.gif)
Victoria University Antarctic Research Expedition Science and Logistics Reports 1981-82: VUWAE 26
PREPARATIONS FOR VUWAE 26
PREPARATIONS FOR VUWAE 26
PROGRAMMES
Six scientific projects were submitted by the University to RDRC. Three were approved (A rating) but judgement was withheld on the other three (B rating). Subsequently, one programme was withdrawn and the other two modified. The modified programmes are outlined below:
Erebus studies and IMESS.
In this second of the three years of the International Mount Erebus Seismic Survey (1980-84) the crater area will be occupied for about 3 weeks to check out and repair scientific and telemetering equipment. In addition, visual observations of crater activity will be made to complement the instrumental records.
McMurdo Sound Sediment Studies.
This is a continuation of last years programme to obtain undisturbed representative samples of the floor of McMurdo Sound. The samples are to be studied for their foraminiferal content, so that the ecological factors controlling their populations structure can be assessed. Also the variation in physical character of the sediments is being studied.
Sampling is to be carried out from a tractor-drawn wannigan. An auger for cutting 33cm access holes in the sea ice has been constructed, and the trigger for the sphincter corer, which gave a lot of trouble last season, has been redesigned. Underwater photography through the access hole will also be attempted.
Bathymetric, tidal and current information is also be be collected.
Beacon Studies.
A paleohydraulic study of the Triassic alluvial plain sequence at the head of the Dry Valleys is to begin. Work will be concentrated at Mount Bastion, where the sequence is thickest and best-exposed. The purpose is to determine the character of the river system (sinuosity, channel width, depth, slope, discharge, etc.) from features of the sedimentary sequence.
A regional study of the Beacon sequence in northern Victoria Land will also be carried out as part of the International North Victoria Land Expedition. The party will concentrate on two main aspects - the glacial strata and regional paleogeography.
Fission-Track dating.
The principal objective of this project is to collect samples of granitic rocks suitable for fission-track dating from the eastern end of Wright Valley and along the coast of McMurdo sound. The samples from lower Wright valley are to be collected at controlled elevations over as wide a vertical interval as possible.
FINANCE:
A grant of $11,000 was obtained from the University Grants Committee to run the expedition. This was to cover food, travel and freight, insurance, field clothing and some scientific supplies for the 8 VUW personnel. The $656 deficit in the final budget was covered by a grant from the University's Internal Research Committee who also provided some financial support for two students and the field leader. Dr. Gleadow and Dr. McKelvey were financed through their own universities and clothed with the combined resources of Antarctic Division and VUW.
EQUIPMENT:
The VUW Engineering Workshop built and modified several items of equipment for the sediment sampling programme. The sphincter corer built the previous year was modified to improve its triggering on the sea floor and method of adding weight to increase the depth of penetration. Twelve inch diameter ice augers were built to fit the existing "Mate" motorised powerhead. These augers are used to provide a 12 inch diameter access hole through the sea ice. A wire laying system for the winch and tools for core splitting and sampling were also built.
Equipment borrowed for the programme included an underwater camera and flash system, current meter and water column sampling bottles from the New Zealand Oceanographic Institute. An orange peel grab was once again borrowed from the McMurdo Station Bio Lab.
Antarctic Division, DSIR, provided logistic support for VUWAE 26 programmes. The IH500 tractor, Wannigan and Cantago sledge, toboggan, Maudheim and Tamworth sledges were provided for the sea ice party. VUWAE 26 was charged $40.00 per man week for food, tentage and accommodation by Antarctic Division while in Antarctica.
New field clothing bought to replace old VUW stocks included: 4 dacron jackets, 4 anoraks and 4 dacron insulated bib-overalls. Mukluks were again purchased second-hand from Antarctic Division and New Zealand-made felt inner boots purchased for these.
.jpg)
PLATE I: Places where VUWAE personnel worked during the 1981-82 season.
KEY:
| 1. | Mt. Erebus (K4) |
| 2. | McMurdo Sound transect (K5) |
| 3. | New Harbour (K5) |
| 4. | Granite Harbour (K5) |
| 5. | Mt. Bastion (K7A) |
| 6. | Lower Wright Valley (K7B) |