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H.M.N.Z.S. ENDEAVOUR about to tie up in Winter Quarters Bay. On right, Vince's Cross and Scott's hut.

J. Calvert photo.

MARCH, 1965 AUSTRALIA Winter and Summer bases Scott- S u m m e r b a s e o n l y t H a l l e f t "cton NEW ZEALAND Transferred base Wilkes UStcAust Temporarily non -operational. .KSyowa TASMANIA

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DRAWN BY DEPARTMENT OF LANDS 1 SURVEY WELLINGTON, NEW ZEALAND, MAR.I9l»4- 1 " . " E D I T I O N m ilHl^IBS^IKB^k (Successor to "Antarctic News Bulletin")

MARCH, 1965

Editor: L. B. Quartermain, M.A., 1 Ariki Road, Wellington, E.2, New Zealand. Business Communications, Subscriptions, etc., to: Secretary, New Zealand Antarctic Society, P.O. Box 2110, Wellington, N.Z.

CONTENTS

EXPEDITIONS New Zealand The Central Nimrod Geological Expedition: M. G. Laird Victoria University Research in Ice-free Areas: W. M. Prebble The D-region Project: J. B. Gregory France United States First Leg of Traverse Australia Belgium-Holland U.S.S.R South Africa United Kingdom Japan Sub-Antarctic Islands British South Georgia Expedition Big Ben Conquered Special Articles: Hallett Closed Antarctic Stations—I. Mawson Measuring Depth of Ice by Radar The Weddell Seal Population of McMurdo Sound: M. S. R. Smith One More Frontier Crossed We Should Have Helicopters: H. S. Gair More Veterans Pass The Reader Writes Bookshelf March, 1965 NEW ZEALAND RESEARCH TEAMS SPEND BUSY SUMMER

podes Island to Campbell Island. "ENDEAVOUR" The cruise ended on February 5. H.M.N.Z.S. "Endeavour" has this season completed three cruises, two Continuous echo sounding records to McMurdo and one in sub-Antarctic were obtained, and at each station waters. thesamples benthic of the (bottom surface living) sediment animals and The U.S. tanker turned N.Z. sup were trawled. A number of sediment ply ship left Lyttelton on December 6 cores were also taken for a study of loaded with 30 tons of general stores the history of sedimentation in this for , five tons of cool area. stores, a tractor, a generator and a sno-trac vehicle, as well as her main Landings were made on Enderby load of fuel oil for the U.S. Antarctic Island in the Auckland Islands, and Programme. Five days later, 900 on Antipodes Island. Shore parties miles south of Bluff, she transferred banded nesting albatrosses, obtained 12,000 gallons of fuel and 38 bags of geological specimens and collected mail to the weather-picket ship U.S.S. interlidal animals. The castaway "Mills". This was done during snow depot on Antipodes Island was in squalls and in rough seas. good order and has apparently not The first ice was sighted the fol been visited since November 1962 when a party from N.Z.O.I. stayed lowing day. It grew progressively overnight. A brief call was made to thicker, with occasional patches of collect mail and specimens from open water but the ship steadily worked south till she met the ice Campbell Island where the hospi breaker "Glacier" off . tality of the Leader and personnel of the Meteorological party was greatly "Glacier" was joined by "Staten appreciated by both oceanographers Island" and the two and ship's company. made a passage for the final leg to an anchorage at Hut Point, onh 200 ft. The echo soundings have given from Scott's historic hut. This was new information on the morphology on December 18. Christmas was cele of the Bounty-Antipodes area. The brated alongside the ice. Bounty Islands stand on a broad The homeward voyage began on shallow platform which slopes gently December 22 and ended at Lyttelton down, while Antipodes Island rises on the last doy of the year. abruptly from deep water. The two groups are separated from the 200 to OCEANOGRAPHIC CRUISE 300 fathom depths of the Campbell The vessel left again on January 11 Plateau by minimum depths of on a purely scientific mission, an almost 600 fathoms. oceanographic cruise in the sub- Together with previous ones, this Antarctic. cruise has given sufficient knowledge [We are indebted to Mr. I. N. Estcourt, of the distribution of benthic animals leader on the cruise, for this note.] on the Campbell Plateau to allow On this cruise the northern and useful comparative studies. Once the eastern parts of the Campbell Plateau animals have been identified their were studied by the N.Z. Oceano relationships with faunas of other graphic Institute. Stations were areas will be studied, both from the worked along lines from the Snares viewpoint of the origin and relation Islands to Port Ross in the Auckland ships of the New Zealand marine Islands, from Snares to the Antipodes fauna, and by detailed comparison and Bounty Islands, and from Anti with other local areas such as the March, 1965

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NEW ZEALAND NAVY DIVERS examine the under-ice world in McMurdo Sound. J. Calvert photo.

Chatham Rise which have similar SKIN DIVERS depths and sediments. The "Endeavour" clivers wore "wet Thanks are due to Commander suits" specially designed for use in Silk and the ship's company for their Antarctic waters. As is usual, they are of sponge-rubber and absorb co-operation and interest in making water which is warmed by body heat this cruise a success. and becomes an insulation against the cold; but these special suits are of a more flexible and slightly thin THIRD CRUISE ner material and fit closer to the "Endeavour" arrived at McMurdo body. on February 21 and left again for TRITIUM CONTENT New Zealand on February 23 carry- Following up Claude Taylor's study support staff. She of the tritium content of Antarctic ach Lyttelton on snow, Judd flew to the March 3. and Prebble to Byrd late in January to collect snow samples. MUCH IN A NAME RETIREMENT Mr. G. W. Markham, who has One of the weather observers to be been Superintendent of the Antarctic stationed at Wilkes this year is Mark Division since its formation, is to J. Forecast. retire shortly. March, 1965 THE CENTRAL GEOLOGICAL EXPEDITION

by M. G. LAIRD

The prime purpose of this expedi ing no sign of us, the plane returned tion was to solve several geological to McMurdo Sound and tried again problems which had been raised by later, this time with more success. earlier work in the general area, and With the party finally assembled, also incidentally to fill in gaps in and a depot containing seven weeks' previous mapping. I had prior gen supply of food and fuel set up at the eral knowledge of the region from put-in site, we headed north on Nov a trip south in the summer of 1960— ember 12 to a massif ten miles away 61, and felt that the unexplored to begin work. We found that the northern and western portions of the toboggans were relatively sluggish at Holyoake Range, together with the the high altitude and it took us two equally unknown Cobham and Swith- hours to reach our destination. inbank Ranges would be the most After two days geologizinp here, we likely areas to supply the answers. returned to the depot, picked up I felt that it was also important to some food and fuel, and headed compare the rocks on both sides of south along the western flanks of the Nimrod Glacier, so the western Cobham Range. A week was spent side of the Queen Elizabeth Range to examining Cobham Range and nuna- the south of the Nimrod Glacier was taks to the west. We had hoped to thrown in for good measure. The visit Half-Dome Nunatak to the total added up to an area of nearly south-west of Cobham Range, but a 3,000 square miles, which was to be very bad field prevented studied in some detail. For this pur this. pose the party had at its disposal two motor tobaggans and four CREVASSE FIELDS After returning to the depot, we sledges. sledged 30 miles down the Prince We had originally hoped to begin Phillip Glacier to Cambrian Bluff, a field work on November 1, but for locality I had visited briefly on my various reasons a start was delayed previous trip four years ago. The until November 10. On this date John previously unvisited western side of Chappell (geologist) and I, together the Holyoake Range was examined with a toboggan and food supplies on this trip, together with the eastern were flown by Dakota to a landing side of the Cobham Range. The site at 6,500 ft. on the Polar Plateau, Prince Phillip Glacier gave us our four miles north of the northern end first experience of crevasse fields, of Cobham Range. This site had been but the motor toboggans seemed to selected for put-in on a reconnais handle well and there were sance flight carried out earlier. An no accidents. We flagged much of the other plane carrying the other two route down the glacier to make our members of the party, Graham Man- return trip easier, and this, coupled sergh (geologist) and Dave Massam with much probing of crevasse lids (mechanic/field assistant), left an and route finding, made our progress hour after us, but did not turn up slow. for another eighteen hours. Because While we were still camped at the the weather had closed in slightly southern end of the Prince Phillip the pilot had missed the entrance to Glacier John Chappell fell sick. His the Nimrod Glacier and instead condition did not improve after sev flown up a glacier, later tentatively eral days so the decision was taken identified as the Lennox-King. Find to have him flown out to Scott Base March, 1965

