Aims

The origin of the 1000 m thick sequence of the Devonian quartzose sandstones of the lower Beacon Supergroup, South Victoria Land, Antarctica has generated considerable debate. The controversy centres on the presence of varied and abundant trace fossils, especially Skolithos, frequently used by some geologists to interpret marine paleoenvironments. However, the trace fossils are considered by others to be consistent with nonmarine deposition. Most previous studies have been conducted on a regional scale and insufficient data has been collected to establish sedimentary processes and the depositional environment with confidence.

This study was designed to examine the lowermost Beacon Super group (lower Taylor Group) in detail, collecting data from a relatively limited area and stratigraphic interval. Excellent 3-dimensional exposures at Table Mountain are ideal for lateral profiling techniques, which take into account lateral as well as vertical facies changes in order to provide a refined depositional model. Improved understanding of the depositional system will contribute not only to resolving the trace fossils problem, but also to southern Victoria Land paleogeographic and tectonic reconstructions.

Objectives:

1. To reconstruct the depositional environment of the lower Taylor Group
2. To determine the habitats in which the trace fossils were made.
3. Further investigate the enigmatic Pivot Member (Arena Sandstone).