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A UNITED STATES NAVY HELICOPTER CREW WAITS TO PICK UP SCIENTISTS AT WORK IN ONE OF THE DRY VALLEYS OF VICTORIA LAND. FOR THE LAST 20 YEARS THE NAVY'S VXE6 SQUADRON HAS PROVIDED SUPPORT FOR AMERICAN SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH IN THE ANTARCTIC. U.S. Navy Photo i">:fl ^H ■■ Vol. 7 No. 5 Registered at Post Office Headquarters. Wellington, New Zealand, as a magazine. March, 1975 AUSTRALIA

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(Successor Jo "Antarctic News Bulletin")

Vol. 7 No. 5 77th ISSUE March, 1975

Editor: J. M. CAFFIN, 35 Chepstow Avenue, Christchurch 5. Address all contributions, enquiries, etc., to the Editor. All Business Communications, Subscriptions, etc., to: Secretary, New Zealand Antarctic Society (Inc.), P.O. Box 1223, Christchurch, N.Z.

CONTENTS

POLAR ACTIVITIES NEW ZEALAND 133 - 143 UNITED KINGDOM 150 UNITED STATES 152 - 159 JAPAN 160 SOVIET UNION 162

GENERAL VICTORIA UNIVERSITY 144 - 146 WAIKATO UNIVERSITY 148 CANTERBURY UNIVERSITY 147 THE READER WRITES 163 OBITUARY 164 - 167

Inflation and the world economic situation have begun to affect scientific research in Antarctica. The United States National Science Foundation may have to reduce its expenditure next season; the British Antarctic Survey has been forced to economise already, and has closed Antarctic Peninsula bases. Research programmes can be continued on a reduced scale. Econo mies can be made in the use of transport which is now a more costly item because of the world fuel crisis. It is not likely that all the nations involved in Antarctic research will abandon it altogether. But there is one danger. Some nations might begin to count the cost, and conclude that exploitation of the continent's re sources would provide a better return than research. ANTARCTIC March 1975 ERUPTIONS ON EREBUS STOP CRATER STUDY Violent eruptions from an explosive vent in the inner crater of Mount Erebus prevented the New Zealand-French-United States expedition from achieving one of the major objectives of its scientific study of one of Antarctica's two active volcanoes. After more than three weeks on the mountain, the expedition abandoned on December 23 the planned descent into the inner crater to collect samples of gas and lava. The violence and frequency of the explosions made the proposed descent too dangerous.

Although the expedition was unable In addition to its scientific studies, the to descend into the inner crater of Ere expedition established the height of Ere bus, it was 90 per cent successful. Bad bus at 12,464ft. Since James Clark Ross weather, low temperatures, and damage named the mountain in 1841 its height to equipment by a lava bomb hurled has been estimated at 12,500ft to 13,500 from the inner crater, did not prevent ft. Two surveyors from the New Zea the scientists from obtaining valuable land Lands and Survey Department, results. They monitored the activity in Messrs J. Williams and J. Rothcray. the inner crater, and made detailed vul- camped on the mountain for three canological measurements and observ weeks, beginning last November, worked ations. out its height within 5ft either way, and Three scientists from the Victoria Uni mapped the summit and the main and versity of Wellington expedition worked inner craters. on Erebus. Dr R. R. Dibble obtained Dr H. Tazieff, one of the world's lead a valuable harvest of seismological re ing vulcanologists, who led the Fn cordings from the inner crater, and four party, has described Erebus as the vi around the rim. Mr P. R. Kyle, who has canologists' Mount Everest. He wouiu spent four summers doing field work for like to attempt the descent into the inner his petrographic and chemical study of crater again, and so would the leader the McMurdo volcanics, made a series of of the expedition, Mr S. M. Norman. ;cological observations, and Mr H. R. But another expedition next season is Ceys, who has mapped and collected saline deposits in the McMurdo region unlikely unless there is a considerable decrease in the activity of the inner during earlier expeditions, obtained samples of crystallised sulphates, chlor crater. ides and others salts. FUTURE PLANS GAS SAMPLINGS Mr R. B. Thomson, superintendent of Dr \V. W. Giggenbach, a geochemist the Antarctic Division, D.S.I.R., says from the Department of Scientific and that early next season monitoring equip Industrial Research, who explored the ment will be put on Erebus, and visual main crater cf Erc'ous in 1972, made a observations will be made as well. If series of gas samplings. One of the there is a significant decrease in the Frenchmen. Dr F. Le Guern. made a series of samplings of gas containing amount of volcanic activity, the Antarc radio-active radon gas, and other gases, tic Division will consider putting an to make isotopic measurements. Dr J. other team on the mountain to get inside C. Sarbroux measured the speed of the the inner crater. But a decision depends on the observations made by the winter gas outflor with a new British-designed instrument. team at Scott Base. March 1975

Members of the Erebus expedition at work in the volcano's main crater. They are putting in a ropeway to give access to the inner crater. U.S. Navy Photo March 1975

When Mr Norman returned to New to gale force again with snow at night. Zealand late in January he described During the break the Frenchmen cut the whole Erebus project as a tremend snow blocks and stacked them round ous success. In addition to the scien the tents as a protection against the tific results, the expedition learned a wind. great deal about access to the volcano's When the 36-hour blizzard ended, and two craters, living on a 12,450ft moun the members of the expedition crawled tain, and logistics. out of their tents, the first job was to clear the snow from the mess tent. Then Activity in the inner crater was noted first by the parly which flew to Erebus they were able to have their first hot on October 15 to establish a base camp. meal for 24 hours. During the storm When he returned to Scott Base Mr they ate chocolate, raisins, and other Norman reported that soft, rocky dried foods. material was being hurled in-o the main Two New Zealand scientists. Drs. Gig- crater from an explosive vent in the genbach and Dibble, were at the base inner crater. Eruptions occurred four or camp about 500ft below the summit. five times a day. and material was flung They did not fare so well in the blizzard, 150ft high above the lip of the inner and five of the seven tents at the site were blown down. By December 11 the crater, which is 200ft to 300ft below the main crater. weather had cleared, and the tempera ture had risen to a balmy minus lOdeg FIRST CAMP Celsius. The next day a Navy heli Because of the dangers of altitude copter, which had to operate almost at sickness the main body of the expedi its upper limit, ferried the 10 men and tion acclimatised at a camp established their equipment to the base camp. on Fang Glacier on the north-east slopes HELICOPTER FLIGHTS of Erebus at a height of between 8500ft and 9000ft. The camp was below the When all the expedition members were summit camp and three miles away. at the summit camp, they began prepar ations for the descent into the inner Helicopters of the United States crater of Erebus. A flying fox was rig Navy's VXE6 Squadron made four ged from the rim of the main crater tc flights to the Fang Glacier camp on the floor 300ft below to carry loads of December 7 with 10 members of the equipment, and ropes and climbing aids expedition and their equipment. The were put down the crater wall. sun was shining brilliantly and there A Navy helicopter made four flights was not a breath of wind. Six hours from the summit camp with heavy later swirling snow reduced visibility equipment, landing on a tiny pad dug almost to zero, and the blizzard was out of the scoria slope by members of whipped up by winds gusting from 60 the expedition. From the pad it flew to to 70 miles an hour. within 100ft of the rim of the main Fortunately the 10 men—six French crater. Then the equipment was man men, three New Zealanders, and one handled to the crater rim. Expedition American—had pitched their four polar members also erected a tent and snow tents and an A frame Army mess tent block igloos near the lip of the inner before the storm broke. The polar tents crater for shelter and the storage of stood up well to the fierce battering of gear. the wind, but the mess tent had to be By the middle of December prepar anchored at the height of the storm ations for the descent were well ad with ropes carried by the party for vanced, aided by clear skies over Erebus mountaineering. In addition snow pour for the first time in more than a week. ed into the tent through lace-up open But there was a warning of dangers ings, and food and equipment were ahead on December 19. Work in the deeply covered. main crater had to be stopped because By noon on December 9 the storm of sulphuric gas from the explosive vent died down briefly. Then the wind rose in the inner crater. March 1975 ANTARCTIC

The main camp of the Mount Erebus expedition high on the slopes of the vol cano. In the background across McMurdo Sound are what Scott called the Western Mountains, part of the Transantarctic Mountains. U.S. Navy Photo

On December 20 members of the ex The two men were knocked flat by pedition began a round-the-clock watch the blast, and then ran for shelter be on the inner crater to determine as hind a wall of ice blocks 20 yards from closely as possible the pattern of vol the crater rim. Neither was injured. canic activity in readiness for the des Small amounts of fibrous-like lava cent. Two-man teams were assigned for landed in the snow nearby, the rest fall six spells to note when the explosive ing back into the crater. vent became active, the severity of the A setback to the expedition's gas explosion, the amount of material sampling programme, the most important ejected, and the height to which it was scientific exercise of the descent into the hrown. The teams also monitored the inner crater, occurred on December 20. acivity of the inner crater's lava lake, Four boxes of gas sampling bottles and the gases produced in the crater. broke free from the flying fox. Many Two New Zealand members of the bottles were smashed when the boxes expedition, Mr Kyle, and Mr M. Lam broke open on the rocks of the steep bert, the New Zealand Press Association slopes of the main crater. representative, were on watch on Decem Two members of the expedition, Drs ber 21 when the explosive vent suddenly Giggcnbach and Sabroux, flew to Scott erupted. The vent—about 50ft to 60ft Base on December 22 to repair scien deep—filled to the brim with lava in tific equipment, including the gas sam about 15 seconds, and then broke open pling bottles and a machine used to with a roar like a battery of heavy analyse temperatures and gases. Bad artillery. weather delayed their return flight. ANTARCTIC March 1975