to recover. A plane carrying the welcomed by the party, as we all felt Geologists Range party into the field we had earned a rest. However, the on November 28 was diverted on its whiteout lasted on and off for ten homeward trip to pick him up. John days, causing even the least energetic was strapped in his sleeping bags on members of the party to be impa to the top of a sledge load, cushioned tient to be off once again. In fact, by a lilo, and we returned up the during the whiteout period, constant glacier to the put-in site to await the watch was kept for the rare clear plane, the 30-mile trip being accom intervals, and these were used to plished in 5lA hours. Brian Ahem, advantage to move to a fresh camp Scott Base carpenter, was flown in site area where we could geologi/.e as field assistant. once more. In this sporadic mariner we covered the rest of the snowfield FOSSIL WOOD and recrossed the Starshot Glacier a few miles above the Starshot , The depot was then shifted to the the glacier crossing itself being car vicinity of the northern extension of ried out in a near whiteout. the Holyoake Range, and the of this area completed. This included It had been intended to cover on an ascent of the 10,630 ft. Mt. Hunt, foot the 12 to 15 miles down the the highest mountain of the area. north-western side of the Starshot Several other lesser peaks were also icefalls, but the continuing bad climbed in the course of the work, weather and consequent shortage of the highest being a 9,000 ft. peak four time prevented this. Instead, when miles north of Mt. Hunt. One of the the weather cleared on December 18 more interesting features of this we moved back up the Starshot latter climb was our discovery of Glacier to our depot. Here we spent fossilized wood, approximately 270 a couple of days geologizing before million years old, near the summit. selecting a pick-up site in the upper On Mt. Hunt sandstone containing Starshot Glacier on the 20th. thin coal seams of the same age rested on top of ancient glacial gra TOBOGGAN TROUBLE vels. Having completed the geology in this area, we moved the depot While we were in the process of completing the local geological work, northwards into the Starshot Glacier, one of the motor toboggans broke and travelled south-east into a large down, fortunately only VA miles snowfield separating the Holyoake from the camp, and it was discovered from the Surveyors Range. This that the body had broken in half locality also proved very fruitful laterally, rendering the machine un geologically, the rocks consisting usable. On examination, the other mainlv of limestone from which in toboggan showed similar cracking, many places we were able to collect the coral-like 600 million year old rendering it dangerous to use, so, having examined all the rocks within fossils called Archaeocyathihe. a 10-mile radius, we were effectively immobilized until the plane came in, LONG WHITEOUT an event which did not occur until For the four weeks from put-in December 28. A replacement tobog until this time the weather had been gan and bracing plates for the dam cold (up to -26°C.) but fine, and we aged one were flown in on this date. frequently worked around the clock Graham Mansergh was scheduled to complete a particular section. We to return to New Zealand at this all suffered from frost-bite during point, and as John Chappell was still this period. From December 8 on, not well enough to be returned to the however, the weather changed for field, this left me as sole geologist to the worse, and we were dogged by complete the work on the southern frequent whiteouts for the rest of the side of the Nimrod Glacier. Three period until we were transferred geologists were still working in south of the Nimrod Glacier. The Geologists Range, however, and it first day of whiteout was actually was decided to transfer Murray March, 1965

Gregory (geologist) from this party the north of the Nimrod Glacier to mine, replacing him by a field being found to continue here as assistant. At the time of the change bands of white, cream, and grey over Brian Ahem was flown back to marble. With the weather remaining base to resume his interrupted duties almost constantly fine, we completed as carpenter, and Dave Lowe (field the work in this area in a fortnight. assistant) was flown out in his place. On January 13 we were airlifted back to Scott Base, and flown from Mc MORE CREVASSES Murdo Sound to Harewood on Janu ary 16-17, having achieved almost all The reconstituted party was then of our objectives on a highly success flown 70 miles south across the Nim ful trip. rod Glacier to the vicinity of the Queen Elizabeth Range. Unfortun ately for a variety of reasons we DOG-SLEDGING could not be landed at any of the sites previously selected on the basis The other members of the Southern of air photographs, and we were Party, P. Le Couteur (leader, geolo instead landed in the Marsh Glacier. gist), M. R. Gregory and R. G. The other plane with the two Daves Adamson (geologists), and W. R. and half the gear aboard landed first, Lucy (surveyor), were air-lifted with and we watched with horror from two dog teams on November 28 to above as a line of crevasses opened the head of the Nimrod Glacier, and up behind it as it landed. Our pilot spent six weeks carrying out geologi showed disapproval of the landing cal mapping of the Geologists Range, site, and flew four miles farther up a line of peaks inland from the Ross the glacier, finally landing rather in approximately 82° 30' S., harshly on a bump-covered slope on the edge of the Polar Plateau. after prolonged previous reconnais sance from the air. From a distance The geologists found seams of we watched the other plane make a poor-quality coal. Lucy gathered data rather miraculous take-off, and a for topographic maps of the area. short while later our plane had also The dogs performed well in an unloaded and was airborne. area which ranges in altitude from As we had already had a long day, 5,000 to 7,000 feet. Each dog-team and the visibility had deteriorated, pulled a load of up to 1,5001b. over we decided to sleep the night where ground which varied from soft snow we were. When Murray and I re to hard sastrugi. In an effort to joined the rest of our party next day, collect one section of their geological we found them camped in the middle samples the party had to make a of a complex crevasse-field, with the 12-mile return journey across_ a crevasses so close together that our heavily-crevassed area. For 18 miles tent in fact had to be pitched over of the trek they had to wear cram a two-foot wide slot. We discovered pons. that the plane had opened up 14 crevasses on landing and take-off, Lucy's team, the nine dogs total and had come to rest over a bridged ling 850 lb., had been trained by him 10-foot wide crevasse where it un at Scott Base during last winter. loaded. The party returned to Scott Base By the time we had extricated on January 14. ourselves from this predicament, had negotiated two more crevasse fields in the Princess Anne Glacier, and dis covered a sledge route up to the An INDEX for volume 3 is being Cotton Plateau, four days had passed prepared. Details of binding arrange without any geology being carried ments will be published as soon as out. However, the rest of the period the index is completed. Subscribers spent there was very rewarding should make sure NOW that their geologically, the limestone belts to volume of 12 issues is complete. March, 1965 VICTORIA UNIVERSITY RESEARCH IN ICE FREE AREAS

by W. M. PREBBLE

The ninth Victoria University of D. Palmer (Geologist). Wellington Antarctic Expedition was F. Schafer (Technician). the largest and most varied so far Dr. D. O. Zimmerman, University mounted by the university. A seven- of Auckland (Geologist). man party was maintained in the Baker became Deputy Leader after field, but altogether twelve men were Hoare's departure at the end of his involved including geologists, physi work at Lake Vanda. Upon the de cists, a biologist and technicians. parture from the field by Baker The large number of men was re during phase two, Bell was appointed quired to cope with the many Deputy Leader. Each person had dis specialised problems that were inves tinct scientific tasks to perform, but tigated in selected ice-free areas there was, of course, a great deal of south and west of McMurdo Sound. familiarisation by each member out After eleven weeks in the field, the side his own field and everyone soon expedition was satisfied that its became able to participate in all achievements exceeded the most aspects of the expedition's work. optimistic expectations. Normally, the party divided each day into two or three groups working on This year the expedition's pro different projects, but occasionally gramme was divided into two dis split up into elements which were tinct phases, requiring a partial detached for a few days and which change in personnel to cope with the kept in close contact by daily radio varied problems which would be communication. studied at different localities and at different times. Phase one, the first PHASE ONE part of the summer, included Lake Phase one personnel arrived at Vanda (Wright ), Black Island Scott Base on November 13, and a and Brown Peninsula. Phase two, the couple of clays later Hoare, Baker second part of the summer, included and Bell were in the field at Lake the Koettlitz-Blue Glacier region and Vanda. They were there to repeat Taylor Valley. The team was: measurements made by VUWAE 8 in order to determine the stability of Phases one and two: the convection cells system in the W. M. Prebble (Leader/Geologist). lake, and to obtain additional inform A. N. Baker (Biologist). ation for determining the convection R. A. I. Bell (Physicist). patterns within individual cells. They Phase one only: also planned to study planktonic life R. A. Hoare (Deputy Leader/ known to exist in Lake Vanda, and Physicist). to carry out geophysical investiga Dr. P. Vella (Scientific Leader/ tions of the immediate surrounding Geologist). countryside. J. W. Cole (Geologist). TO BLACK ISLAND A. O. Frame (Technician). Dr. A. Ewart, N.Z. Geological Sur Vella, Cole and Ewart moved by helicopter to Black Island on the vey, who joined the expedition 18th, after spending some days at for work on Black Island. Scott Base studying the geology of Phase two only: in the Scott Professor J. Bradley (Scientific Base-McMurdo area; a familiarisa Leader/Geologist). tion which was useful in later geo- March, 1965

