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Victoria University Antarctic Research Expedition Science and Logistics Reports 1977-78: VUWAE 22

A. Glacial Sediment Studies

A. Glacial Sediment Studies

Taylor Glacier, a plateau-fed 'polar' glacier, has been under investigation for the past 3 austral summer field seasons. During the 1977-78 season ice-velocity, ablation and temperature recordings were continued for a Taylor Glacier mass balance study. This was incorporated into the main programme involving detailed study of basal ice dynamics and sediment texture; and 'recent past' Taylor ice expansions into the surrounding Kennar, Turnabout, Beacon, Arena and Pearse Valleys.

Ice velocity measurements were undertaken during early November and late January with the aid of two surveyors (J. Palmer and N. Nalder, Lands and Survey Department). Interim results indicate movement similar to that measured during 1976-77. A maximum down-glacier movement of 5.5 meters year −1 in the snout region was recorded for that same period.

Ablation measurements (early Nov. - mid Jan.) are lower than those for the same period last year, by as much as 50 per cent. The effect of generally lower temperatures and high precipitation.

Ice temperature measurements in a 20-meter hole drilled into the glacier indicate a mean annual air temperature of approx. −20°C at c800 meters elevation. This closely approximates previously measured temperatures (Anderson, et al., 1977) and known atabatic lapse rates for the region.

A study of basal ice along the margins of Taylor Glacier revealed englacial sediment concentrations ranging from 0.4 to 60 per cent. Movement of this basal debris-rich ice was measured (using precision engineering dial gauges in a tunnel access) and found to be moving by internal deformation, that is, no basal slip occurs along the margins of the Taylor Glacier.

Further englacial and proglacial sediment sampling was undertaken. Basic textural sediment analysis will be done as part of a project to determine different sedimentary environments from sedimentological characteristics.

Anderson, et al., 1977. Immediate Report of Victoria University of Wellington Antarctic Expedition, 1976-77. Wellington.