After a strong blast from the explo The explosive vent was still erupting sive vent on December 22 members of violently, and there was no chance of a the expedition found that lava bombs descent. from the inner crater had broken the The final decision to abandon any main wire cable of the flying fox. One attempt to put men into the inner crater 501b bomb wrapped itself round the was made on December 29. cable, and the impact produced a whip Altogether the expedition was on Ere ping action which broke the cable in l0 bus for three weeks and one day, includ places. It was replaced later in the day. ing five days at the Fang Glacier This explosion was the biggest for acclimatisation camp. Its members en several days. The snow surface of the countered snow, high winds, and low main crater was peppered with lava temperatures. There were also the haz bombs thrown out from the vent. But ards of volcanic activity, which in worse was to come. The explosive vent, creased sharply before Christmas. One which previously had erupted only two lava bomb of at least 2001b landed 100 or three times a day began to erupt yards from one of the tents in the sum more crractically and more violently, mit camp. throwing out lava bombs into both There were only three or four wind craters, and even on the shoulders of the less days, and 14 were so bad that the mountain. men were confined to their tents, and working, reading or writing were impos MAJOR ERUPTIONS sible because of the cold. Temperatures Early on Christmas Eve Mr Norman ranged from minus 15deg to minus 37 and Dr Tazieff announced their decision deg, and averaged minus 25deg. to abandon the planned descent into the inner crater. For eight hours before they had watched from the rim of the main crater more than half a dozen eruptions, several of them major. The Navigation Award eruptions hurled molten lava up to 1000 ft into the air, and splattered it over the to Dr Lewis floors of both craters. One lava bomb Dr David Lewis, the New Zealand- which landed on the floor of the main born adventurer who failed to circum crater was estimated to weigh more than navigate the Antarctic Continent single- a ton. handed in his 32ft steel sloop Ice Bird, Earlier had weather and the damage has been awarded the Royal Institute to the equipment had delayed the plans of Navigation gold medal — its premier to make the descent into the inner award. The citation to the award says crater on December 23. Although the that Dr Lewis made a perfect landfall decision to abandon the descent was on his voyage from Australia to the made on that day, Mr Norman believed Antarctic, which began in October. 1972. that when the weather cleared there and his navigation appeared to have might be a slim chance of a descent into been faultless in atrocious conditions. the crater if volcanic activity decreased. The institute's citation describes the voyage as a remarkable feat. Dr Lewis WATCH RESUMED ended the first leg of his 17.000-mile When the weather cleared a 24-hour journey on January 29, 1973, when he watch on the crater was resumed. Mr reached Palmer Station, the United Norman decided that if activity in the States base on Anvers Island, oIT the crater showed no signs of abating in the Antarctic Peninsula. first 24 hours there could be no descent. The Ice Bird was repaired during the The watch began on December 27. winter, and Dr Lewis began the second December 28 was the first clear day leg of the voyage on December 12. He on Erebus since Christmas. Members of abandoned his attempted circumnaviga the expedition watched the inner crater. tion on February last. March 1975 ANTARCTIC REDUCED AIR SUPPORT FOR NZ RESEARCH PROGRAMME New Zealand's Antarctic research programme last season was the biggest undertaken since Scott Base was established 18 years ago. Some 140 men and women worked at Scott Base and in the Ross Dependency; the largest number ever to visit Antarctica on New Zealand-sponsored programmes in one season. Mr R. B. Thomson, superintendent of Vanda Station met the needs of field the Antarctic Division, Department of parties working in the dry valleys last Scientific and Industrial Research, says season, and the station stall" carried out it is unlikely that New Zealand will magnetic and meteorological research. launch such a large programme in the When the station was closed at the end immediate future. The loss of two Her of January about 300 people had used it. cules aircraft by the United States Navy Normally it accommodates six to eight; last season means that the New Zea on its busiest day of the season it ac land research programme will have commodated 22. limited air support for at least two Since the 1968-69 season Vanda Sta seasons. tion has been the base for a glaciological Also, it is unlikely that New Zealand and hydrological programme in the dry will be involved again in two large valleys. This has been part of a global international events simultaneously. study of climatic changes. The project These were the Dry Valley Drilling Pro has involved measurements of water bal ject, and the Mt Erebus vulcanological ances, lake levels, and glaciers, and the expedition. These alone accounted for data collected is expected to give an about 30 people, and New Zealand's indication of whether the world is enter logistic resources—transport, accommo ing or leaving an ice age. dation, and field equipment—were stretched to the limit. FLOW INTO LAKE Vanda Station, the small inland base Last season's programme was completed in the Wright Valley, about 80 miles by a five-man team led by Mr T. Chinn, west of Scott Base, which has been a of the Ministry of Works and Develop summer station since 1970, was occupied ment, Christchurch. The team monitored last winter. But unless there are suffici the water balance of the Wright Valley, ent scientific reasons for reopening it including the inflow of water into Lake during the winter, it is likely to be used Vanda. It also checked the levels of in future for summer research only, ac Lake Vanda, and other important lakes cording to Mr Thomson. in the dry valleys, made mass balance measurements of major glaciers to deter VICTORIA VALLEY mine whether they are advancing or Established in 1968, Vanda Station receding, and worked on snow pit studies will remain a summer station for a num on the glaciers. ber of years yet, although not indefin An event eagerly awaited each season itely. Mr Thomson says that the base at Vanda Station is the first flow of has fulfilled not only New Zealand's water over the Onyx River weir into scientific purposes but also those of the Lake Vanda. The water began to flow United States, Japan, and the Soviet at 2.25 a.m. on December 10, and the Union. Very little work has been done occasion was marked by traditional in the nearby Victoria Valley, and the celebrations. These began after Mr Antarctic Division might consider mov Chinn's team, the self-styled "Asgard ing Vanda Station there once there is Rangers," had reported the event by little left to do in the Wright Valley. radio to Scott Base.

^H^fcC^r^^v-"'^H^^S^^^?^ ANTARCTIC March 1975 Drilling through sea ice planned for next season A major international project—drilling through the annual sea ice of McMurdo Sound—will be included in the New Zealand Antarctic Research Programme next season. The project had to be abandoned early last sea son because winter storms and high tides in McMurdo Sound broke up the ice, leaving no drilling platform. Next season a New Zealand drilling Station. At the time the hole—about team will drill two holes through the ice 1247ft—was the deepest to have been into the seabed in McMurdo Sound. drilled on land in the Antarctic. The drilling will be done where the Drilling began at the end of October, deepest sediments lie, but the precise the site at New Harbour being about a location of the holes will not be de mile and a half from the 1973-74 sec- cided until the results of a geophysical son site. The drill was at 608ft \vhen survey made from the United States salt water penetrated the hole and froze Coast Guard icebreaker Burton Island the casing. last season are known. Early in December the drilling rig Driling of the holes in McMurdo collapsed soon after the drillers reached Sound will mark the end of the Dry 1076ft. After the rig had been repaired Valley Drilling Project, a three-year it was transferred to a site near an un international programme developed by named lake west of Canada Glacier in scientific organisations in the United the Taylor Valley. The lake was later States, Japan, and New Zealand. Since named Lake Leon for the supervisor of the project started New Zealand has the drilling team, Mr Leon Ollivcr. been responsible for all drilling oper Drilling at the Lake Leon site was com ations. pleted early in January. The hole was Because of the break-up of the ice in drilled to a depth of 610ft, and jase- McMurdo Sound the start of last sea ment rock was encountered at 544ft. son's drilling programme on the shore WATER IN HOLE line of New Harbour at the eastern end of the Taylor Valley was delayed for Then the team returned to Don Juan several weeks. Also early in December Pond in the Wright Valley, about 80 the drilling rig collapsed when the New miles west of Ross Island. In the 1973- Zealand team had drilled to 1076ft at 74 season the drillers began drilling a site on the Commonwealth Glaciar, through sediment on the west side of the 60 miles west of Scott Base, in thi? pond, but had to stop drilling because water started to rise in the drill hole, Taylor Valley. This hole was the dccp- and might have contaminated the pond. The Don Juan Pond second hole was drilled to a depth of about 247ft. Base CHANGES MADE ment rock was encountered at 43ft. Most Changes were made during the season of the sediment, about 40ft in depth, in the drilling programme, which ended was sand but there were some salty clay in January. Plans to drill on Black layers. Island, which projects through the Ross A site in the North Fork of the Ice Shelf between Brown and White Wright Valley was drilled to complete Islands, south of Ross Island, were the season's programme. The hole was abandoned. Also the team did not re drilled in a dry basin about two miles turn to deepen the hole drilled in the and a half west of Lake Vanda. Drill 1973-74 season on Ross Island, near the ing stopped at just over 250ft, and base earth sciences laboratory at McMurdo ment rock was encountered at 93ft. March 1375

A Christchurch veterinaiy surgeon, Mr D. Marshall, starts the annual medical check of the Scott Base huskies. His helpers are Messrs J. Stevens (left), of Christchurch, and M. Wing (right), of Taupo. Antarctic Division, D.S.I.R. Photo Husky pups born on Christmas Day Christmas Day at Scott Base last year When the season started the Scott Base was marked by the birth of seven team of 19 dogs was suffering from a husky pups. Their mother, a five-year- long period of inbreeding. The new old bitch named Vaska. had given birth breeding line was started with the dog to two litters previously. and the bitch flown from Adelaide Island. Vaska, descended from a long line of Scott Base dogs, traces her ancestry from After the arrival of the two large Australian origins. Her mate, Apolotok, litters of pups at Christmas, the British was also born at Scott Base, although bitch, Anthe, produced a litter. When the one of his parents was of British origin. weak and poorly built dogs had been culled, the base was left with 12 good — a nucleus for future breeding, and the makings of a sledge team. vey base on Adelaide Island. They travelled by air to McMurdo Station in By next season the husky population a B.A.S. Twin Otter aircraft leased by is likely to be even larger. Two more the Americans to ferry field parties bitches are pregnant and will give working on the Ross Ice Shelf project. birth this winter. March 1975 PLANS TO REBUILD SCOTT BASE Scott Base, New Zealand's main scientific station in the Antarctica since 1957, has become shabby, cramped and inadequate for the scientists and field support staff who have to work there each season. Sketch plans and estimates of costs for rebuilding the base to meet New Zealand's needs for the next 20 years are now being prepared. In 1957 Scott Base, regarded as a model base for a small expedition, cost £39,663. Now rebuilding would probably cost at least $1,000,000. When it was first built the base was ings, physical requirements, and locality. intended to house about 20 men. It is Plans for rebuilding the base in stages adequate for the 12 men who occupy it over a period of five years were in pre each winter, but it becomes seriously paration in 1973, and in December of overcrowded each summer because of the that year an architect and two building expansion of New Zealand's research services officers from the Ministry of programme in recent years. While the Works spent two weeks studying the base is not run down, it has deterior base. ated in the last 18 years, and mainten This season the Minister of Justice ance costs have increased. (Dr Martyn Finlay) visited the Antarc Lack of adequate laboratory space for tic as the New Zealand Government's the scientists, and accommodation in the representative at the dedication of the summer are the most pressing problems. new Scolt-Amudsen South Pole Station. Normally there is sleeping accommoda He made a private visit to Scott Base, tion for 40 men, but in the summer and when he returned to New Zealand, more than 60 have to be accommodated. he expressed his concern at the condi In recent seasons the overflow has been tion of the base and the cramped work accommodated in steel bunks or on stret ing conditions. He will discuss the sub chers in the storeroom, once a Royal ject with the Minister of Science (Mr New Zealand Air Force hangar. On C. J. Moyle) whose department is re occasions some staff have had to sleep sponsible for Scott Base. outside in tents. Scott Base now covers 10,000 square Working areas and storage space are feet. Present proposals are for a two- restricted, and if personal accommoda storey structure covering 17,000 square tion is limited, recreation space is almost feet with improved facilities for male non-existent. The base has a tiny recre and female staff. ation room, but no separate lounge. The messroom doubles for this purpose, and also contains the library. Scott Base is the last of the Antarctic stations built for the International Geo physical Year that is still in existence. Since it was established in January, The Antarctic Division of the Depart 1957. all the other nations involved in ment of Scientific and Industrial Re scientific research in the Antarctic have search has appointed its first woman rebuilt their bases conmletelv or sub information officer, Miss Helen Cooke, stantially. The last new building added of Auckland, who has been journalist to the Scott Base complex was erected with newspapers and a woman's maga in 1961. zine. She is the division's fourth inform A report on the future of the base ation officer. Her predecessors were the was nrepared for the Department of Antarctic historian, the late Mr L. B. Scientific and Industrial Research in Quartermain, and Messrs H. F. Grif 1970. It covered the state of the build fiths, and R. J. Stanley. March 1975 ANTARCTIC Geological evidence links Tasmania with Antarctica Rocks and fossils which indicate that Tasmania was joined to Victoria Land in the Cambrian period 500 to 600 million years age were discovered this season by a major New Zealand geological expedition to the Bowers Mountains in Northern Victoria Land. The expedition, divided into two parties which worked independently, and spent two months in the field, was the main event of the New Zealand Antarctic Research Programme this summer. Before the expedition scientists had, the latter a primitive extinct arthropods for some time, accepted that Antarctica like wood lice. These are now being and Australia were once much closer to studied, and Dr Cooper says there is gether, and shared a common sea life. enough work to be done on them to But there have been many differences keep three men busy for three years. on the precise points of fit. Similar fossils were found in the Previous rock comparisons indicated Evans Neve area of the Bowers Mount that the Bowers Mountains might have ains in the 1971-72 season by a party been linked with Tasmania, South Aus led by Dr Laird. This season Dr tralia, New South Wales or Victoria. Cooper's party found well-preserved fos Dr M. G. Laird, of the New Zealand sils in good condition in a dozen main Geological Survey, Christchurch, who localities. led one field party, said on his return that the rocks of the Bowers Mountains Dr Cooper said that analysis of the turned out to have many similarities latest finds would contribute greatly to with those of Tasmania, and were quite the geological knowledge of Antarctica, dissimilar to those elsewhere in Aus and would tell a lot about the life that tralia. existed there. Also the discoveries would open the door to many different kinds FOSSIL STUDIES of research that could not have been Dr Laird's party's discoveries were followed otherwise. supported by fossil information col Although the most important potential lected in the same region by the other result of the expedition was the possible party led by Dr R. A. Cooper, of the link with Tasmania, it was not the only Geological Survey, Lower Hutt. This major achievement of the field parties. party's work was assisted considerably It was the first time any of the Antarc by Dr J. Jago, department of applied tic basement sedimentary rocks had been geology, South Australian Institute of studied in such detail. As a result there Technology. Adelaide. He is an expert is probably more known about the geo on Tasmania's rocks and fossils from logy of the Bowers Mountains than the Cambrian period, and knew the Tas- some parts of Australia and New Zea manian sequence well enough to deter land. mine that the fossil sequence in the Bowers Mountains was similar to Tas PUZZLE SOLVED mania's. One of the main aims of Dr Laird's Dr Cooper's parly brought back to party was to investigate the thickness of New Zealand 10001b of rocks contain the sedimentary sequence. Previous ing fossils of lin long or smaller descriptions suggested that it was about brachiopods and trilobites, the former a 25.000 metres thick—almost as thick as shell-fish similar to some bivalves, and the earth's crust. ANTARCTIC March 1975