logical work. Prebble and Frame and Bell at Miers Lake on December remained at Scott Base until all the 28. Phase two swung into action with expedition's cargo had arrived from the immediate celebration of a New Zealand. When it had, a resup- slightly belated Christmas dinner. ply was taken to the Vanda party on Work proceeded in the Koettlitz for November 23 and Prebble and Frame the next two weeks. Journeys were joined their companions on Black made by various members in the Island the same day. Also accom course of their work north to Gar plished in this move was the em wood Valley and south to beyond placement of a large supply clump Walcott Bay. The Japanese Antarctic on Brown Peninsula, for use later in Research Expedition, led by Dr. T. the season. Torii, and some of whose members At the end of November, both the had met VUWAE 8 at Lake Bonney Vanda and Black Island groups were the previous summer, arrived at moved in a joint helicopter mission Miers Lake on January 11. to Brown Peninsula, Ewart and Hoare returning to Base. Hoare sub TAYLOR VALLEY sequently guided for a USARP party VUWAE 9 was moved by helicopter on the . On Monday, to Taylor Valley on January 13, December 7, the Hon. Mr. B. E. Baker returning to Scott Base. Ar Talboys, Minister of Science, and Mr. rangements had been made for him J. T. Andrews, Chairman of the to fly back to New Zealand on the National Research Advisory Council, 16th with biological samples requir with Adrian Hayter, Leader Scott ing urgent attention. Work continued Base, and Jack Calvert, visited the from base camp at Lake Bonney with expedition on Brown Peninsula. The almost unbroken fine weather until visit allowed Mr. Talboys and Mr. January 25 and 26 when the expedi Andrews to inspect a field party tion was withdrawn to Base. The camp and learn something at first party returned to New Zealand on hand of Victoria University's activi January 30. ties in . Their stay was en WORK DONE joyed by the expedition members The expedition is very happy with with whom they left mail and its accomplishments. Some of the goodies from Scott Base. most important scientific achieve After several days of blizzard with ments include: winds gusting to 60 m.p.h., the party The definite identification of the moved to a camp at the southern end Scallop Hill formation on Black of Brown Peninsula to complete the Island and Brown Peninsula as a programme for phase one. Vella and high-level marine deposit laid down Frame returned to Scott Base on in water, not dragged up by ice; December 14. Fine weather allowed determination of the relative ages of the completion of the bedrock map "terraces", marine formations and ping before the party shifted to the glacial deposits, and formulation of Koettlitz on December 18. During a sequence representing several this move a major supply dump with glacial advances and the intervals be all remaining personnel was estab tween. Ice movement in the region lished at Miers Lake and four other .vas probably southward not north depots were laid at strategic posi ward, as previously thought. tions from Walcott Bay to Garwood Comprehensive bedrock mapping Valley. Warwick Prebble's brother, on Black Island and Brown Penin Michael (Deputy Leader, Scott Base), sula with the establishment of a accompanied the party during this series of different volcanic eruptions. movement and returned with Cole to Assessment of mineralisation with Base. in the basement complex rocks of PHASE TWO the Koettlitz-Blue Glacier region and Taylor Valley. Traces of sulphide After some delay in reaching Ant mineralisation, including copper, arctica, Bradley, Zimmerman, Palmer were found in skarns at four locali and Schafer joined Prebble, Baker ties but generally the region is lack- March, 1965 ing in sulphides and is regarded as THE D-REGION PROJECT being unfavourable for large-scale sulphide mineralisation. J. B. Gregory Some probable Ferrar Dolerite feeder dykes were discovered in the In the summer of 1958-9 appara Koettlitz. New orbicular granite tus was installed at Scott Base, under localities were found in the Taylor the direction of Dr. J. B. Gregory, Valley. Senior Lecturer in Physics at the The algal ecology of Lake Vanda University of Canterbury, to measure and Miers Lake was studied and the height, strength and time of extensive collections were made of occurrence of radio-wave reflections littoral and terrestrial algae, lichens and mosses. A filamentous green alga originating at low heights in the was found in Miers Lake and pre ionosphere. liminary investigations suggest that Within a few months of the start it is a species of Ulothrix new to of these observations early in 1959, science. the apparatus was providing unex The first investigation of Miers pected evidence of a phenomenon, Lake with probable marked differ polar black-out or polar cap absorp ences from the saline lakes of the tion, which had only recently been Wright and Taylor Valleys, and the isolated by overseas workers, and discovery of a hitherto unreported which was apparently due to the fine structure in Lake Bonney. emission of protons from certain Evidence of post-glacial uplift in flares on the sun. The Scott Base the dry valley areas, with important observation showed that these implications on the structure of the "solar proton events" were more fre region. quent than overseas studies had sug gested. During major proton events, FOLLOW UP the resultant ionization in the polar Several hundred pounds of rocks, atmosphere was at heights as low as biological samples and water were 40 km., and the consequent absorp taken back to the university, where tion of radio waves was giving rise investigations are continuing and to radio blackouts. interpretation of the results is pro- The observations showed that in flux of energetic particles is an important factor in maintaining the t.ns can be ionization of the "D-Region" which is watched. located between 50 and 100 km. alti The ic around Mc- tude approximately. This ionization varies with the solar cycle. A further interest. Victoria University feels that it has provided an excellent and finding was that the emission of par ticles, which accompanies most unequalled field of research in this larger solar flares, can be detected al as in past years and remains a profit the earth after one or more rotations able venue for future explorations. of the Sun. Although alternative explanations are possible, a favoured theory is that these particles have been "trapped" by magnetic fields ber of the 1961-62 New Zealand team which originate at the flare site, which explored country south of the stretching out into space while still and descended the anchored to the Sun. Such a struc for the first ture of trapped gas and particles time since Amundsen, is in Denmark ("plasma") is referred to as a "mag after exchanging ideas with geolo netic bottle". gists at eight American universities The project has also given evidence or research institutes en route. He on the occurrence of turbulence in hopes to start field work for a doc the polar ionosphere, between 50 and torate in West Greenland next sum- 85 km. A strong circumpolar westerly vortex exists at these heights during March, 1965 winter, and the occurrence of turbu lent layers is found to be a common HUT POINT HUT feature of these altitudes during winter. The polar vortex breaks down Further to the Hut Restoration in spring, and gives place to lighter party work carried out in Januarv easterly winds during summer. Dur 1964, the Huts Restoration Commit ing this season less turbulence is tee decided to complete the work this found below 80 km., although above season and finally leave the building that altitude, it persists, possibly in in the form of a memorial. The a westerly flow. Some unusual radio repairs were thus carried out between reflections have been detected in December 19 and 22 by R. Smith, a summer, originating in very thin Hamilton architect, and shipwright layers which are possibly composed artificer N. T. Greenhall, who was of dust. made available by the N.Z. Navy. The project has completed five Fine weather and the lack of snow around the Hut enabled the work to years' observations at Scott Base. A deterioration in observing condi be carried out quickly, long hours tions, due to an increase of electrical being worked. Repaired windows noise at a nearby installation, has were replaced, broken or missing marred the quality of later data, and timber panels fabricated and fitted, the apparatus, which comprises a loose roof panels secured, skylight high sensitivity fixed frequency frames cleaned ready for new glass pulsed radar, operating at 2.3Mc/S., (this was to have been fitted but was has been removed to form the delivered the wrong size), a new nucleus of a new experiment near stove flue was fitted and many other Scott Base. A suitable site for the smaller jobs carried out. project has yet to be found. This Throughout the winter the Hut had new experiment is intended to been enveloped in dark coloured measure winds and electron densi canvas and the heat build-up inside ties in the ionosphere. during the spring had caused ice The polar lower ionosphere has inside panels and inaccessible roof other unusual characteristics. For ex spaces to melt resulting in very damp ample, Dr. Gregory has found that, conditions; mould was found on seal whereas theory predicts a maximum meat, blubber and timber due to this electron density at maximum eleva artificial climate. However, after two tion of the Sun, the electron density or three days with the canvas re over Antarctica below 85 km. is least moved the Hut was dry. in mid-summer. This behaviour is linked with that of the lower iono Transport both ways between Lyt sphere at temperate latitudes, and is t e l t o n a n d H u t P o i n t w a s b y evidence of a major circulation effect H.M.N.Z.S. "Endeavour" which also which re-distributes ionizeable con provided accommodation at Hut stituents throughout the ionosphere. Point, being moored approximately 200 ft. from the Hut on the southern Knowledge of all these aspects of side. During the voyage and stay at the polar atmosphere and ionosphere Hut Point the officers and men of is necessary before radio communica tion in polar regions can be carried "Endeavour" were helpful and co operative at all times ond special on with reliability and economy. As thanks should go to Commander Silk sunspot maximum approaches, with and Lt. Commanders Verran and increasing number of "blackouts", it Mitchell. is necessary to utilize all available methods, such as V.H.F. forward Apart from the skylights and one scatter links, V.L.F. transmisions, as or two minor carpentry jobs to be well as the usual H.F. radio. Con carried out by Scott Base personnel versely, since the polar high atmos the Hut Point Hut is now restored. phere is very inaccessible, any in The final touches were given by E. R. formation which can be gained Gibbs, leader of the 1963-64 Restora through radio wave techniques on tion team, who replaced stores, meterological aspects is of value. equipment, etc., in the hut according March, 1965 to the recommendations which he and L. B. Quartermain, leader of the ISLANDS SURVEY 1960-61 Restoration Party, had made The combined New Zealand- ly and Ross Sea islands pwarv ferred to in our last issue hat to ihf. been completed at time of goi cud eight American scientists lei McMurdo on the "Gk. made available for inspection by cier" and on January 12 work began interested people at stipulated times off , where a shore when adequate supervision will be party carried out survey and biologi provided. Arrangements lor visits cal work. will be in the hands of the McMurdo and Scott Base commanders. Short periods were then spent at Franklin Island (January 13-15), Coulman Island (January 15—18) SCOTT BASE where the first circumnavigation of the island was made, and "Glacier" The scientific staff members re reached Moubray Bay on the 18th. sponsible for the auroral and Beacon On the 22nd a survey team and Satellite recordings at Arrival scientists landed on Possession Heights had to resort to foot-slogging Island and the whole group was re in November until the "scientific" connoitred by helicopter. A rendez weasel could be repaired. Every vous was made with "Staten Island" transit of the satellite is being pro at on January 25 and grammed except when the satellite's some days were spent in the Robert orbit takes it 1,500 miles away and son Bay area, which lived up to its 600 miles high at its closest approach. reputation — turbulent winds, lack of landing places, dangerous shore SUE FOR U.K. travel. Sturge Island in the Ballenys was Sue, one of the tractors used by Sir reached on January 28 where both Edmund Hillary on his journey to weather and terrain were found un the South Pole in 1957-58, was flown suitable for either small boat or heli back from the Pole during the 1961— copter operations. However, a heli 62 summer and left at Scott Base. copter touch-down was made, the Sue has now been "restored" by first known landing on this island. Scott Base engineer Dave Mills, and New Zealanders Ford and Water- was taken back to New Zealand on house were among the six men who H.M.N.Z.S. "Endeavour" at the end set foot on the island. Two further of last year, en route for the Scott landings were made later and geo Polar Research Institute, Cambridge, logical specimens collected. England. "Glacier" now made for Buckle and Young Islands, but weather con SPEEDY EVACUATION ditions were unfavourable for land While at Cape Royds on the after ings. Collecting parties were air noon of December 17, Yeates de lifted to Borradaile Island, where oi veloped appendicitis. Scott Base 25 February 15 a fine collection of algae, miles away was informed by radio. also birds and an unusual marble specimen was made. A report on uV Leader Adrian Hayter travelled to 17th said that all operations on th Royds by U.S. helicopter within an hour of the emergency report. Yeates Ballenys had been completed. Th surveyors made a successful observa was at once flown to McMurdo hospi tion lor longitude during a landing tal and by 11 p.m. he was being on Sabrina Island. flown to Christchurch for hospital treatment, less than three hours after A rendezvous with HMNZS "En his illness had been reported. deavour" was made on the 18th. This March, 1965

