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Victoria University Antarctic Research Expedition Science and Logistics Reports 1969-70: VUWAE 14

INTRODUCTION

page i

INTRODUCTION

Each summer since 1957, expeditions from Victoria University have joined in scientific activities organised within the New Zealand Antarctic Research Programme. Victoria's research groups, called VUWAE's for short, have been concerned with specific geological interests in areas within 150 kms radius of Scott Base, the headquarters of the New Zealand programme. Ready access and ease of travel have enabled staff and students to explore and map many of the valley systems of the McMurdo Oasis, the Koettlitz Glacier area and sites adjacent to McMurdo Sound.

The preliminary investigations, in the 1950's, were concerned with viewing a vast new continent which had remained scientifically 'untouched', but now Victoria's task has become one of tackling specific problems which have remained unsolved from the previous reconnaissance work. The 1969-70 Victoria expedition was concerned with Quaternary studies in (a) the McMurdo Oasis, (b) on White Island, and (c) at ice-free capes around Ross Island.

The party proved to be a well balanced group with interests in most geological fields. The ease with which each individual carried out research to fit the diverse and interesting subjects found made the expedition for each of us a pleasant and rewarding experience.