New Zealand geological party's camp on the Leap Year Neve in the Bowers Mountains of Northern Victoria Land. Antarctic Division, D.S.I.R. Photo Dr Laird said that this was rather because of bad weather. Temperatures puzzling, and the party had to discover were amazingly high for the area— whether the sequence was really as thick slightly above freezing point on some as it had been described or whether it days. Because the snow started melting was complicated in some way. This was sledge travel became difficult, and at the case—the sequence had been folded times the scientists had to wade knee- considerably and repeated, and the deep in icy mush. thickness was actually only about 7,000 Dr Laird said that only about five per metres. cent of the Bowers Mountains area was Dr Laird's party also spent some time free of snow cover. Another complica studying prc-Cambrian rocks, and its tion was that one exposed outcrop could discoveries should add to the knowledge be separated from another by five miles of them. Samples of all rock units were of glacier. Gauging the geology of the collected by Dr A. Wodzicki, of the snow and ice-covered area between the Geological Survey, Lower Hutt. He exposed rock sequences depended a great hopes to be able to determine the age deal on "directed" guesswork. of non-fossilifcrous sequences by radio Despite these difficulties Dr Laird is metric means. confident that the information collected During the 60 days the parties spent by the parties will form an accurate in the field they travelled more than picture of the geological development of 1000 miles collectively, using five sledges the Bowers Mountains. It will also con and three motor toboggans each. They tribute a tremendous amount to the met only once to compare notes and to International Geological Correlation rendezvous with a re-supply flight. Project sponsored by U.N.E.S.C.O. to examine the geological relationship be FEW DAYS LOST tween Australia, Antarctica, and New Only six days out of the 60 were lost Zealand. March 1975

VICTORIA UNIVERSITY Scientific work on Erebus and in McMurdo Sound An average of 1000 volcanic earthquakes a day was recorded on Mount Erebus in 26 days by scientists of the Victoria University of Wellington expedition who took part in the New Zealand, French, and American scientific study of the active Antarctic volcano last season. In addition to seismic studies on the mountain the expedition's scientific achievements included discovery of the world's most southerly sea water, and an oceano graphic seismic survey of McMurdo Sound and Terra Nova Bay. Last season was the 19th in which quently thrown out on to the main crater scientists from the university have floor and crater rim, and could be worked in the Antarctic. There were 11 sampled. The only difference between members in the expedition, and field such material is probably the loss of parties worked on Mount Erebus, the volatile gases from the bombs. Ross Ice Shelf Sea, and in the Taylor Three slow motion type seismographs and Wright Valleys, and the Trans- and an ink chart recorder of seismic antarctic Mountains. One team worked power were used by Dr Dibble to record from the United States Coast Guard ice seismic activity. They were placed at breaker Burton Island in the Ross Sea. five sites: three surrounding the main Teams were in the field between Novem crater at a radius of one kilometre; one ber 14 and February 4, and were supple in the ice cave near the expedition's mented by field assistants from Scott camp at a radius of .5km; and one near Base. the main crater centre. Three scientists took part in the Ere Twenty-six days of recording were bus expedition. Mr P. R. Kyle continued obtained between December 3 and 31, his pctrographic study of the McMurdo including 12 days with simultaneous re volcanics, Dr R. R. Dibble recorded cordings at all five sites. No volcanic seismic activity, and Mr J. Keyes con tremor was recorded, but an average of tinued the mapping and collection of 1000 volcanic tremors a day was re saline deposits in the McMurdo region. corded. In 24 hours of documented The scientific results of their work, and visual observation of the inner crater, that of other members of the expedition, all earthquakes in the higher level were are outlined in the report which follows. explosion earthquakes corresponding Mount Erebus contains a permanent with explosions of either the main vent convecting lava lake of anorthoclase or the laval lake. phonolitc (kenyte) composition. The LAVA BUBBLES lake, one of only three permanent lava Some smaller earthquakes were lakes in the world, has expanded in size accompanied by eruptions, but those since 1973. The other lakes are in Ethi accompanying the bursting of large opia and Zaire (and because of political bubbles in the lava lake were too small situations in those countries arc inacces to be recorded. Safe periods for the de sible to vulcanologists). Erebus is unique scent into the inner crater could not be in being the only phonolite lava lake— predicted from the seismic recordings. the others are basaltic. As yet, the type and location of the ex Although the lava lake could not be plosions and eruptions cannot be recog sampled because of dangerous eruptions nised from the scismograms because in the inner crater, bombs were fre they are all different. ANTARCTIC March 1975

However, the general level of activity Ice Rise near the head of the Ross Ice over long periods could undoubtedly be Shelf, and work on Table Mountain and followed by means of a radio telemetry the snout of the Taylor Glacier. seismograph at the southernmost of the The discovery of two layers of ground five sites, recording at Scott Base. This moraine separated by river gravels at would aid the planning of future expedi 1800m on Table Mountain indicates two tions to the volcano. distinct periods of temperate glaciation Salt and soil samples were collected at separated by a warm period. Previously Mount Kempe in the Royal Society only one such glaciation prior to five Range, Table Mountain in the Taylor million years ago had been postulated Valley, Knobhead on the Ferrar Glacier, to account for the scattered high level Lake Bonncy, Black Island, the Mount moraines in the Trans-antarctic Moun Erebus summit plateau and crater area, tains. and the Fang where the Erebus expedi As reported elsewhere in "Antarctic", tion had its acclimatisation camp. Soil sea water was discovered in a rift on the temperature and moisture profiles were Crary Ice Rise. The rift, about 15m deep measured in many different localities in and 2m wide, has a floor of ice 10cm these areas. thick, which can easily be broken. The water beneath is salty, and has the same SALT MOVEMENT freezing point and salinity as normal Systematic sampling on and about sea water. The rift is 500km south of the mudflows and flooding experiments, all southern margin of the Ross Sea. on Black Island, may produce a semi About 120 samples were taken from quantitative estimate of the rate of salt cores drilled by the Dry Valley Drilling movement to the surface in this particu Project. Another 100 were taken from lar location. Further correlations may be around Table Mountain, Taylor Glacier, made between the rates of salt accumu and New Harbour for comparative lation and recent glacial history after in study. vestigations of the scries of moraines documented in 1969 by P. Vclla. DRILLING SITES Coloured and black zones and layers More information on the structure in glacier ice, sampled in previous years, and thickness of sediment in McMurdo were investigated at the Fang, at Knob- Sound was obtained from the oceano head, and on the Kempe Glacier. At the graphic seismic survey carried out from latter location the layers appeared to be the icebreaker Burton Island. The results composed of fine basalt scoria. of the seismic profiling programme will A study of the salts and sublimates of also indicate the best sites for the Dry Mount Erebus, started in 1972-73, was Valley Drilling Project to drill through completed around the summit plateau the annual sea ice into the bed of the area. Salts and sublimates were sampled sound next season. more extensively inside the main crater, A very thorough profiling programme and at two places on the inner crater was carried out in Terra Nova Bay and wall. McMurdo Sound. It was aided by good Warm ground temperature profiles profiling weather—low wind speeds, were measured at several locations both open water further west and south than inside and outside the main crater. The usual, and few major equipment faults. highest temperature measured was only Preliminary investigation of the 79.6deg C. This was .9deg C lower than results in Terra Nova Bay appear to that of the same fumarolc in early show two major glaciations to have January. 1973. shaved the sediment cover off to about 450m and 650m below present sea level, SEDIMENT STUDIES possibly caused by extended grounding Glacial sediment studies included in of the Ross Ice Shelf. There was later vestigation of cores from the Dry Valley deposition of more than 300m of glacial Drilling Project, a journey to the Crary moraine in places. An unusually deep March 1975 ANTARCTIC area was found in Terra Nova Bay OLD FORMATION (1300m); total sediment thickness here Near 600 paleocurrent measurements exceeds one kilometre. were taken on appropriate structures In McMurdo Sound there are many within the New Mountain Sandstone, the infilled valleys with sediment thicknesses oldest formation in the Beacon Super up to 500m. These layers seem to dip at group. Detailed statistical analysis of between ^deg and 2deg to the west in this data will show any lateral and ver the northern part of the sound, whereas tical changes in transport direction with in the southern part acoustic bedrock in the sandstone. (basalt?) has little sedimentary cover and a rugged topography. Hence on first ap Evidence for major rafting by dolerite praisal it seems that better results from sills was found at New Mountain. Pre drilling would be obtained as far north viously the sill was through to split the as the condition of the winter ice per Terra Cotta Sandstone. It was estab mits. lished that in fact the whole of New Mountain has been rafted 3km west by VALLEY FIORD the peneplain sill. Sediments considered to have had Samples of basement granites were their origin within a fiord in the Taylor taken for radio metric dating. They Valley were described and sampled in came from the basement contact at New detail. These were the "silty till de Mountain, Mount J. J. Thompson in the posits"—the bedded polymictons. At 10 Taylor Valley, and Mount Odin in the measured sections (maximum 30m thick Wright Valley. ness) in the valley, rather similar fine sediments and inclusions, interbedded with coarse sands, pebbly sands, and very coarse unsorted material (till) are recognised below 300m elevation. These sediments are considered to have originated in a similar manner (but are probably younger) to those named as basal silts (propsect till) in the Upper Wright Valley. Cores from the Dry Valley Drilling Project hole on the Com monwealth Glacier showed that as pre NEW BATHTUB dicted, the bedded polymicton and till sediments were appreciably thick—in TAPS fact some 300 metres. A minimum age for the formation of One of the prized facilities at Scott the Taylor Valley "fiord" may be deter Base is a bathtub, which, for many mined from radiometric ages of the few years, was claimed to be the only o tuff beds recognised, and also from on the Antarctic Continent. Two years ago someone removed the taps. secondarily transported basalt scoria. In the Lake Vids region the Victoria When the lack of taps was discovered Drift and Insell Drift were examined instructions were given for new ones to over a wide area for comparison with be obtained. Forms were duly filled in the established basal silt till of the for the requisitioning of two bath taps in the approved manner. This summer Wright Valley. Natural outcrops were found to be limited. However, a prob they arrived—two years later. able fine-grained tuff bed was sampled. The bath now has its taps, but it is Twenty-one stratigraphic sections not used because the men at the were measured between the Royal base take showers. It remains as a relic, Society and Olympus Ranges. Detailed and has been retained because it can be sampling for mechanical and chemical used for quickly warming anyone who analysis was performed at each locality. gets overexposed ANTARCTIC March 1975 Census shows little change in Cape Bird penguin rookeries There has been no significant change in the numbers of Adelie penguins in the three rookeries in the Cape Bird region of Ross Island since the last census five years ago. This was indicated by a total count of 36,246 nests made between November 27 and December 2 last year by a biologist working with the University of Canterbury research programme during the 1974-75 summer season. Five biologists and two geographers raised the lake level sufficiently. How were involved in the programme. Two ever, she was able to carry out diurnal women, Miss Joy Woods and Mrs Jo studies on a permanent lake to ascertain Knight and three men, Paul Sagar, factors affecting the rotifer's behaviour. Chris Paulin, and Grant Knight were the biologists. Dr Robert Kirk and David The Knights studied the nutrient input Harrowfield were the geographers. from streams in the area. Two of these were of particular interest because one The Cape Bird station was opened on flows through a penguin rookery, and October 22 by Mr Sagar and Mr W. C. in the process flushes away large amounts King, a field assistant from the Antarc of guano that forms a thick layer round tic Division, D.S.I.R. Because of the the penguin nest sites. The other stream mild winter the main hut and wet drains the scoria-covered hillside and laboratory were in good condition, and descends in a waterfall to the beach. little snow had to be shovelled clear. Having completed their work, Miss Scientific equipment arrived on Woods and Mr Sagar returned to Scott November 2, and Mr Sagar was able Base in the helicopter which brought to continue for the third season his Dr Kirk and Mr Harrowfield to Cape studies of the common bottom dwelling Bird on January 13. Dr Kirk and Mr amphipod (Paramoera walkeri). These Harrowfield had aerial photographs shrimp-like crustaceans are the most taken the previous day of Priapulos abundant shallow-water marine life in Point, about three kilometres south of the region, and arc a major food source the Cape Bird hut, and planned a survey for the many bottom-dwelling fish. of the origin of the point and its develop ment. On November 9 Mr Paulin arrived to begin his study of the breeding success Because of the loss of two United of Adelie penguins in the area. This States Navy Hercules aircraft on January involved daily checks of more than 300 15 and the consequent shortage of air mapped nest sites to determine egg num transport back to New Zealand, the Cape bers, eggs lost, eggs hatched, and chicks Bird station had to be closed earlier reared. Then he completed his census than expected — on January 21. of the three rookeries between November 27 and December 2. Despite the early closing of the sta tion, and the inevitable loss of work Miss Woods and Mr and Mrs Knight time because of the weather, the summer arrived on December 16. Miss Woods was rewarding for both the biologists intended to study the fecundity of a and the geographers. They were not the microscopic fresh-water rotifer in a only ones to have a good summer at temporary salt water lake. This study Cape Bird; the McCormick skuas and had to be curtailed because poor snow the Adelie penguins also had a suc falls in the previous winter had not cessful season. March 1975 ANTARCTIC