THE NORTHERN PARTY SKUA MAN

As reported in our last issue, mis Ian Spellerbcrg, one of the Univer sity of Canterbury biological team fortune struck the geological team working in the Antarctic this sum working in Northern mer, is continuing the study of the on the very day (November 22) of McCormick Skua which he began its arrival in the field, when Guy last year. Skuas have a bad name ("scavengers", 'thieves", "penguin Warren, the leader, broke his left killers". The very name "skua" leg. means "pirate"), and the average Antarctic visitor's dislike for them Dr. P. F. Ballance temporarily took is not lessened by their determined over control and I. McDonald was dive-bombing of humans intruding upon their breeding grounds. But flown out from Scott Base to assist those who know the skuas well are with field work, until M. R. Ford, an ardent counsels for the defence. The experienced field man, arrived to extent to which the skuas raid the assume the leadership of the party penguin rookeries for stray chicks in Warren's place. and eggs has, it seems, been exag gerated. They are big handsome birds and their fearless assaults on From the R4D aircraft put-in point intruders are surely proof of par on the (approx. 76° 45' ental devotion and great courage. S.. 160°E.) between Allan Nunatak and the Coombs Hills, where a depot Ian is en programme: no easy task. Last of stores was laid, the party was summer he succeeded in banding flown some miles by helicopter to 115 adults and 200 chicks. It is very near Carapace Nunatak, where work difficult to catch an adult skua, and was carried on for about a week. he is lucky if he can band five adult The four men man-hauled their birds a day. But his efforts and those of the skua-men of other countries load to the Allan Nunatak depot on will throw light, in time, upon such the 29th. The party, finally consist problems as where the skua goes in ing of Ford, Ballance, Dr. W. A. winter time. McCormick skuas (the Watters and Dr. J. A. Townrow of Antarctic species) have been seen Tasmania, returned to Scott Base off the coast of Japan during the on December 23. southern hemisphere winter and some have been reported on New Zealand beaches. The expedition was a successful one. The geologists obtained a very good though not deep section EARTHQUAKE NEAR BALLENYS through the Beacon Sandstone at Allan Nunatak, with good Permian An earthquake was recorded at and Triassic plant fossils, of which Scott Base at 1.23 a.m. on December Dr. Townrow made an excellent 31. The Base seismograph placed the collection. They also "had a good epicentre close to the , which straddle the Antarctic Circle look" at the Mawson Tillite. almost due south of New Zealand. The D.S.I.R. Seismological Observa tory in Wellington recorded the same quake and the Observatory's posi tioning of the epicentre agrees with was followed by profiling over the that made at Scott Base. As no real earthquakes have ever been recorded Macquarie Ridge, and the ship as occurring on the Antarctic con reached Macquarie Island on Feb tinent, this is probably the world's ruary 24. A shore party was landed. southernmost known quake. March, 1965

ing. In November 1963 two helicop HAIXETT CLOSED ters were blown from their moorings When the New Zealanders Rowles, and badly damaged. Miller and Martindale who had been As the "Antarctic Report" of the U.S. Antarctic Research Program "packing up" New Zealand scientific equipment at Hallett Station re says: "Hallett Station, in addition to turned to Scott Base on November its contribution to a network of 10, the station reverted to the status scientific observations in atmos of a purely American station, prob pheric sciences and its usefulness to ably to be occupied henceforth only logistic operations in the Ross Sea SDoradically as a summer base for area, has been a unique symbol of field operations in geology and international co-operation." There will be very general regret that "the , and as a link in the chain of meteorological stations during the cost of refurbishing, re-supplying and summer flying months. This follows maintaining the station is not com the disastrous fire of March 6 last, in mensurate with its scientific contri which the main scientific building bution"— the reason assigned for the and the scientific equipment previ decision to "discontinue winter scien ously operated by three New Zea tific programs" at the station after landers throughout each year, was February of this year. totally destroyed. This ends a most happy and valu MEN OF LEARNING able co-operative enterprise which In this summer season's New Zea began in the 1956-57 summer. The land Antarctic research programme base on Seabee Spit, Moubray Bay, field parties there are seven scien was constructed and maintained tists with doctorates, one professor, logistically by the United States, but four from overseas studying on New Zealand was responsible for the scholarships at New Zealand univer programme in ionospherics, seis sities, and science degrees are held mology, geomagnetism and the by many others. greater proportion of the auroral One of the scholarship students is programme and every second year a a United States Fulbright Scholar, New Zealander was Station Scientific two are from United Kingdom uni Leader: versities, and one from Australia. 1957 U.S.A. J. A. Shear. RUGBY 1958 N.Z. K. W. Salmon. 1959 U.S.A. R. Roberts. The South Island won the inter- 1960 N.Z. R. B. Thomson island Antarctic Rugby match at 1961 U.S.A. R. W. Titus. Scott Base, 6-3. 1962 N.Z. C. B. Taylor. The match was played on the Mc 1963 U.S.A. H. Freimanis. Murdo ice shelf at 77° 51' S on Janu 1964 N.Z. N. M. Ridgway ary 23. Light flakes of snow fell thickly during the first half, and throughout many exciting moments during its the match the temperature was 29 eight years' history. During its con deg. F., with a slight northerly struction in the 1956—57 summer, the breeze. U.S.S. "Arneb" was nipped and holed Both teams more mukluks (rub by ice. During the 1958 winter Hallett ber-soled canvas Antarctic boots). was the first Antarctic base to recog nise in its auroral records the effect Spells of 15 minutes were played of the atom bomb test in the Pacific. each way. On October 16, 1958, a Globemaster The opening try was scored by the coming in for an air-drop to the captain of the North team, carpenter station crashed on high country 30 Brian Ahem. miles to the north and six of the Both the South Island captain, men aboard lost their lives. On May Doug Foster-Lynan, and scientist 24, 1960, winds gusting to 140 m.p.h. Trevor Sanson scored for the South caused serious damage to the build Island team. March, 1965

