leading to the formation of these features are imperfectly understood. A number of samples have been collected which may help to elucidate some problems. Further understanding of present-day processes and morphology should lead to reappraisal of the history of the meltwater channels, particularly in relation to old fan and delta systems formed during higher lake levels around both Lake Fryxell and Lake Vanda.

At present it is impossible to rank the processes in order of magnitude or relative importance. Indications are that processes are slow. Those that occur at readily observable rates such as sandflows, siltflows, low-angled fans, etc. are probably ineffectual in maintaining any gross modification of channel form. Detailed reexamination and re-measurement at regular intervals over lengthy periods will be required before each process can be placed in perspective but such observations must be undertaken if rates of land-surface sculpturing in Victoria Land are to be determined.