Many traces of minerals found by party in Brown Hills area Many traces of low-grade sulphides of iron, lead, and zinc, and traces of copper, were found by scientists from the University of Waikato last season when working in the Brown Hills area of the Trans-antarctic Mountains, 150 miles south of Scott Base. Later in the season members of the university party established that salt deposits below the bottom of Lake Bonney in the Taylor Valley might be at least eight million tons. Drilling in the 1973-74 season indicated at least two million tons. Traces of mineralisation in the Brown salinity of the lake was known pre Hills area were discovered accidentally viously, the party discovered and when six members of the expedition mapped a very large deposit of halite went for a Christmas Day walk on (common salt) below the lake bottom. frozen Lake Wilson, which is about six Drilling indicated that the salt occurred miles in side Australian Antarctic terri uniformly over the flat floor of the tory. Copper staining was found in a eastern lobe of the lake, and that the moraine, and further investigation deposit was at least two million tons. showed that many rocks in the moraine had sulphide mineralisation. Further investigations last season re vealed that there could be at least eight United States scientists at McMurdo million tons of salt beneath the bottom Station later confirmed the mineralisa of the lake, and according to Dr Hendy, tion. Samples have been brought back to as much as 30 million tons. In the 1973- New Zealand for analysis. Next season 74 season drilling yielded 2ft thick cores an economic geologist may visit the of large sodium chloride crystals instead Brown Hills to make detailed field ex of sediments; last season the scientists aminations. found that the salt deposit was even Dr C. Hendy, leader of the expedition, deeper. who is a geochemist, emphasised that Lake Bonney's salt is worth millions the discovery did not necessarily mean of dollars at present prices, but Dr there was an ore body or, even if one Hendy says that there are problems for were found, that it would prove econ anyone who thinks it can be exploited omic. There were clues to suggest a commercially. These include the extreme possible ore body but no conclusions cold and difficult terrain of the area, and could be drawn. finding a way to transport the salt before it melts. Dr T. R. Healy, another member of the party which made the discovery, said Ordinary table salt has no moisture it was geologically right to find such content. The Lake Bonney salt has two mineralisation in the Trans-antarctic molecules of water to every molecule of Mountains. It was somewhat surprising salt. At temperatures above minus one that no discoveries had been made pre degree Celsius the salt just melts away. viously. In the 1973-74 season the University of Waikato expedition made a detailed bathymetric and sediment survey of Lake Bonney. Although the extreme wmSmmB ANTARCTIC March 1975 Sea water found in ice shelf Sea water beneath the Ross Ice Shelf 770 kilometres from the South Pole was discovered in a rift on the Crary Ice Rise last December by two New Zealand scientists, Dr P. J. Barrett and Mr R. D. Powell, of the Victoria University of Wellington expedition were in the area, 700 kilo metres south-south-east of Scott Base to investigate a patch of dirty ice discovered by gcophysicists from the University of Wisconsin in the 1973- 74 season. Dr Barrett and Mr Powell were flown On this programme the team worked to the Crary Ice Rise area by a Hercu at Table Mountain, which is south of the les aircraft of the United States Navy's junction of the Ferrar and Taylor Glaci VXE6 Squadron. In their search for the ers, and on the Taylor Glacier. They dirty ice from which they wanted to discovered a strata at 1800 metres on obtain rock samples the two men used Table Mountain which indicated two a team of 11 dogs from Scott Base. This distinct periods of temperate glaciation. was the first time in about 10 years that separated by a warm period. scientists had used a dog team for field work. Although the Victoria University team did not achieve its main objective—it was unable to locate the dirty ice—the discovery of sea water so far into the Ross Ice Shelf was probably a far more important achievement, according to Dr Barret. The investigation of the dirty ice had been expected to provide data on the character of sediment trapped in Old Byrd station the ice of the shelf. The most significant aspect of the dis antenna covery of the sea water was that it con A satellite tracking antenna abandoned tained some reddish-brown filamentous when Byrd Station was closed in 1972 algae. How the algae got there is not was flown to New Zealand last season known, but the results of the analysis for installation at the auroral station of samples of it and the sea water are operated by the Department of Scien expected to be of great value and interest tific and Industrial Research at Lauder, to oceanographers and marine biologists. Central Otago. The antenna—a 16ft dia This was the first time the sea water meter parabolic dish—and its ancillary beneath the Ross Ice Shelf had been equipment were given to New Zealand sampled. by the United States National Science Originally the glacial sediment studies Foundation. were to be made from cores obtained Mr A. F. Creswell, supervisor of the in the drilling of holes through the sea telemetry station at Lauder, and two bed of McMurdo Sound. The Dry Val members of the Scott Base summer sup ley Drilling Project team had to post port staff, Messrs K. P. Riddell and K. pone this week. Dr Barrett and Mr J. Dawson, flew to Byrd Station at the Powell then continued the ancillary pro end of last year. With American assist gramme of sediment and pebble sampl ance they spent three days dismantling ing from known sediment environments. the antenna and packing it in readiness The aim was to obtain baseline data for the flight back to New Zealand, the to help interpret data from cores ob cost of which was met by the National tained during the DVDP operations. Science Foundation.