During the final two weeks of I N A D E L I E L A N D "Thala Dan's" stay the weather was Dumont d'Urville suffered further excellent: "lovely sunshine and no bad weather in November with heavy wind". snow-fall. The average wind speed "Thala Dan" returned to Tasmania was 35 km./h. with gusts of more on January 4, to allow three passen than 200 km./h. The sea ice, firm up gers to travel to Hobart by launch till mid-November, steadily deterior from Piersons Point, near the en ated, leaving the sea smooth up till trance of the Derwent River. The the beginning of December. ship then went on to Melbourne. In spite of these unpelasant atmos pheric conditions the preparation of Marret Base was actively carried on. WOMEN = WORRIES Two weasels were on the glacier and The veteran French Polar explorer, a quantity of material was sent on Dr. Paul-Emile Victor, sees it this to Cap "Prudhomme". way. He told reporters in Hobart in The relief ship "Thala Dan" left December that women would not be Hobart on December 6 and arrived accepted for Antarctic work---"The at Dumont d'Urville on December 11. Russians and the Americans have On board were M. Rolland (Adminis- tried it," he said, "but it did not work trator-in-Chief of French Antarctic out. Territories), P. E. Victor (Director of "Women make excellent scientists, Expeditions Polaires Francaises), and they are physically fit to go to Professor Pedoya, and Dr. C. Lorius, such places. However, in an Antarctic Leader of the new (15 th) Expedi base emotional problems would oc tion; also the majority of the mem cur between men and women, and bers of the expedition, 21 comprising this would not exactly help our the summer party and 11 to winter scientific work. over. "We already have enough worries and I see no reason why we should SUMMER WORK help to create new ones." As soon as unloading ended, on December 16, the summer pro gramme was begun. This included ANOTHER NOVEL? the installation of a 50 m. tank for Mr. Billing is just in time. The the storage of fuel oil and the erec Melbourne "Age" announced on Octo tion of dormitories. ber 31 that Miss Jo McDonald, an Meanwhile the scientific pro Australian who has been living for gramme was carried on, and the four years in New York, has written three biologists took advantage of a novel entitled "Gabriel", the action the good weather to push on with of which takes place in French Ant- their observations. artica, Adelie Land. At the end of February "Thala Dan" returned to pick up the mem bers of TA 14 under M. H. Morin, and BOWLED OUT the summer party. The latter will go We were wrong — and we are de back to France by air. Members of lighted to know it. In our March the 1964 wintering team will return 1962 issue we stated that Mr. C. R. to France on the "Thala Dan". Ford and Mr. C. H. Hare were the One of the more important assign sole survivors of Scott's 1901-04 ments of the new team is to make "Discovery" expedition. the first survey of the magnetic We now learn from Mr. Hare him anomaly — the difference between self that "Jimmy" Dell, a "Discovery" true South and magnetic South. This A.B., is also alive and well in Eng has received considerable attention land. An English officer, Lt.-Cdr. A. R. in the northern hemisphere but very Ellis, in a letter to Mr. Hare, says little work has been done on it in the that he met Dell and had an inter Antarctic. esting conversation with him. March, 1965 65 AHEAD OF SCHEDULE By early February the U.S. Army Aviation Detachment, the U.S. Navy and the National Science Foundation were able to report the completion of all Deep Freeze 65 programmed work — almost a month ahead of schedule. Most of the work clone by the Army closed circuit system, which receives unit was for geological surveys of weather charts and diagrams of different areas, during which flight cloud cover sent from Weather Cen crews had become adept at identify tral and is thus able to brief pilots ing rock types and formations, in comprehensively at the airport. cluding a topographic mission near A 25-square-mile ice floe threatened , then geological mis to block the channel to the Antarc sions, support for Dr. Wade's party tic's main logistic base at McMurdo in the shadow of the mountain Station, at the end of January. To named after Dr. Wade many years avert this, the Coast Guard Cutter ago, and finally support flights for "Eastwind" butted this extra-large the Ohio State geologists in the Wis "ball" across ten miles of sea into consin Range of the Horlick Moun the open water of McMurdo Sound. tains. This effort took "Eastwind's" 10,000 Accidents occurred, but none of a horses two days' pushing, which is vital nature. Two helicopters crashed not surprising in view of the fact in three clays, making a total of three that the floe, measuring 6 miles by for the season, while an Otter and 4 miles, was estimated to weigh an R4D also ran into trouble, making between 80 and 90 million tons, about an unprecedented record of mishaps 150,000 times the displacement of the in Deep Freeze's ten years of opera ship. tion. However, only one injury was recorded — a minor sprain suffered C H A N G E O F C O M M A N D in the R4D crash. Rear-Admiral F. E. Bakutis, com Life photographer Mike Rougier mander-designate of the U.S. Navy fell and was injured in the Shackle Antarctic Support Force, arrived at ton area and was flown out to base. Harewood, N.Z., early February, en At both McMurdo and the South route to the Antarctic where he was Pole new facilities for aircraft opera to spend 12 days on a familiarisation tion were used for the first time. At visit before taking over command in the Pole a Hercules on January 1 April. made the first instrument controlled Stating that no great change in the approach in fog which reduced visi scope or size of the Antarctic task bility to about two miles, using the force was likely, Admiral Bakutis newest of the three ground control said that the change of command approach systems on the Antarctic will probably take place in Washing continent. ton at the naval dockyard. At McMurdo even TV is now in operation — not for amusement, but DISTINGUISHED CAREER at . Pilots today, due Admiral Bakutis, who is 52, mar to fly into the heart of the continent, ried with three children, is a dis get a visual weather briefing from tinguished naval airman credited the meteorological headquarters at with 11 planes shot down and many McMurdo Station. ships damaged. He wears the Navy So at the beginning of February Cross with Gold Star (bar), the Deep Freeze technicians opened a Bronze Star with combat citation, television station, Station WTFO, a the Air Medal and six Gold Stars. March, 1965

Shot down while attacking a Japa NO WOMEN! nese destroyer he drifted in a small Antarctica would remain the raft for seven days before being womanless white continent of r>eace rescued by an American submarine. as far as he was concerned, the He look part in attacks on the out Admiral told women journalists at a post islands of Japan, and his Wellington Press conference. squadron, on the U.S.S. "Enterprise", "I have no intention of rocking the was awarded a Presidential Unit boat al this early stage," he said. Citation for its work under his com Admiral Reedy will become com mand. mander of Carrier Division Two, a unit of the U.S.-Atlantic Fleet, flag He is a specialist in anti-submarine ship the nuclear aircraft carrier warfare. U.S.S. "Enterprise". NEWS HIGHLIGHTS FROM U.S. STATIONS

McMURDO shaking agony of the previous com mutation. "Antarctic 6", so named in McMurdo's face lift goes on. Fresh deference to its builders, Mobile Con water flowed into its reservoirs at the struction Unit Six, rises from 20 ft. rate of 11 gallons a minute this sum above sea-level at the ice shelf edge mer, as the Antarctic's first salt water to 203 ft. at McMurdo, and demanded distillation plant came into per 91,000 cubic yards of fill for the 6,000 manent commission. As yet the dis cubic yards of crushed rock surface, tillation is achieved by means of two plus three culverts, seven spillways giant boilers, but once the new core and a bridge, a bridge 12 ft. long by is in service with the nuclear power plant waste steam from the unit will be used. Two hundred men of the Mobile Construction Battalion 6 BYRD (CO. Lt.-Cdr. H. A. Tombari) have erected the plant on Observation Two major projects were scheduled Hill; water will be pumped 340ft. from the sea to it, and water con for this summer. One was the installation of p mm.**™ sumption will no longer have to be restricted to 3,000 gallons a day. With which will correlate i the plant's possible output of 14,000 from the satellite " launched early this yeai, mm wimuu gallons daily, mod. cons, will replace the old, more primitive ones. information from the ground. The information from Pogo will be on A 2,000 Kw diesel generator plant, a heated garage and the already- being-constructed warehouses, earth- science and laboratory, quarters for senior scientists and 10- A large steerable dish antenna on bed dispensary with operating-room a site some half-mile from the sta and dental facilities will add further tion, operated by two wintering-over to McMurdo's star rating, which will scientists, will provide the basis of also involve the replacement of all this readout facility. the Jamesway accommodation huts. Scientifically, the largest project A REAL ROAD for Byrd this summer will be the Perhaps the feature that would installation of a ten-mile antenna most amaze the re-incarnated Polar some 14 miles from the station, to Hero of 50 years ago is A Road. Ant facilitate the study of very low and arctica's first finished road, metalled extremely low frequencies. Three even if not paved, now welcomes the parallel dipoles, the centre one ten Antarctic arrival at Williams Field miles long the outer five to seven, and allows him to travel the 1.6 miles will be laid out several hundred feet to McMurdo itself without the bone- apart on the snow surface. March, 1965

