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

B. Geochemical Studies

page 9

B. Geochemical Studies

1. Crystal Chemistry of the Erebus Lava Flows

Samples of Kenyte containing anorthclase and plagioclase feldspar crystals were collected from exposed lava flows at Cape Royds, Barne, Evans, Turks Head and the Dellbridge Islands. Structural studies by X-ray diffraction methods will be carried out on these feldspars to see if the Si/Al distribution in them can be determined, and if the crystallographic parameters can be used to correlate the flows.

2. Mössbauer Spectroscopic Study of Desert Varnish

Samples of dolerite, granite, sandstone and quartzite heavily stained with desert varnish were collected from appropriate outcrops in the Depot Nunatak, Kennar, Beacon, Pearse, lower Taylor Valleys, Labyrinth, Upper Wright Valley, and the Olympus range and Lake Vida areas of the Victoria Valley. The prevailing wind direction, and patterns of local snow accumulations, particularly in the Labyrinth, were noted to see if these were of significance to the distributions and nature of desert varnish coatings.

Mössbauer spectroscopy and nuclear microprobe methods will be used to study the iron mineralogy of these coatings to see if the different locations and bedrock types are of significance to their nature and formation.

3. Secondary Iron Oxide/Oxidehydroxide Mineralogy of Soils

"Soil" samples were also collected at the above-mentioned locations. Mössbauer spectroscopy will be used to determine the extent of weathering and soil formation in these locations.

4. Geothermometric Studies of Olivine Basalts

Olivine - containing samples were collected from Crater and Observation Hills, and from the cinder cones in the Lake Bonney areas of the Taylor Dry Valley.

Mössbauer spectroscopy will be used to determine the cation distribution and hence the cooling history of these olivines.