^^m B.A.S. ACTIVITIES Adelaide Island as base for operations in south In future the British Antarctic Survey will base all its operations south of Marguerite Bay on Adelaide Island. Early this month the Stonington Island base, first established in 1946, was closed, having been occupied for 21 years altogether. It may be used for some field parties. As a further economy measure the Fossil Bluff advance base in George VI Sound will be closed for the winter after 1975. The transfer of the Adelaide Island base to a new site at Rothera Point, 40 miles to the north-east is also being considered. The Royal Research Ship John Biscoe out a geophysical run to the South arrived at South Georgia early in Orkney Islands before proceeding to December and spent several weeks Halley Bay, where she arrived on Febru assisting field parties in several locali ary 8. ties. She also worked with H.M.S. Unloading was hampered by lack of a Endurance on a survey of the seabed suitable landing site, and by bad at the south-eastern end of the island. weather, rough seas and pack ice. It After calling at the Falkland Islands, took several weeks to complete. the John Biscoe landed geologists and The present Halley Bay base, which geophysicists on islands in the South was finally occupied last season, con Shetlands to continue their long-term tinues to operate satisfactorily as a investigation of the Scotia Arc. Decep static geophysical observatory, most of tion Island, which had erupted in 1967, the possible overland field work having 1969 and later, appeared to be quiescent. been completed. The Argentine Islands At the beginning of January the ship base is also a static geophysical observa proceeded to the west coast of the tory, but on South Georgia, the pro Antarctic Peninsula and relieved the gramme includes life sciences and earth Argentine Islands base. As ice still sciences as well as geophysics, and field blocked access to Marguerite Bay, she work is in progress in a number of returned to the South Shetlands and areas. In the South Orkneys, a wide landed field parties on King George range of programmes is being run from Island. the Signy Island biological laboratory. In mid-January the R.R.S. Bransfield Most of the programmes are confined to visited the Argentine Islands. She Signy and inshore waters. relieved the American Palmer Station In the southern part of the Antarctic — taking in men and supplies — and Peninsula field work from the Marguerite then continued south to Adelaide Bay bases (Adelaide Island and Stoning Island. While in Marguerite Bay, she ton Island) and from Fossil Bluff in reconnoitred the access to Rothera George VI Sound, had to be curtailed at Point, which is being considered as a the beginning of the summer, as the possible alternative to the present Bransfield was late in delivering supplies. Adelaide Island base site. She was delayed by storm damage sus At the end of the month she returned tained while crossing the Atlantic. to South Georgia to continue the trans The chief disruption was caused by a port of field parties. Then she carried shortage of aviation fuel which limitedm ANTARCTIC March 1975 the air support to field parties. north of Fossil Bluff, and other parties Unfortunately, the B.A.S. programme have worked at the south-western end of was less flexible than usual, because one the sound and on the east coast of the of the two Twin Otter aircraft was peninsula. committed to a mid-season United States- A number of senior B.A.S. staff visited British glaciological project on the Ross the bases this season. Among them were Ice Shelf. Dr Raymond Adie (deputy director), Mr This aircraft was flown to McMurdo Nigel Bonner (head of life sciences), Dr Station by way of Siple and Byrd Charles Swithinbank (head of earth Stations on November 15. The pro sciences) who is continuing his pro gramme was completed satisfactorily gramme of radio echo ice-depth sound and the aircraft returned to Adelaide ing, Dr John Dudeney (head of the Island by way of the South Pole on ionospherics section) and Mr William December 29. Sloman (head of administration). Another Twin Otter, on hire from a Canadian firm, flew to McMurdo Station IMAGERY MAPS late in December to continue the work. It landed to re-fuel at Adelaide Island Seven pairs of 1:250,000 line maps British Antarctic bases between 1944 and and photomaps of the Antarctic Penin 1948. sula were produced last year by the At Adelaide Island, the snow landing Directorate of Overseas Surveys from strips continue to deteriorate alarmingly, satellite imagery provided by the United lack of snow cover after a series of States Geological Survey. These, which were the first maps to be produced on relatively mild seasons having revealed innumerable crevasses. Priority is there such a large scale from satellite imagery, fore being given to find new landing sites are proving extremely useful as field at Rothera Point, 40 milei to the north sheets. They have a planimetric accuracy east. Preliminary reports are not very comparable to the conventional 1:250,000 favourable, but indicate that the sites sheets, the resolution being about 80m. would be greatly preferable to those at The imagery gives no idea of height the present site. but topographical information provided MILD WEATHER by the shadows has been supplemented by spot heights. Production of the Re-assessment of Doumer Island, as a sheets required detailed interpretation ship-aircraft landing facility, has con and the development of new methods of firmed that, although not ideal, it is a reproduction, some features being repro great improvement on the Anvers Island duced photographically. It will now be site which has also deteriorated. A possible to produce further sheets number of men was landed at Doumer quickly and cheaply as more imagery Island by the Biscoe at the beginning of becomes available. the season, and flown south to Mar guerite Bay when persistent ice still NEW BUILDING prevented access by sea. Much of the Antarctic Peninsula has The B.A.S. administrative office moved experienced exceptionally mild weather to temporary premises in the centre of and, in December, the Argentine Islands Cambridge in mid-January, but the reported temperatures up to plus 6deg scientific divisions, which are at present C (plus 43deg F) and 35mm (1.5in) of scattered around the country, will not be rain! This has accelerated the melt and transferred until their particular sections large areas of the ice-capped islands are of the new building are ready for now brown with mosses and lichens. occupation. Work on the new building Field work this season has progressed was held up by exceptionally wet weather in a number of localities near George VI in the autumn, but is now progressing Sound and in Palmer Land. Glaciologists satisfactorily and should be completed have continued work on Spartan Glacier, by the middle of 1976. March 1975 ANTARCTIC Three U.S. winter stations now manned by civilians Scientists of seven nations took part in the United States Antarctic research programme during the 1974-75 summer season. There were 80 research projects in the programme, and about 300 scientists, mostly from the United States, but also from New Zealand, Australia, France, Britain, Japan, and the Soviet Union, passed through McMurdo Station. They worked at McMurdo, South Pole, Siple, and Palmer Stations, at remote field sites, and aboard research vessels in Antarctic waters. When the summer season ended on ing men and supplies to the inland sta February 19 with the departure of two tions, and putting scientific parties into United States Navy Hercules aircraft the field. from McMurdo Station, 86 Americans Completion and dedication of the geo remained to spend the winter in Antarc desic dome complex at the new Amund tica at the four winter stations. Forty- sen-Scott South Pole Station on January seven Navy men and six civilian scien 9, was the major event of the season. tists and technicians will work at This station, which cost $7 million, was McMurdo Station until it is re-opened built for the National Science Founda in September. tion over the last five summer seasons Three other American winter stations by Navy Seabces (Mobile Construction are manned by civilians. There are 17 Battalion 71). at the new Amundsen-Scott South Pole A simple ceremony marked the formal Station until November, and five at opening of the new station. It took Siple Station, 1350 miles from place in fine weather about 5.45 p.m. McMurdo Station, at the foot of the The sky was clear, there was no wind, Sentinel Mountains in Ellsworth Land. and the temperature was minus lOdeg Palmer Station on Anvers Island off the Fahrenheit. There were 25 visitors, who Antarctic Peninsula has a winter team had flown from the United States, and of II. the Pole population rose to 75. Since 1955 the United States Navy has One woman attended the ceremony. provided logistic support for the scien She was Mrs Ruth Siple, widow of Dr tific projects conducted under the aus Paul Siple, who took part in the con pices of the National Science Founda struction of the first station in 1956, and tion. For the first time it does not have was the scientific leader in 1957. Con a winter crew at the South Pole. Since gressman J. J. Pickle represented the 1957 it has maintained the research sta United States Government, and Norway tion there in co-operation with scientists was represented by Dr T. Gjelsvik, direc of the National Science Foundation. But tor of the Norwegian Polar Research in November, 1974, the last Navy winter Institute, and president of the Special crew left the original Amundsen-Scott Committee for Antarctic Research. New South Pole Station, which now remains Zealand's representatives were the Mini closed under 40ft of snow and ice. ster of Civil Aviation (Dr Martin Finlay) Navy support operations began early and Mr R. B. Thomson, superintendent in October, and for the first time in of the Antarctic Division, Department of years no major blizzards hampered the Scientific and Industrial Research. season's activities. With fine weather, Dr H. Guyford Stcver, director of the the Hercules ski-equipped aircraft and National Science Foundation, read a let helicopters of the Navy's VXE Squadron ter from President Ford in which he said were able to fly almost at will, transport that the dedication of the new station ANTARCTIC March 1975 was a rededication by the United States in McMurdo Sound towards the end of of the ideals of the Antarctic Treaty. By February. The breakout this year in making the results of its South Pole re cluded part of the front edge of the search freely available, it reiterated its Ross Ice Shelf measuring about 160ft commitment to the objectives of the thick. As the icebergs floated past treaty. By making the station accessible McMurdo Stations parts of the Williams to scientists of all nations, the United Field ski-way were sighted. States reaffirmed its devotion to the ideals of co-operation which were char Most of the equipment used in Antarc acteristic of Antarctica. tic operations still has to be transported Dr Stever presented President Ford's original letter to the station manager, Mr by sea because of its weight and bulk. R. Wolak, for permanent display. Dr In mid-January the veteran supply ship Private John R. Towlc, was assisted Gjelsvik presented a framed photograph of Roald Amundsen's tent at the Pole, through the ice in McMurdo Sound by and copies of the pair of boots the Nor the United States Coast Guard ice wegian explorer wore on his journey. breakers Glacier and Burton Island. She Warm weather and tidal action caused discharged 4,500 tons of cargo and food a large and early breakout of the ice at the ice wharf in Winter Quarters Bay.

Mites found 370 miles from Pole

Small, colourful organisms, believed In the area where the organisms were to be mites, were found on the water of found lichens grow around small puddles mcltpools in the Duncan Mountains, caught on schist bedrock in basins less cast of the Liv Glacier, by Ohio State than 18in across. The wind generally University geologists working in the blows from the east along the Trans- area last December. They were about antarctic Mountains. 370 miles from the South Pole, and at a height of 2296ft. When Mr Browning and the rest of the party, Messrs Ed Stump (leader), One of the geologists, Mr Arthur Phil Colbert, and Bob Oakberg. looked Browning, made the first discovery on back up the arete they found more December 13 when he decided to drink specimens on the surface of another from a small mcltpool. He saw a small puddle. flake on the water separate into spots Similar organisms have been found at and then reassemble. Examination other high latitude locations, and in the through a hand lens showed that each coastal areas of Antarctica. New Zealand spot had small, active legs. field parties have discovered terrestrial The individual organisms were from insects and mites close to the southern two to three-tenths of a millimetre long. limit of fauna and flora. They had rose-pink front portions and legs, and the main mass of the body was dusky purple. ■tusaiKai

•• -.'•.< r>*r**i i B March 1975 ANTARCTIC Hercules aircraft damaged near Wilkes Land ice dome Air support for French glaciological research in East Antarctica has been costly for the United States Navy's support force. Near Dome C, an ice dome in Wilkes Land, lie two Hercules aircraft damaged in take-off accidents on January 15. Another Hercules crashed 125 miles south of Dumont d'Urville three years ago. In the next two seasons an attempt may be made to tow the two air craft, worth about $17 million, 683 miles over the ice to McMurdo Sound for repairs which would allow them to be flown back to New Zealand. There are also plans to salvage what is left of the Hercules abandoned to the elements in 1971. Loss of the two aircraft towards the its samples. During takeoff a jato (jet end of last season did not cause a major assisted takeoff) bottle exploded. It upset to air operations. But the Navy's damaged the fuselage and started a fire VXE6 Squadron was left with only three in the right inboard engine. ski-equipped Hercules aircraft, and the The aircraft skidded in a half circle transport of men and cargo to inland stations was seriously hampered. Alter as it came to a stop. The fire spread tn native arrangements had to be made for the outboard engine, and destroyed un the return of men who had spent the right wing. No-one was injured. summer season in Antarctica. And be Another Hercules which had left Mc fore next season replacements will have Murdo Station on a flight to Byrd to be found for the immobilised aircraft. Station responded to the call for help, and flew direct to Dome C. After pick Since the 1971-72 season French scientists have been making glaciological ing up the five passengers and five crew studies in East Antarctica along a line members, it began its takeoff without between Carrefour, a small station on jato bottles. the icecap at 66dcg 50min S/139deg During the long takeoff run the nose 15min E, about 25 miles south of Du ski collapsed, puncturing the fuselage, mont d'Urville. and the Soviet Vostok and the cargo compartment filled with Station. Their research is part of the swirling snow. The lower nose fuselage International Antarctic Glaciological buckled in several places before the air Project in which Australia. France, the craft came to a stop. Again no-one was Soviet Union, and the United States are injured. participants. A third Hercules was sent to Dome C Late last year a camp was established with a rescue team from McMurdo at Dome C, an ice dome (area of maxi Station after a report of the first acci mum elevation) at 74deg 30min S/125deg dent. It returned the passengers and crew E, which sits on some of the world's to McMurdo Station several hours later thickest known ice. Five French and without incident. The scientists' snow American scientists were flown to Dome samples were recovered on a later flight. C from McMurdo Station on December A special technical evaluation team 26 to collect shallow snow samples and flew to the accident site at 74deg 40min obtain other data. S/123deg 50min E on January 26 to On January 15 a Hercules flew to assess the damage to the two aircraft, Dome C to pick up the field party and and to report on how they could be re- ANTARCTIC March 1975

covered. Its preliminary survey indicated major traverse next season to the acci that they could be repaired but not dent site. where they were. They could be towed Recovery of what is left of the $3.5 over the ice to McMurdo Station where million Hercules which crashed on they could be prepared for flights to New December 4, 1971, after a supply mis Zealand for final repairs. Towing and sion to a French traverse party 125 miles repairs would probably take two sea from Carrcfour would be more difficult. sons. It crashed in rough terrain which is not suitable for air operations without a No decision has been made yet to ski-way on the icecap. adopt these recommendations. Surveys Next season a French party might would have to be made to find a practic make a traverse to the area to prepare able route over which bulldozers could a ski-way. This would enable aircraft tow the aircraft from Dome C to Mc from McMurdo Station to operate more Murdo Station. This would mean a safely. NUCLEAR POWER PLANT DISMANTLED Antarctica's only nuclear power nuclear core, and the spent fuel tank. A plant, established in 1962, and shut down safety analysis of the carriage of waste in 1972, no longer exists. The reactor nuclear materials by ship was made vessel which held the nuclear core, was before the plant's primary system, includ shipped back to the United States last ing the reactor vessel encased in a con season. Only three buildings remain on crete "coffin," was placed aboard the the site on the slopes of Observation supply ship Private John R. Towle. The Hill overlooking McMurdo Station. Towle called at Lyttelton on her way Nuclear power provided heating and back to the United States. lighting at McMurdo Station for more Next season a civilian contractor will 'he plant was operated be brought from the United S*"*"" tn rtember, 1972, check the surrounHino lanH fn when it was closed because of possible corrosion. Since then power has been active "infection ,,.,,,,,,_. soil is found under and around the supplied by diesel generating plant. reactor vessel, it will be shipped to the An inspection of the plant in 1972 United States. There it will be placed revealed that insulation containing with radioactive waste from the plant chlorides around the reactor piping in a nuclear "graveyard" in Georgia. system had become wet. No corrosion cracking was found, but the high cost Once the area on Observation Hill is of a full inspection — at least SUS1.5 declared sterile the National Science million — resulted in the decision to Foundation will probably take over the dismantle the plant and remove it. three buildings left on the site. They For the last three summers a special will be moved down to the main area unit of 20 men has been dismantling the of McMurdo Station. plant. This will cost less than SI million. Since the dismantling began regular The nuclear core, turbine, generator, checks have been made of air and water steam piping, and condensers, were for traces of radioactivity. Reports on removed in the 1973-74 summer. these checks at McMurdo Station, Last season the United States Navy's which is about three miles from Scott decommissioning team dismantled the Base, have been sent regularly to the reactor vessel, which contained the New Zealand authorities. March 1975 ANTARCTIC Two icebreakers break out from pack in Weddell Sea Two icebreakers trapped in ice up to 25ft thick in the Weddell Sea early this month faced the prospect of imprisonment for the winter. But after nearly a week the United States Coast Guard's Glacier, and the Argentine Navy's General San Martin won their race against the swiftly approaching winter, and broke through to open water, on March 11. Another Coast Guard icebreaker, the Ninety men of the Glacier's crew of Burton Island, was caught in the pack 211 volunteered to remain aboard for ice, but only for a day, late in Febru the winter. Later 37 men and 13 scien ary. She was heading north after a voy tists, including five from the Burton age into the unexplored eastern part of Island, were flown in the Glacier's heli the Amundsen Sea. Later she was sent copters to a nearby island, and then to to aid the Glacier and the General San the Argentine Air Force base, Vice- Martin. Comodoro Marambio, on Seymour Both the Glacier and the General San Island. From there they were flown to Martin were held in the ice about 18 the United States. Eight men were also miles apart in the Erebus and Terror lifted off the General San Martin as a Gulf near the north-eastern tip of the precautionary measure. Antarctic Peninsula. The Glacier was 36 miles north of Seymour Island, and the SLOW PROGRESS General San Martin 24 miles. Because By March 9 the Glacier, with the use of engine trouble the Argentine ice of only one of her two propellers, was breaker, which had been supplying bases about four miles from the open sea. The off the Antarctic Peninsula, became General San Martin had also been able wedged in thick ice on February 25. to turn in the ice, and make slow pro The Glacier was on her way back to gress along a lead, heading west to the California after oceanographic work in north side of Seymour Island where the the Weddell Sea when she and the Bur ice was not so thick. ton Island were called to assist the Gen eral San Martin. While the Burton Early on the morning of March 11 the Island stood by in open water 12 miles Glacier freed herself from the ice, and reached the open waters of the Antarctic away, the Glacier began to break through the ice towards the General San Martin. Sound. A gale the day before with 35- knot winds, blowing snow, and zero visi PROPELLER DAMAGE bility, shifted the ice a little to the ship's After several hours of ice-breaking, a advantage, but disrupted evacuation slow rocking vibration in the ship's pro flights. The General San Martin, which pellers was reported. The Glacier was was further south, struggled free a few stopped, and a diver discovered that two days later, and resumcrd her mission. blades on the starboard propeller had Early in February the Burton Island been sheered off by the thick ice. left McMurdo Sound with a team of sur When it appeared that the Glacier veyors and scientists on a reconnaissance might be forced to remain in the ice for of Pine Island Bay and Lindsey Island, the winter, plans were made to conserve off the Walgreen Coast of Marie Byrd fuel and food supplies. Eight civilian Land. Delay to the icebreaker Staten scientists and three high school sea cadets Island, and heavy ice in the area, caused were transferred by helicopter to the the survey—part of a study for a deep- Burton Island despite a snowstorm and water port in the area—to be cancelled bitterly cold weather. in the 1973-74 season. ANTARCTIC March 1975