AMUNDSEN-SCOTT Seventy-eight thousand pounds of The new Palmer Station, the sixth metal have been assembled in the United States scientific station in rarified air and extreme cold of the Antarctica, is taking shape on Anvers South Pole Station by three men Island off the coast of the Antarctic working in the snow-laden wind Peninsula, in latitude 64° 30' S., 63° where a garage used to be before fire 30' W., 700 miles south of Cape Horn. destroyed it last year. From the mass On January 15, the icebreaker "Edisto" broke through to Norsel Point at the southern tip of the took shape. island and was joined by "Wyandot" Intended as a replacement for the with stores for construction of the tractor lost in October's fire, the station which will house five USARP RD-8 had been shipped in sections scientists and four Navy men for the from McMurdo to the Pole by U.S. winter, in place of the summer com Navy Hercules aircraft and lay for plement of 23. It is expected that three weeks passive and inert on the Palmer Station will be fully opera snow, while its three manufacturers tional by the end of the season in cleared their beards and moustaches March. of ice, and fought with sluggish oil, Palmer Station is the only U.S. Antarctic station north of the Antarc tic Circle, and will have a much warmer climate than the other five. cold that to touch it with bare hands Anvers Island offers biologists two grasses and a herb to study for effects of harsh weather on plant reduced them to gasping desper life, as well as mosses, lichens, fungi, liverwort and algae. Five varieties of ately. penguin live on the island, together Finally the last nut was attached with other birds, and the surround and after a long period of prc-heaiing ing waters also supply ample mate the giant tractor blade clipped and rial for study. the machine made its first cut into the "ground" — RD-8 had a heart. RESEARCH TRAWLER Now it needed a home. As an adjunct to Palmer Station, EIGHTS the U.S. National Science Foundation proposes to build a 120-ft. research A record temperature of 36°, eight trawler for work off the Antarctic degrees above the previous all-time Peninsula near the station. high, was recorded at in December, but even this warmth ? had a dampening effect. Ice on the roofs of buildings succumbed to the Plans are being made for the establishment early next year of a sun's caress and found its melted small scientific station in the heart way through cracks in ceilings, to make men below think they were of . The station suffering mirages, a supposition will, it is hoped, be set up at the end which came true three clays later of the second leg of the 5,000-mile, when three mountain peaks known four-year traverse from the Pole to be below the horizon and a fourth station to Roi Baudouin Base on the not known to be anywhere appeared Queen Maud Land coast. It will be in view before their amazed eyes. used mainly for meterological and Still, things could have seemed glaciological studies and will prob worse. Reports of other mirages ably be occupied by up to a dozen elsewhere in the continent — brought men. about by atmospheric conditions — Like Eights Station, the projected spoke also of mountains aopearing in plateau station will be flown to the sight, but upside down. site in ready-made housing units. March, 1965 FIRST LEG OF TRAVERSE The first leg, of some 900 miles, in the planned four-year traverse of Queen Maud Land has this summer been completed by a nine-man multi-national party, which has zig-zagged over the southernmost part of the Antarctic's last unvisited territory. Starting from the U.S. Research Cameron made some glaciological station at the South Pole, the party, measurement asked for by the Rus comprising leader, Dr. Richard L. sians in earlier correspondence. Cameron, Ohio glaciologist; a Bel LABORIOUS, MONOTONOUS gian and a Norwegian glaciologist, two glaciologists and two engineers Apart from an extra hour for din from Wisconsin, a magnetician- ner on Christmas and New Year's ;ator and a physicist, covered Days and carol singing on Christrr~' the area to near the Pole of Inaccessi Eve, the daily round on the trave had been hard and monotonous, bility, Antarctica's farthest inland ging or drilling through ma: point. This major traverse was hard snow, continuous instr omplished, despite mechanical Its, with the use of three 10-ton reading, and riding (and roviding the only shelter ing) in un-Pullman-Iike vr1 : including the kitchen, and some 20 hours, often with' - roni-trailer sleds each carrying meals made keeping alivt their jobs a laborious routin gallons of fuel, plus ordinary A cross-sectional view of the icecap sledges and periodic air-drops. and land beneath was the aim of the Unexpectedly low temperatures to geophysicists, whose blasting and wards the end of the traverse forced shock-wave recording indicated the the party to curtail the planned dis presence of hilly ground beneath the tance to be covered, after having ice, even the previously-announced achieved some 30 miles daily since its (by the Soviets) mountain range. start on December 5 last year, 30 Snow accumulation was the main daily miles of flat, featureless white interest of the glaciologists, who ness, gathering basic scientific in found that annual at formation about the two-mile thick the Pole of Inaccessibility (a title it ness of ice, and what lay even beyond can no longer claim?) is little more that, beneath their tracks. than one inch of water contained in three inches of snow. JOURNEY'S END HOME AGAIN The traverse concluded with "the On February 1 a United States most exciting event" of the tour, Navy Hercules picked up the nine according to Dr. Cameron — their men, who left their machines, arrival at an abandoned Soviet camp drained of oil and sealed against near the Pole of Inaccessibility, just winter rigours, stored at their last one small hut surmounted by a 20 ft. camp, ready to be dug out, pre high drilling tower supporting a life- heated and used on the second leg of size bust of Lenin. the traverse, which is planned finally Inside the hut, belying its church to reach the Belgian base Roi like appearance from the distance, Badouin, in the 1967-68 summer. the traverse party found cigarettes and matches left there for them, a note in English describing the station LIFE'S and its fuel and food caches and A miniature garden in a tempera another reminding them to "lock the ture high enough to melt the snow, door on leaving". A Soviet traverse, complete with lichens and a tiny knowing of the intended American spider-like creature alive in an area trip, last year visited the station and nearer the South Pole than any other left the welcome there. In return, Dr. native, have been found only 309 March, 1965 miles from the Pole in the Queen to evacuate the injured American Maud Range by a team from the Seabee by Hercules aircraft last Bishop Museum. June that not only speculation as to Discoverer of this minute form of the feasibility of regular winter trips life was New Zealander K. A. J. to break the six-month isolation has (Keith) Wise, who has had a busy resulted. Serious discussion between time in the Antarctic this summer. the U.S. Navy and National Science In November he was at Hallett with Foundation has also considered this the head of the Museum's Depart possibility. ment of Entomology, Dr. J. L. Gres- A considerable problem such flights sitt, where he found many insects would be. Last year's flight, planned and free-living mites. In early Decem down to the finest detail, despite the ber, after Gressitt's return to U.S., urgency of the situation, still owed Wise went with J. Shoup to the a large part of its success to luck — , between 84° and or Providence. However detailed the 85° S., to examine melt-water ponds; planning, however comprehensive its in this area were found rotifers, coverage, factors of weather could be algae, moss, lichens, as well as neither guaranteed nor even suffi springtails and mites, some in alti ciently certainly forecast. But the tudes of 4,500 ft., and all farther possibility remains. south than had previously been re corded. In the Horlick Mountains THE SHAPE OF ANTARCTICA only lichens were found, but finally at 85° 30' S., Wise found, at the Concluding the six-season project Robert Scott Glacier, more mites. of field investigations in the moun "ELTANIN" tains of aimed at Further proposals cover the imme determining the nature of the Ant diate future base of the 3,886-ton arctic land mass and directed by Dr. Campbell Craddock, a three-man research ship "Eltanin", recently in team from the University of Minne Auckland undergoing a refit. sota this summer explored three It is planned that "Eltanin" effect major groups of nunataks between four cruises in the South Pacific be the Ross and Weddell Seas. tween Wellington, N.Z., and Val paraiso, Chile, its present base, this Mountains of marble and indica year, then one or two monning-up tions that the nunataks form the cruises in the Scotia Sea, south of highest peaks of a ridge separating South America. These completed, the two seas were amongst the find "Eltanin" may use Wellington as her ings of the team, which comprised base for cruises south from N.Z. two geologists and a New Zealand Considerable modifications, as well biologist, Roger Buchanan. Buchanan, as routine re-fit operations, were born in Dunedin and trained at Lin effected in "Eltanin" while in Auck coln College, sought primitive insects land, to facilitate chanpes in her and plants sometimes found beneath scientific programmes. Upper atmos Antarctic rocks, but found none. phere studies and measurements on The Pagano nunataks, the Hart very low frequencies have called for Hills and the Whitmore Mountains extra radio equipment and antennae, rise some 3,000 ft. above the while the effect of radio noise on north of the Horlick Mountains, and sensitive equipment has brought help to cast doubt on the theory that about further modifications: special West Antarctica beneath the ice is a sonic profiling e~uipment for the series of islands, not half a continent. measurement of the thickness and The ridge which they are now nature of seabed sediments and un thought to surmount appears to ex derlying rock was also installed. tend from continental East Antarc tica, and this throws still further WINTER FLIGHTS? doubt on the old theory of water link So successful was the mid-winter under the ice between the Ross and flight from Harewood to Antarctica Weddell Seas. •oiuoq b Ay ubo ozooj,;! d33a UOlJBJOdO ssojgojd jpqj d-eui pus uoijcIoooj JO SOUBJJ,, -OpBjW 'JQ SABS 'pOSIUOlJ oipej Aq uioqj A\oyoj jjbjojib 9-XA -njoAOJ uooq SBq uoijBJOidxo sji '£££\ ui SJOjBgijsoAui uioqj OAoqe 0[iqA\ ui uonipodxo puooos s,pjXcr jd ounj 'joddyj sji jopuh jojjiuisubjj sji q'jiA\ oqj oouis poSuBqo OABq Abui jpsji tpBO 'SSOUOJiqM Oqj SS0J3B 3ui|'ppBAV oijojbjuv oqj oijjq jOAOMoq 'ABpoj, uooq OABq sumguod jo sdnojg''ouioq uiojj sajiuj jo spucsnoqx "uoijbjs gui ,,-SJSOJOJ pUB SUUBJ OABq JJIAV JI SJBOA -Apoai pjjjuoo b jb jsnusps guiusjsq puesnoqj oi ouios jojjb sdBqjoj -o2b oqi joj speq ogBssEd jpqj oobjj ooi sji jo dug oqj jo jno guiddqs,, oj oojj jos uoqj puB spuno'jg guijsou SI BOIJOJBJUy* JBqj uoijB3ipui' jsijjo jpqj uiojj sotiuj jo spojpunq ouios -UB J3A SI J3PBJ9 UOJ3[5iOBqg' oqj jo riajre; suinguod jo sjoddiy sqj oj MOH JO p33dS pUB (SS3J -JJOOl'l) SS3U poqoBjjB OJB SJOS SuiJSBOpBOjq OipBJ -JJ3ILJJ psonpoj oqj 'ojouuoqjjnj IBioods osoqi 'uSisop ua\o siq oj, cONISSVd 3QV 3DI •sjojjiiusuejj oipBj umSuod — sjOAOj-oiuoq' juojsis -.iod osoqj SuppBJj jo poqjoui a\ou b •puBj guipunoj SuiAjj uooq SBq 'Aouuoj "j pjBipi>j -Jns jo oouspisqns Aq jjsd ui osjb •JQ 'jSIJUOpS AjISJOAIUfl sui^do'jj jnq jsmqjdn Aq A[[oqA\ posnBO jou uqor b 'xiS uojpBnbs' JuouidopAorj SBA\ ogUBJ JBqj JBqj OAOjd njM puB J i y o z o o j j d o o r j u i o j j p u u o s j o d 'Sites oq 'ojnjoid oijsjbjuv oqj jo j.md doqs puB uouiavojojib 'sjoyd pojB pnBpv uoonQ oqj iii uy i\h\\ ibuojbui -upsBj jo dpq oqj qj'iA\ 'jboA siqx JBOlgopog pOJlBJOp JO qJIBOAV y 'sjboA Aueui joj ouioq jb Asnq uirq dooii OICIVH AH CIHMDVHl oj [bijojbui qgnouo SBq opBA\ -jq „• • Apjiuijop si 596 i ■ j o j e a \ p u B p u B [ souoAOosip uoijipsdxs pjAg jsqjo joao ojnoj s.umguod b oobjj 01 Asbo dn a\ouoj oj sinjnj sqj ui qjnos uooq jou SBq ji jnq 'sqjuoui jqSio u i p o u j n p j q o r q M ' o u i o q s j i u i o j j jbj sqj oj AjJBd b puss oj odoq 1 qgnoqj 'pus >{joa\ jBqj qsmq oj uos soiiui 00fr'3 posBopj pjiq b 'poobjj -bos siqj poujnjoj 1 -jboA jsbj Aui oq OABq OpBUI ApBOJJB SUOIJBSiJSOAUI Apjiuyop pjnoA\ £951 JBqj joq pjoj j os 'jopBfo uojo^oBqs 3M1 oj ujnjoj ■punojS Suijsou sji soqoBOJ ji ojojoq oj peq J uoqx -boijojbjuv ui jboA jsbj '^bm oqj ui oq Abui jBqj 'sossbui Aui oq Apjiuyop pjnoA\ \^\ jBqj ojim ,)UEJ AlIB SuiSpop 'OSJOABJJ OJ BOS JO Aui pioj i„ -opBA\ -jq pio-JBoA-39 pres sojiui jo spojpunq OABq Abui qoiqA\ 'umSuod oqj os jon -soin a\ojo oqj sb ,,'jboA jsbi Aui Apjiuyop si 5951,', [OABJJ UBO pUB 'gUIJJlUJJOd JOqjEOA\ •ji jo dBiu '00s UBO uooSid oqj*isBoi jy "punojg IB3lgO[O0g B 3J3[dUI03 OJ UOIJBUJJOJUl gunsou sji oj 3jOBq SuipBoq umguod juspyjns snjd suounoods jo -qioOS'l oqj jo jBqj qjiA\ pojeduioo oub Asbo qjiA\ 'Jopsio uojoi>jbBqs oqj 'Aojiba ub si 5JSBJ s,uooSid Suiuioq oqx JBqj mojj poujnjoj SBq puB uoijiquiB S!XI P3IIUinj '329II03 iBoigoio'uqoox NlflONHd 9NIMIOH 3HX sbxox jb Agojoog jo jossbjojd avou 'OpBAA. 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THE NEW LOOK AT "PORT McMURDO" Winter Quarters Bay this summer. From left: Scott's hut, H.M.N.Z.S. Endeavour, U.S.S. Glacier, Pte. John R. Towle, U.S.C.G. Eastwind. Behind the ships, road and oil line constructed this year. U.S. Navv Photo. March, 1965

