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Victoria University Antarctic Research Expedition Science and Logistics Reports 1978-79: VUWAE 23

Event 13

Event 13

including Event 13a (Paleomagnetic Studies)
13b (Coal and metamorphic studies)
A. TRANSPORT

All major movements were by helicopter and in general the service was satisfactory. However, it was difficult at times to find out when flights were scheduled even on the day for which they had been arranged. A particular difficulty we encountered resulted in our resupply being four days overdue. For three days low cloud developed regularly in the late morning and persisted through to evening; the other day was Thanksgiving when there were no scheduled flights. The situation was made especially difficult by a requirement not to fly over the barwick valley Site of Special Scientific Interest, which covered the obvious approach to the North and East. The resupply was effected only through good communications, cooperation, and a determined helo crew, on the evening of the fourth day. A letter requesting permission for overflying Barwick Valley has since been sent to the Chairman, N.Z. National Committee on Antarctic Research.

B. MAIN AREAS COVERED

Both parties camped together on the east face of Mount Bastion on an extensive platform at 1850 m (77°15′S; 160°30′E) about halfway between the base and top of the strata under study. Most of the platform is rock but a snow bank on which to erect the tents was located without much difficulty.

In early December Event 13b moved to Mount Fleming and remained in that area for the rest of the season, camping at 77°33′S;161°16′E. Vanda Station was visited by foot, the journey taking between 11 and 13 hours one way. The only difficult area is Vortex Col. The western side is less disturbed, and even so delaying is necessary. Horseshoe Mountain was also visited and no difficulties were encountered.

Event 13a in early December moved to West Beacon, camping on a small platform at the top of a dolerite dyke on the East Ridge at 1800 m (77°49′S; 160°47′E). After two weeks here, sampling the entire 2 1000 m face, the party moved to Table Mountain (77°59′S; 162° 00′E). The camp here was at 2100 m on the boulder-strewn plateau to the south of the East Peak.

C. WEATHER

The party was landed at Mt Bastion in winds gusting over 40 knots. The following three days were clear and calm, but after that a pattern developed. The sky would be clear in the early morning, but the clouds would gather about 1000 and snowing would begin for the day. It would then clear up in the late evening. Temperatures were low (−15° to −28°C).

Mt Fleming was generally subjected to continuous Katabatic winds averaging 15 to 20 knots from the Polar Plateau which together with air temperatures generally much lower than −10°C made work uncomfortable and restricted the duration of a field day. Of the 37 days between early December and mid January when the weather page 26 was recorded only 9 had winds of less than 5 knots. Cloud and snow were generally observed to come from the east, especially as rising cloud from the Wright Valley.

The paleomagnetic party at West Beacon had generally fine weather, which deteriorated upon moving to Table Mountain. However, there was a break of sufficient length to complete the work.

D. COMMUNICATIONS

Technically, communications were good. All camps were at reasonable altitude and practically line-of-sight with Scott Base. We had no difficulty with any schedule and could almost always hear all K-network stations. At Mt Bastion, we devised an inverted-v antenna which gave very good reception.

E. LOSS/DAMAGE TO EQUIPMENT

Nothing beyond some breakages with scientific equipment.

F. RECOMMENDATIONS
1.That Barwick Valley site of Special Scientific Interest be cleared for overflying. Mt Bastion has the thickest and most complete upper Beacon sequence in Victoria Land and is likely to be of continuing geological interest. The easy approach by air is currently not permitted, and could put a party at risk.
2.That responsibility for dispatch of mail to field parties be clarified. The Post Office staff indicated that their only responsibility was for sorting. Possibly the deputy O.I.C. could see that sorted mail was in fact dispatched.
3.That Antarctic Division recommend or supply a standard weather kit. These were available on request from the N.Z. Meteorological Service, but no longer. Some parties used equipment borrowed from McMurdo, but an NZARP standard kit would be more desirable.
4.That parties intending to walk long distances be supplied with Compak radios containing the light lithium cells.