Three weeks before she left McMurdo survey team also found lichens and Sound the Burton Island suffered minor mosses, and large numbers of skuas on damage when she and the Glacier were the melt-water lakes. engaged in breaking a channel in the When the Burton Island left the area ice to McMurdo Station. She was escort to head north, she encountered difficult ing the supply ship Private John R. ice conditions with tightly packed floes, Towle up the sound. The Private John and rifting where the pressure forced the R. Towle smashed into her stern and ice into ridges. For a day she backed punched a hole 2ft wide in her side at and rammed the close pack, making only main deck level. a few hundred yards' progress. ISLAND STUDY The helicopters were launched and With a team of specialists from the flew ahead of the ship to locate areas United States Geological Survey and the of weakness and potential leads in the National Science Foundation aboard to ice. With their guidance the Burton Island was able to break loose and force study a group of islands in Pine Island her way through the pack to open water. Bay, the Burton Island reached 70deg S/105deg W on February 13, and began Added to the complications of break probing the margin of the pack ice in ing out of the ice pack was the illness overcast, foggy weather. She used her of one of the crew who developed sus helicopters for reconnaissance before pected appendicitis on the voyage north. moving into the pack. As there was no doctor aboard the Bur Satellite photographs showed a large ton Island a call for help was sent to area of open water between the coast and the Glacier. On her way round the An the 20-mile wide band of pack ice. Aerial tarctic Peninsula she picked up the doc photography revealed later the group of tor at Palmer Station on Anvers Island. islands at the entrance to Pine Island When the two icebreakers rendez Bay. voused, the doctor was flown to the Bur With the aid of the ship's two heli ton Island. He decided that there was copters aerial and ground surveys were no need for an immediate operation on made of two practically ice-free islands, the sick man. Soon after the two ice and adjacent areas. On one island there breakers were called on to assist the Gen was a large penguin rookery, and the eral San Martin.

South Georgia stamps bring £4500

A block of 30 Falkland Islands sur the needs of the local post office at charged 2d stamps sent from South Grytviken. The postmaster took his own Georgia in 1923 by a young ocean- measures and surcharged the stamps to ographer to his former mathematics mas the value of 2|d. Mr Deacon as he was ter was sold for £4,400 at auction in then, spent 6s 3d and sent the sur London early this year. Sir George Dea charged block to Mr I. A. G. Carpenter, con, director of the National Institute of of Leicester, with whom he shared an Oceanography from 1949 to 1971, who interest in philately. first sailed to the Antarctic at the age Mr Carpenter, who is now 90, decided of 21. bought the stamps when he was to part with his treasure, and sent the on South Georgia. block of stamps to be auctioned by a In those days South Georgia was a leading firm of stamp dealers. Falkland Islands dependency, and the South Georgia now has its own stamp whaling industry, operated mainly by issue. It is unlikely to suffer any more Norwegians, was thriving. Evidently the postal crises. Its population has now fal supply ship failed to take into account len to 22. March 1975 ANTARCTIC Scientists learn more of east Antarctic ice sheet In the last four seasons scientists of three nations have flown thousands of miles over Antarctica to learn more about the ice sheet which covers nearly 98 per cent of the continent. They have used airborne radio-echo sounding equipment to measure the thickness of the ice, to map its con tours, and to discover what lies beneath it. These aerial surveys of ice thickness up a more complete picture of the ice and base rock topography have been sheet and any unusual features. made in East Antarctica as part of the Last season's projects were conducted International Glaciological Project — a by Dr Gordon de Q. Robin, director of programme of glaciological studies of the Scott Polar Research Institute, Dr the ice sheet in which Australia, France, David Drewery, and American and the Soviet Union, and the United States Danish scientists. They flew more than participate. The ice sensing programme 80,000 miles over the continent. Areas of has been conducted by the Scott Polar particular interest were Marie Byrd Research Insitute, and has included Land, Adelie Land, the Ross Ice Shelf, scientists from the United States the Trans-antarctic Mountains, and part National Science Foundation, and the of the Polar Plateau 600 miles from Mc Technical University of Denmark. Murdo Station. In the first three seasons of ice sensing Two lakes were discovered under the the scientists discovered in East ice of the Polar Plateau in East Antarc Antarctica mountain ranges 10,000ft tica, and the bedrock was studied also. high, valleys 4000ft below sea level, and On the Marie Byrd Land missions extensive plains and lakes. Data from detailed soundings were made to find recent flights has revealed the existence how the ice was flowing towards the of three ice domes (areas of maximum Ross Ice Shelf from Byrd Station. elevation) — not one as previously Another area of investigation was the mapped. Dome C at 75deg S 125deg E glaciology of the Ross Ice Shelf. The sits on some of the world's thickest scientists used equipment developed by known ice — more than 13.776ft. Mr Chris Neal, of the Scott Polar All the ice sensing missions have been Research Institute, to study the bottom flown in a United States Navy Hercules of the ice shelf. aircraft. It is fitted with radio-echo Studies made in the 1973-74 season sounding equipment developed by the by scientists engaged in the Ross Ice Scott Polar Research Institute. The Shelf Project revealed that the glacial antennas suspended beneath its wings ice was moving in streams through the were designed and manufactured by the shelf to the edge where it melted even electromagnetic laboratory of the Tech tually. Last season use of the new nical University of Denmark. equipment enabled the scientists to Scientists have made their discoveries learn how the streaming affected the by flying low over the ice sheet — bottom layer of ice. usually about 3000ft. Radio signals are Last year the Scott Polar Research bounced back from the surface, from the Institute mapped ice contours of part of internal layers of the ice, and from the East Antarctica, using data from recent base rock. In this way it is possible to radio-echo sounding fights. With the measure and record continuously the additional information obtained last geophysical features of the ice sheet and season the institute will be able to show the shape of the continent below. Photo more details of this area, and also make mapping equipment is used also to build an initial map of Marie Byrd Land. ANTARCTIC March 1975 McMurdo Sound cod might be future source of profit Fishing for science in the icy waters of McMurdo Sound may lead eventually to fishing for profit. An American scientist who has spent the last four Antarctic summers studying freezing resistance in some fishes will try to determine next season whether there are sufficient numbers of Dis- soslichus Mawsoni, popularly known as Antarctic cod, in McMurdo Sound to support a commercial fishery.

Since the 1971-72 season Dr A. L. fishing firm will have to decide whether DeVries, of the Scripps Institution of commercial exploitation would be Oceanography, and other scientists, worthwhile. including his wife, have spent several months catching fish in McMurdo In their research last season Dr De Vries and his wife used 12 black cod Sound, fishing through holes in the annual sea ice. The fish they have caught from the Portobcllo marine station on have been used in the investigation of Otago Peninsula, near Dunedin. These the glycoprotein "anti-freeze" in fishes' fish, which are related to the Antarctic blood which allows them to exist in the cod, are found in sub-Antarctic waters. sub-zero temperatures of Antarctic They were taken south to find what waters. effect sub-zero temperatures would have on them, and whether they would Last season the scientists caught 480 synthesise their own glycoprotein. Antarctic cod, some weighing up to When the temperature in their tank at 1601b. Most of the fish were measured, McMurdo Station was lowered to that tagged, and thrown back into the sea. Next season, as an ancillary project to approaching the temperature of the his major research, Dr DeVries hopes water in McMurdo Sound, the New to catch some of the tagged fish to see Zealand cod were unable to adapt to the cold by any biological process of how fast they have grown, and whether their own. their numbers are sufficient to support a fishery. In another experiment several of the New Zealand cod were given a trans Dr DeVries says that those who have fusion of glycoprotein isolated from eaten Antarctic cod describe the taste as blood samples taken from the Antarctic being a cross between lobster and crab. cod. It was then found that when the The flavour is good, and cod cooked water temperature in the tank was after being frozen for a year tastes like lowered to minus 1.8deg, the fish were freshly caught fish. Dr DeVries has taken not distressed and were able to with 3001b of cod back to California for fur stand the cold. The low temperature was ther scientific analysis, and some of it maintained for only two days, and the will be used to test the palates of dinner scientists did not determine whether the guests. fish would retain their resistance to Commercial exploitation of the freezing for any length of time. Antarctic cod is not part of the ancillary Eight of the New Zealand black cod project. Dr DeVries says that when he are being kept alive at McMurdo has obtained an indication of the fish Station this winter. They will be used population in McMurdo Sound, some for continued research next season. March 1975