LONG FLIGHT FLYING DOCTORS The longest exploratory flight The Australian Flying Doctor Ser (5,090 miles) yet made within the vice has a rival in the Antarctic, Antarctic continent was completed where within little more than a week on December 11 when a ski-equipped two men, injured on the ice, were Hercules returned to McMurdo, with rescued and flown back to N.Z. by Admiral Reedy aboard, after making the U.S. Army Aviation Detachment a round trip from McMurdo, across under the leadership of Major Wil Queen Maud Land to the Sor Ron liam Hampton. dane Mountain range and on to the At the end of November, New western extension of the Shackleton Zealander Guyon Warren fell and Range. broke his leg while leading a N.Z. The purpose of the flight was to geological party, and had to be explore an ice cap whence strong rescued and returned to Harewood. radar returns had been recorded in On December 1 another mishap October, 1963 during Admiral Reedy's occurred. The Army Aviation unit flight from Cape Town to McMurdo, shifted its base camp from McMurdo over the Pole. to the Shackleton Glacier just in time The Hercules (Cdr. M. E. Morris) to rescue Life Magazine photographer was ski-equipped and carried a maxi Mike Rougier from a ledge on the mum load of fuel demanding jato mountainside to which he had fallen, power to become airborne. Equipped injured, while attempting to photo for trimetrogon photography the graph the unit in action. He certainly aircraft landed at the Pole Station to found a way to see it. re-fuel and then photographs were With rotor blades whirling at, at taken to fix the location and facili times, less than three feet from the tate the charting of peaks discovered cliff face and with only a portion of last year and thought to be a western one skid on the rock near the injured extension of the Shackleton Range 80 man, an Iroquois helicopter achieved miles away to the east. Two specially the task of rescuing Rougier who was designed flagpoles carrying the U.S. flown to McMurdo before being and Admiral Reedy's personal flags evacuated to Christchurch. were dropped over the peaks record ing the circumstances of the flight, BASIC TRAINING and were last seen with flags stream ing in the wind. Inspector L. D. Bridge and the three other experienced mountain CO-OPERATION eers of the Federated Mountain Clubs of New Zealand again gave United States Antarctic co-opera instruction in snowcraft, icecraft tion with other nations has this year and survival techniques to nearly 50 kept up its record. Each year the members of the United States Ant National Science Foundation arranges arctic Research Programme. The to send U.S. scientists all over Ant field training was carried out on the arctica through the assistance of coastal cliffs a few miles east of other countries, while foreign scien Scott Base between October 18 and tists join writh the Antarctic Research November 2. Results, sav the instruc Programme. tors, ,were "first class": "it was re Argentina, Australia, Belgium, warding to see the transition from Chile, , Japan, New Zealand, novice class to confident movement." , United Kingdom, South Africa and the Soviet Union will all work with the United States, ex changing scientists at home and in A NEW VOLUME Antarctica, giving mutual assistance This issue of "Antarctic" is the first with transportation, and logistic number of volume 4. support, ana observers and represen tatives will attend meetings and dis See announcement on page 6 and cussions. inside back cover. March, 1965 NEVER A DULL MOMENT IN THE AUSTRALIAN ANTARCTIC Closing one station, re-siting another, forced landings, a huge ice breakout, searching for men marooned by blizzards, an aircraft sinking through thin ice: all these have been taken in their stride by ANARE men in the course of a full Antarctic programme this summer. The ship "Nella Dan" left Mel UNLOADING UNDER bourne on December 2 for Mac DIFFICULTIES quarie Island and returned to Mel bourne on December 16. It again On January 9, Law, Dalton and left Melbourne on December 22 for Whiting discovered a suitable fast the Antarctic Continent. Before call ice airfield 12 miles to the east. The ing at Mawson to relieve the 1964 ship moved in and unloaded the Party, it had been intended that the Beaver aircraft which Whiting, with ship' would carry out extensive surveyor Kirkby, flew to Mawson coastal exploration in , airfield, carrying out aerial photo west of Mawson. graphy en route. Thus some difficulty in unloading the Beaver at Mawson Meanwhile, the "Thala Dan" had left Melbourne on January 8 for was overcome. Meanwhile, helicop . On board were eight ters flew McLeod and Cook to the French scientists to be dropped at Stefansson Bay area for more geo Dumont d'Urville Station after logical work arid later to the off-lying which the ship sailed for Wilkes and islands. The ship sailed for Mawson in open water at 5.20 p.m. and ar then Davis where it arrived on Janu rived soon after midnight. After ary 23. entering the harbour, the ship was On January 6 and 7, "Nella Dan" prevented from mooring by the sud was jammed in pack ice sixty miles den rise of an off-shore wind and N.N.W. of . On the she had to put to sea. The ship re evening of January 7, the weather turned in the afternoon and moored safely. Eermittedaw, and Captain the leader, Hans Petersen Dr. Phillip to make a helicopter reconnaissance of FORCED LANDING the ice. It was found that sixty miles of unbroken winter fast ice was sep While transporting a surveyor in arating the ship from her objective land to Mount Twintop on January at Edward the Eighth Gulf where 12, a helicopter piloted by Captain survey and geological studies were Saw was forced down. Saw made a to be done. Dr. Law revised the plans good running landing on the slip and decided to carry out the reliefs pery of the plateau near the of Mawson and Davis stations before Masson Range, without damage. The the exploration instead of after machine returned to Mawson after wards. the fault was rectified. "Nella Dan" broke out of the pack In the operation this helicopter, ice on Friday, January 8, at 5 p.m., and one piloted by Treatt, estab proceeded S.S.E. and moored to the lished a tellurometer survey station edge of fast ice, thirty miles north on the peak of Mount Twintop at of Tilley Bay. During Friday two 4,500 feet. Other stations were also helicopters flew twenty sorties of 30 established, one on Lucas Nunatak to 60 miles each, landing four geo at 2,800 feet and one north of Maw logists and an assistant with equip son on Bechervaise Island. Separated ment at the Taylor Glacier area. by distances of about 20 miles, these After a useful day's work, two of stations will provide trilateration the men were left camping there to measurements and theodolite obser continue their investigations. vations to assist with a survey of March, 1965