JARE 15 Yamato Mountains team finds many meteorites More than 80 meteorites were collected in the Yamato Mountains area, 300 kilometres south-south-west of Syowa Station, by a geological party towards the end of last season. Meteorites were first found in the area in 1969, and again in 1973 when they were named Yamato. This was the first time so many — 82 altogether — had been discovered at the same time. Four men of the 15th Japanese Antarc of Adelie Land. A Soviet team found tic Research Expedition (JARE 15) led two near Novalazarevskaya, on the by a geologist, Dr Keizo Yanai, left Princess Astrid Coast of Queen Maud Syowa Station on October 30 to make a Land in 1961, and an American team geological survey of the Yamato Moun found three in 1964 in the Thiel Moun tains, and to collect meteorites. They tains, and near the Neptune Range. established a base camp near the range A Japanese team found nine meteo on November 24 and began their search. rites near the Yamato Mountains in In an area extending over nine square November, 1969. Another Japanese kilometres the team found 82 meteorites, team discovered 11 in the same area in five of them more than 10 centimetres November, 1973. across. The biggest was shaped like a Dr Takeshi Nagata, director of the pumpkin. It was 20cm in diameter and National Institute of Polar Research in weighed four kilograms. Tokyo, says the concentration of All of the meteorites were scattered meteorites in the Yamato Mountains over the surface of the ice. Seventeen of area apparently resulted from a them were discovered within a radius of meteorite shower. He and other 50 metres. scientists believe the finds will be of Before the Japanese discoveries in particular value. Such snow-preserved 1969 only six meteorites had been dis specimens are kept much freer from the covered in Antarctica. One was found in natural chemical action than those on 1952 by a French team near the east the earth's surface elsewhere. Future cost of V.S. research Financial cuts in the United States the dedication of the new Amundsen- Antarctic research programme might be Scott South Pole Station. He said that necessary this year. Inflation and the pre the development of energy sources such sent recession might make the cuts neces as solar and geothermal power had taken sary, but Dr H. Guyford Stcver, director of the National Science Foundation, says a large part of the N.S.F. total budget it is hoped to maintain the present level last year of about $750 million, and the of expenditure. Last year the National Antarctic programme had been hard hit Science Foundation spent between S28 by the oil embargo. But if restrictions million and $30 million on research in were imposed this year they would be the Antarctic. made on a percentage basis over the Dr Stever was in Christchurch early entire N.S.F. programme, and no one in January before he flew south to attend field of research would be eliminated. ^^H i ^m * ANTARCTIC March 1975

Although the National Science Found Antarctic, but Dr Stever was emphatic ation is concerned with energy research, that the N.S.F. would not determine any it is not interested in locating fuel re exploitation policy—only supply inform serves in the Antarctic for commercial ation. "If there is any threat of gas or exploitation. There are definite indi oil we immediately plug the hole," he cations of oil and natural gas in the said.

Red roses and pineapples for Antarctic Christmas Antarctic menus are no longer as simple as they were in the Heroic Age of exploration. Turkey and steak are not luxuries; fresh fruit, toma toes, lettuces, and such seasonal delicacies as oysters and crayfish are accepted without comment. Last Christmas the New Zealanders at Scott Base ate strawberries and pineapples, and there were red roses for each of the 13 women at McMurdo Station. This winter Americans on Ross Island will have trout and salmon on their menus. Scott believed at first that only a very peaches, apricots. Fijian pineapples, and simple diet was needed in the Antarctic, coconuts. and members of his first expedition had few delicacies except at Christmas and Men and women at McMurdo Station had small pine trees flown south for on Mid-winter's Day. His last expedition their white Christmas. And the 13 was far better provisioned. women had a special gift—red roses— Shackleton, however, was ahead of his delivered by an ambassador. The roses time in the way he catered for his men. were a Christmas present from the He fed them generously, for both psych United States naval support force staff ological and medical reasons. They lived at Christchurch. and they were presented like fighting cocks in the hut at Cape by the United States Ambassador to Royds, and enjoyed such gastronomic Canberra (Mr Marshall Green). treats as chicken, mushrooms, kidneys, mock turtle soup, roast veal, and bottle This winter Americans at McMurdo fruit. Station will have venison, pork, trout, and salmon to provide variety in their But except for seal meat and penguin meals. On February 18 two United breasts, none of the food was fresh. The States Navy Hercules aircraft made the early explorers' successors are more last flights of the summer season. Their fortunate. For the last 20 summers cargo included two deer, three pigs, Americans and New Zealanders have en trout, salmon, gracfruit, tangerines, let joyed fresh fruit and vegetables delivered tuces 1200 dozen eggs, 2000 gallons of by air from New Zealand 2300 miles milk, and garlic. away. New Zealanders at Scott Base had Coconuts, and scallop and oyster shells oysters and crayfish way back in 1956. were also listed on the cargo manifest. Last year the fruit and vegetables de The shells were asked for by the cook livered at Scott Base just before Christ so he could serve seafood more attract mas included a watermelon, strawberries. ively. ■ i

■■ March 1975 ANTARCTIC

SOVIET NEWS •re/- K-1 Airlift of men and cargo to main research station Scientists of the 20th Soviet Antarctic Expedition began work on the continent early in January. The expedition arrived in the supply ship Ob, and the research ships Professor Vize and Professor Zubov to take over

shausen Stations. Teams at Mirny, Vostok, and Leningradskaya Stations »fromwere the relieved winter later teams in the at Molodezhnaya,month, and early Novolazarevskaya, in February. and Belling Because of difficult ice conditions oil In the region of the Amery Ice Shelf the coast of Enderby Land, helicopters the Russians made an aerial survey of and AN2 aircraft had to lift men and the Lambert Glacier region. The pur cargo to Molodezhnaya, the main Soviet pose was to produce topographic charts research station in Antarctica, from the at scales of 1:100,000 and 1:200,000. Ob and the Professor Vize. They made Geological mapping was carried out scores of difficult flights, carrying the over an area of 30,000 square kilometres new team and more than 200 tons of in the north-western area of the Prince urgent cargo more than 100 kilometres. Charles Mountains. Since the relief operation IL14 aircraft To study the sub-glacial relief and have made the first flights to the Cher- glacier depths complex geophysical maker Oasis in Queen Maud Land, to studies were made on the Amery Ice Bereg Pravdy, and to Vostok Station. At Shelf and the Lambert Glacier, and ad Mirny preparations were made for a new jacent slopes of the Polar Plateau. The sledge and tractor expedition into the area covered was 65,000 square kilo interior of the continent. metres, and the studies included gravi- Near Molodezhnaya observations have metry, magnetometry, and seismic sound begun on a new glaciological testing ing. ground, and a site for an automatic radio An aeromagnetic survey was made of meteorological station has been chosen the coasts of Enderby Land and Mac- near Mount Lechebny. Data from the Robertson Land along the line of Longi planned programme of aero-meteorologi tude 52deg to 68 deg E. and of Princess cal and other scientific work at Molo Elizabeth Land along the line of Longi dezhnaya is being processed by the sta tude 82deg to 86deg E. The survey was tion's Minsk 32 computer. made for surface and sub-glacial geo More details of scientific research car logical mapping over an area of 380,000 ried out in the 1973-74 season arc given square kilometres. in the U.S.S.R. national report to the Soviet geologists collected 1200 speci Special Committee for Antarctic Re mens of minerals for laboratory studies. search by the Soviet Commitee on They worked in Mac-Robertson Land on Antarctic Research. Report No. 16 re Mounts Maguire, Stinear, Dummct, fers to radio-location measurements of Ruker. and Reinbolt. They made a leaf glacier thicknesses between the Amery by leaf description of vertical sections of Ice Shelf-Mirny-thc Pole of Inaccessibil metamorphic strata of green slate, amphi ity where the Russians had a temporary bolic, and granulitic facies in the area station in 1958—Amery Ice Shelf. Snow to a total depth of about 12,000 metres. measurements and meteorological obser Their studies will enable them to deter vations were also made during the sum mine the stratigraphy, substance compo mer traverses between Mirny and Vostok. sition, and metamorphic conditions. yx:'cA[$tf>.<:~ ANTARCTIC THE READER WRITES Sidelights of Antarctic Research Letters, preferably not longer than 5 to 600 words, are invited from readers who have observed some little-known facet of Antarctic life or have reached conclusions of interest on some Antarctic problem — Editor

OVER AND UNDER The less elaborate publications, which have appeared intermittently at different Sir,—Can something be done to re bases during the last 50 years, are worthy move Antarctic cliches from the reports of preservation if any survive. The Scott of scientific activities on the continent? Polar Research Institute has one copy of Radio, television, and the newspapers are the rare Adelie Annual produced by Sir the worst offenders, probably because Raymond Priestley at Cape Adare. Per they accept the language used by those haps in Lyttelton or Christchurch there who work in Antarctic each summer. might still be a copy or copies of an Publications like "Antarctic," the "Polar other rare bird—the "Antarctic Petrel," Record," and the United Slates "Antarc produced on board the Nimrod during tic Journal," do their best to avoid popu her voyage from London to Lyttelton lar jargon. But to the media the winter in 1907. Captain Rupert England was night is always long, the South Pole is the editor, the ship's surgeon. Dr W. A. at the bottom of the world, and the con R. Michell. was the sub-editor, and the tinent is always frozen. But the worst sketches were drawn by the biologist, expression of all is used to describe the James Murray. On the cover of the first men who remain in the Antarctic for number is a drawing of a petrel, and on the winter. They "winter over." "Once the first page are a photograph of mem upon a time they could be said to "win bers of the expedition, and a drawing of ter under"—an equally objectionable ex King Edward VII by Seaman V. Berry. pression. With the closing of the old Among the contributions is an article on Byrd Station, and the construction of the birds of the Southern Ocean illustrated new South Pole station, "wintering by Murray. It is not yet too late to begin under" is no longer possible. a search for this modest publication. There is only one resting place for it— Yours etc.. the national Antarctic centre of the Can GIVE THEM SOCKS terbury Museum. Yours etc.. A RARE BIRD JAMES PIGG

Sir,—Newspapers produced in the Antarctic and ships on their way south usually have a short life and a limited circulation. The Antarctic productions appear one winter, and are forgotten the next. There are exceptions—the issues of the "South Polar Times" produced by Shackleton and Cherry-Garrard during Scott's two expeditions, and Shackleton's book, "Aurora Australis." But the "South Polar Times" was reprinted later by English publishers in permanent form OBITUARY Sir Philip Brocklehurst served with Shackleton Two disappointments—one of them minor—were among the Antarctic- experiences of Sir Philip Brocklehurst, the last survivor of Shackleton's first expedition in 1907-09, who died in England on January 28 at the age of 87. Because of badly frost-bitten feet he had to be left behind by his five companions on the first ascent of Mount Erebus in 1908, and failed to reach the summit. Then the effects of the frostbite ruled him out of his promised place in Shackleton's team for the attempt to reach the South

But this bitter disappointment and his he was selected as an assistant geologist injuries did did not not prevent prevent Brocklehurst Brocklehurst he prepared himself for his task by tak- from playing playing a a full full part part in in the the expedi expedi- ing courses in geological and survey tion's activities. activities. He He was was a a member member of of work, and also undertook to help with the western geological geological party party which which ex ex- the ponies. plored the the Taylor Taylor Valley Valley and and ascended ascended Sir Raymond Priestley, who died last the Ferrar Ferrar Glacier, Glacier, and and took took part part in in a a year, was a year older than Brockle- gcologicalgeological reconnaissance reconnaissance towards towards the the hurst. They were the two youngest northern slopes slopes of Erebus. of Erebus. members of the expedition, and Shackle- Brocklchurst,Brocklehurst, who who was was one one of of the the ton gave them special attention because youngest members members of of the the expedition—he expedition—he he was not sure how they would react was only 20 when he left England— to the peculiar conditions of life in the was born born at at Swythamley Swythamley Park, Park, the the family family Antarctic. He kept a close but unob- seatscat in in Staffordshire. Staffordshire. He He was was educated educated trusive watch on them until he was at Eton and Trinity Trinity Hall, Hall, Cambridge. Cambridge. satisfied that they were settling down. In 1905 1905 and and 1906 1906 he he boxed boxed for for Cam Cam- Brocklehurst had his 21st birthday in bridge as as a a lightweight, lightweight, and and it it was was be be- the Antarctic, but there were no cele- cause of Shackleton's strong interest in brations. On the night of March 7, 1908. the sport that the two met in London he was confined to his tent in a camp in 1906. 1906. at 8750ft on Erebus by a fierce blizzard. Shackleton, at at this this stage, stage, saw saw his his ex ex- There was no birthday cake for the pedition chiefly as as an an attack attack on on the the occasion, only a biscuit and a cake of South Pole, and and he he promised promised to to include include chocolate in 36 hours. Brocklehurst in the party of six which would make the attempt. There seems FIRST ASCENT little doubt that Shackleton. in making Two parties left the hut at Cape his promise, was influenced by Lady Royds on March 5 to make the first Brocklehurst's guarantee of help when ascent of Erebus. They had food, ice- he had to put the idea of an expedition axes, and crampons, but no knowledge aside for lack of funds. of the conditions they would meet on the slopes of the volcano or at its sum SPORTING EVENT mit. To the young undergraduate an attack The main party, which carried food on the South Pole was a sporting event for 10 days, was led by Edgeworth —like Shackleton he was a romantic David. With him were Mawson and rather than a scientific explorer—and he Mackay—these three were the first to remained interested in the plans. When reach the South Magnetic Pole. ANTARCTIC March 1975

In the supporting party were Adams p.m. with Brocklehurst carrying his own (as leader), Marshall, and Brocklehurst. pack. -He had to be helped on the way carrying additional stores. They had down to the March 7 depot but was able provisions for only six days, but were to carry on to the hut at Cape Royds told by Shackleton they could attack which the party reached on March 11. the summit of Erebus if Adams thought Originally Shackleton intended to have it could be done. He thought it could. a party of six for the attempt to reach Hauling an lift sledge with a load of the Pole, and Brocklehurst had been 5601b, the six novice climbers reached earmarked for the journey. In the early 5,630ft on the night of March 6. The stages of planning Adams and Marshall next morning it was decided all six also seemed likely to go. men would make an attempt on the But the frostbite which kept Brockle summit. The sledge was left with a por hurst from the summit of Erebus ruled tion of its load, and the party pushed him out of the extended sledging jour on, each man carrying a 401b pack. ney. Marshall had to amputate his big toes on April 6, and because the Antarc FIERCE BLIZZARD tic temperatures made wounds slow to On the night of March 7 the party heal, he had to rest until just before camped in a rock ravine at 8.750ft. A Mid-winter's Day. fierce south-easterly blizzard which de Shackleton was forced to make his veloped during the night forced them to final choice of the Pole party mainly on camp. When Brocklehurst crawled out medical grounds. Also with only four of the three-man sleeping bag. he lost a ponies left the number had to be re wolfskin mitt, and the force of the wind duced from six to four. Brocklehurst swept him some way down the ravine. was bitterly disappointed but cheerfully By this time Brocklehurst. who wore accepted Shackleton's decision that he ski boots for the climb, felt the cold was not fit to make an extended journey, attacking his feet. He did not think it because of the loss of his toe, and his was serious enough to change into fin- health after the operation. nesko. Early on the morning of March 9 the SUPPORT PARTY six men resumed the ascent. By noon But Brocklehurst shared fully in the they were only 800ft below the rim of the main crater. During the day Brockle preparations for the southern journey. hurst suffered from altitude sickness. On September 19, he, Bernard Day, and That night the party camped 50ft be Adams, took the Antarctica's pioneer low the crater rim on the north-west motor-car and a sledge carrying 7501bs side of the main cone. Brocklehurst of stores to with a quarter of a mile of asked Marshall to examine his feet be Glacier Tongue. The Arrol-Johnston, hauling supplies for the party going to cause he had lost all feeling in them. the Western Mountains, covered 30 miles They were found to have been frost bitten for some hours. Both big toes at speeds of three to 15 miles an hour across the sea ice in McMurdo Sound. were black, and four more toes were frostbitten. When Shackleton's motor transport Circulation was restored with great led off the great journey early on Octo ber 29, taking the sledges on to the bay difficulty, and Brocklehurst was given dry socks and finnesko stuffed with scnne- ice, Brocklehurst was in the supporting grass. Then he was left in the three-man party with Day, Joyce. Armytage, Mars- bag while the other five explored the old ton, and Priestley. The car reached crater. Glacier Tongue, but was halted by soft snow, and Brocklehurst and Priestley RETURN JOURNEY helped Day to take it back to Cape The next morning the same five Royds. crossed the floor of the old crater and November 3 saw the real start of the reached the edge of the active crater. iourney towards the Pole. Before the They began the return journey at 3 two parties left Hut Point Brocklehurst March 1975 ANTARCTIC photographed Shackleton's group with its NO SIGN OF PARTY sledge flags and Queen Alexandra's party. There was still no sign of it on Union Jack flying. January 11 so they went north along the Although the Southern Party and the coast to the Taylor Valley. On January supporting party took it in turns with 14 they returned to Butter Point. the man-hauling, the men could not In accordance with Shackleton's in equal the ponies, and Shackleton decided structions the three men camped at But to send the supporting party back ter Point to await the Magnetic Pole earlier. On the return journey to Hut party. They had been told to stay until Point Brocklehurst had another attack January 25, and then make contact with of frostbite. He was wearing ski boots the Nimrod or return to Cape Royds. again while the others had finnesko, and had trouble with his feet for some time By January 23 the party was in a des afterwards. perate position. The firm ice near Butter Point on which they had camped the RETURN TO EREBUS night before was adrift and moving north to the open sea. As Priestley re Less than a fortnight after the support corded in his diary, the party had 15 ing party returned to Cape Royds days' provisions and oil (half rations), Brocklehurst was on his way back to and one chance in a thousand of being Erebus. He and his companions, Mur picked up by the Nimrod. ray, Priestley, Marston, and Joyce, set out on November 23 to make a geologi But at 11.30 p.m. Brocklehurst looked cal reconnaissance towards the northern out of the tent to see if they was any slopes of the mountain. change. He was amazed to see their floe A threatened blizzard, which had de within a few hundred yards of the fast layed their departure, blew up while the ice. By 4 a.m. the next morning the floe men were camped with one tent on had touched the fast ice at Butter Point. Misery Nunatak, five miles from Cape The men rushed over the floe to the Royds. They spent three miserable days in the crowded tent, and abandoned the fast ice. Then they moved to Butter ascent. Point, had a meal, and slept. Next morn Brocklehurst's last journey was to the ing there was open water where the floe western mountains of South Victoria had been. And 10 or 12 miles out was Land. Day and Marston took the West the Nimrod. ern Party 16 miles in the car—its last Priestley used his shaving mirror as Antarctic journey — on December 1. a heliograph to signal the ship. An Then Brocklehurst, Armytage, and Priest hour's flashing brought a reply, and later ley sledged on to the foot of the Ferrar in the afternoon the party was picked Glacier and Butter Point. up. Afer leaving more food for the Mag netic Pole Party at the Butter Point WAR SERVICE depot the three men sledged back to Cape Royds. They then loaded up five Brocklehurst, who held a commission weeks food for themselves, and set off in the Derbyshire Yeomanry before he again on December 9. During their went to the Antarctic, served in the 1st journey they ascended the Ferrar Glac Life Guards during the First World ier, explored the Kukri Hills, and dis War, was wounded, and rose to the rank covered a large, open, moraine-strewn of lieutenant-colonel. Later he was at valley, the Taylor Valley of the modern tached to the Egyptian Army from 1918 map. There Brocklehurst climbed to the to 1920. In the Second World War he top of New Harbour Heights (Mt commanded the 2nd Regiment, Arab Barnes). Legion Desert Mechanised Brigade, from When the party returned to the Butter 1941 to 1942. Then he was with the Point depot on New Year's Day, 1909. British Council in Palestine and Trans- there was no sign of the Magnetic Pole jordan from 1943 to 1944. ANTARCTIC March 1975 Hugh Blackwall Evans was last of the ten men of Cape Adare Seventy-five years ago Hugh Blackwall Evans was one of the first men to spend a winter on the Antarctic Continent. On February 8 the last of the 10 members of Borchgrevink's Southern Cross Expedition of 1898-99, died in hospital at Vermilion, Alberta, less than three months after his 100th birthday. He had been in bad health most of last year but maintained his interest in Arctic and Antarctic affairs to the end. Evans was the oldest of the handful When he returned to England Evans of survivors of the Heroic Age of ex hoped to join the National Antarctic ploration in Antarctica. Although he Expedition but because of delays he spent nearly all his life in Canada, he went back to Canada. Because of was born in Aylburton, England, on domestic responsibilities he was unable November 19, 1874. the son of the Rev. to go south again in the relief ship Edward Evans. Morning under the command of Wil After several years in Canada, where liam Colbcck, a close friend who was he went at the age of 16, Evans returned with him at Cape Adare. to England in 1897. Then he went to For many years Evans farmed in Australia and joined a sealing expedi Canada. He retired to Vermilion, and tion to Kerguelon Island where he spent after his wife died in 1968 at the age 11 weeks. of 91, he was cared for devotedly by his When he returned to England Evans eldest daughter, Miss Eleanor Evans. joined Borchgrevink's expedition as an She and her sister, Mrs Jessie Stephen, assistant zoologist on the strength of his helped to nurse their father during his last illness. life-long interest in taxidermy. He was one of the 10 men who landed at Cape Hugh Evans celebrated his 100th Adare on February 17, 1899, and re birthday in hospital, but his daughters mained there until February, 1900. and the stall, and friends all over the world made it a happy occasion. The As Borchgrevink and L. C. Bernacchi Queen sent the traditional telegram for relate in their books, Evans had some those who reach 100, and personal narrow escapes from death during the greetings were received from well- winter. He was the man who helped to wishers in Britain, New Zealand. Aus maintain the party's morale by his ap tralia, the United States. Norway, South parently unlimited fund of stories which Africa, and the Soviet Union. he told on stormy days. And when Nico- Miss Evans recalled later two gifts lai Hanson, the zoologist, became ill, which gave her father the greatest plea Evans took on the zoological work and sure. One was a recording of the music taxidermy. of the barrel organ which Parry took to After the Southern Cross picked up the Arctic aboard the Hecla in 1819 the nine men left at Cape Adare—Han when he attempted to make the North son had died on October 14, she sailed west Passage. The other came from the towards McMurdo Sound. Evans was writer, L. Harrison Matthews. one of seven men who landed on Frank It was a card which had on it a hand- lin Island. drawn Emperor penguin with a crown Later, when the Southern Cross bearing the figure 100, suspended above skirled the Ross Ice Barrier, a small its head, and the dates 1874 and 1974 in party—Bernacchi, Fougner. Johanscn. colour on either side. An inscription Evans—made a short sledge journey below read: "To Hugh Blackwall Evans over the ice to Latitude 74deg 34min S —the Emperor of the Antarctic." "ANTARCTIC" is published quarterly in March. June, September, and December. It is the only periodical in the world which gives regular up-to-date news of the Antarctic activities of all the nations at work in the far South. It has a world-wide circulation. Yearly subscription for non-members of the Antarctic Society NZ$3.50. Overseas NZ$4.50. includes postage (air mail postage extra), single copies $1.00. Details of back issues available may be obtained from the Secretary, New Zealand Antarctic Society (Inc.), P.O. Box 1223, Christchurch, New Zealand. Overseas subscribers are asked to ensure that their remittances are converted to New Zealand currency.

The New Zealand Antarctic Society (Inc.)

The New Zealand Antarctic Society was formed in 1933. It comprises New Zealanders and overseas friends, many of whom have seen Antarctica for themselves, and all of whom are vitally interested in some phase of Antarctic exploration, development, or research. The society has taken an active part in restoring and maintaining the historic huts in the Ross Dependency, and plans to co-operate in securing suitable locations as repositories of Polar material of unique interest. There are two branches of the society and functions are arranged throughout the year. You are invited to become a member. South Island residents should write to the Canterbury secretary, North Islanders should write to the Wellington secretary, and overseas residents to the secretary of the New Zealand Society. For addresses see below. The yearly membership fee is NZ$3.00 (or equivalent local currency). Membership fee, including "Antarctic", NZ$5.00.

New Zealand Secretary ■'I'^ftl&ri Mrs B. Hale. P.O. Box 1223, Christchurch.

Branch Secretaries Canterbury: Mrs E. F. Cross, P.O. Box 404, Christchurch. Wellington: Mr G. D. Sylvester, P.O. Box 2110, Wellington. :'i:'^^v^"J' H . : j ■ I _;:;j

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Printed at the Raven Press, 241 Cashel Street, Christchurch