the Framnes Mountains. Each sta Mueller in . The survey tion was manned by two men, each ors, led by Syd Kirkby, together with pair camped on an exposed eyrie. four assistants from Mawson Sta Also on January 12, a Beaver air tion, had worked from January 10 craft piloted by Whiting flew 200 at distances up to 100 miles inland miles south of Mawson to carry out on the Antarctic Continent. Landed aerial photography of the Athos and by helicopter to camp in inland Porthos Ranges of the Prince Charles mountain ranges, they made long Mountains. This flight occupied 5^4 daily climbs with heavy loads to hours. Geologists Wallis and Cook prominent peaks from which telluro- had camped at Casey Range and geo meters were used for distance mea logists Trail and Lachal at Taylor surements between the peaks. Glacier. These men were later trans Weather imposed severe limita ferred to Stefansson Bay and Bypass tions upon the helicopter operations Nunatak respectively. and during periods of storm, survey parties huddled in tiny tents in LONG STORM MAROONS blizzards up to 80 m.p.h! FIELD MEN This accurate line survey will form These five two-man parties were the basis for a series of detailed stormbound for six days at their maps of Kemp Land and MacRobert- tent camps on mountain peaks son Land. near Mawson in winds of from 50 to 75 m.p.h. At the end of BIG ICE BREAK-OUT the period supplies of food and fuel A major change has occurred in were running low. the south western coast of Prydz On January 14, the wind arose and Bay. Three thousand square miles of Amery Ice Shelf have broken off flying became impossible. That night surveyor Maruff and his assistant, sometime during the last two years Foley, who were camped at Baillieu and floated away in the form of Peak, failed to make radio contact giant icebergs. Phillip Law, reporting with Mawson and, as the storm in from the "Nella Dan', said the ship creased in violence, concern was felt sailed along the new edge of the for their safety. On January 16, a Amery Ice Shelf and plotted its posi relief party of four men in two tion by radar. As a result of the snowtrac vehicles, led by Martin, set breakout, "Nella Dan" was able to out through the storm to try to penetrate to within thirteen miles reach Baillieu Peak. However, by of Mount Caroline Mikkelsen at the 1500 hrs. on January 17 they were bottom of Prydz Bav and to obtain important cartographic information. immobilized by drifting snow and Such an approach has not previously dangerously crevasscd terrain. been possible for any ship. The men at Mawson waited anxi The "Nella Dan" cruised for sixty ously for the storm to abate. Finally, miles along the edge of an immense on the afternoon of January 19, the iceberg off the coast of Kemp Land wind dropped sufficiently to allow on February 7. The full extent of the three helicopters to make flights to berg was not known but it measured check on the situation at each camp at least 90 miles by 30 miles. It ran site. All men were found safe and in a north-westerly direction from well. a position 66° 1 IS., 61° E. It is believed that the iceberg is a SURVEYORS RETURN major part of the breakaway from A report on February 24 said that the Amery Ice Shelf. This huge berg after weeks of arduous and danger has jammed numerous icebergs and ous work the four surveyors of the extensive fast ice in the approaches National Mapping Division had suc to Edward the Eighth Gulf, prevent cessfully completed a highly accu ing the expedition ship from reach rate survey traverse over a distance ing its objective. of 300 miles extending from Mawson through the Framnes Mountains, BEAVER AIRCRAFT DITCHED Baillieu Peak, Fram Peak, Leckie On the very same night the Beaver Range and Rayner Peak to Mount broke through a weak patch of sea March, 1965 ice while taxiing from near the ship At first the base was manned by to its take-off strip. On board were only five people, making it the small the pilot, Whiting, and passengers est full-time station in Antarctica. In Corry, surveyor, and Miller,. radio recent years the staff grew to eight operator, who were to have been — four weather men, two radio oper landed on Rayner Peak for survey ators, a doctor and a cook. ing. They barely managed to scram ble out of the cabin before the air EXPLORATION CENTRE craft settled beneath the sea. The Some exploration work has also high level wing resting on the sur been undertaken at Davis. Dog-sled rounding ice prevented the plane teams have penetrated more than 200 from plunging to the bottom. Men miles inland, setting up satellite wea pushed inflatable sausage sections ther stations. from the expedition's rubber pon The base, 14 huts grouped close toons beneath the wings and inflated together, is considered the best them by a pneumatic line from the planned cf Australia's three Antarc ship. When the aircraft was thus safe tic Stations. guarded from sinking, Captain Peter- ImHmIUhI Vi tA* I Davis is strategically well placed. Dan" to break through the fast ice Half-way between Mawson and Mir ny, the Russian base, it is one of the until it was level with the stranded few spots in Antarctica where an plane. The ship's derrick then hoist ed the Beaver out of the jumbled ice airfield could be built on rock. on to the deck of the ship. The Antarctic Division hopes that The accident occurred off the Davis will be re-opened within a few coast of Kemp Land and about 250 years. miles west of Mawson. The expedi NEW WILKES STATION tion's programme of survey and geo This year at Wilkes a start will be logy was curtailed by the loss of use made on the construction of the new of the Beaver but it was continued station to replace the present one on a reduced scale, using three heli which is gradually being buried by copters. snow accumulation over the last D AV I S C L O S E D seven years. Engineering and survey ing experts from the Commonwealth was closed on Janu Department of Works, the Division ary 25 after being manned for eight of National Mapping and the Antarc years. tic Division were to complete the The Director of the Antarctic Divi preliminary surveys, prepare the site sion, Dr. Phillip Law, lowered the and erect the first buildings before Australian flag in the presence of a the onslaught of winter. small group of Mawson and Davis The construction of the new sta men. tion, which is only V/i miles away Davis Station has been left in a across the bay south of Wilkes, will condition ready for occupation if necessarily take some four years needed. because the summer construc The decision to close Davis Station tion period is so short. The design coincides with the decision to build is a co-ordinated effort of the Works a replacement for Wilkes Station, Department, the Aeronautical Re which has been deteriorating. search Laboratories of the Depart ment of Supply, the University of THE DAVIS STORY Melbourne and the Antarctic Divi It was Dr. Law who established sion and contains novel features de Davis on January 13, 1957, as one of signed to counteract the effects of a series of Antarctic weather sta snowdrift accumulation. Wind tun tions set up for International Geo nel and other tests have been made physical Year. The base is built on to determine the best design fea the edge of the Vestfold Hills, a 300- tures. The original ideas produced mile oasis of ice-free rock 400 miles will be tested during the coming east of Mawson. The hills are winter and will be of great interest studded with lakes and dissected by to other nations with stations on the . Antarctic continent. March, 1965

'LfiWEiJ

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ANARE Photo, G. Newton. ANTARCTIC STATIONS wintering party of ten were com 1. MAWSON fortably established. The station has ben in continuous We begin a series of illustrations occupation since and has grown con of the principal Antarctic stations siderably over the years. By 1956 with a photograph of the Australian there were 26 huts and it now con base Mawson, the first ANARE sta sists of 48 buildings, well spaced tion on the Antarctic Continent. out to avoid the dreaded fire. The Mawson, named after Australia's Sir wintering over party now usually , one of the great numbers about 27. Antarctic explorers of the Heroic ,Ice conditions are unpredictable. In Age, is on the coast of the Antarctic 1954, "Kista Dan" had to charge her Continent south of the Indian Ocean. way not only through heavy pack ice It is located on the eastern side of but through a belt of fast ice 20 Holme Bay, Mac-Robertson Land. It miles wide. But usually by February stands on a horse-shoe-shaped rock the winter ice has broken out from outcrop with arms enclosing a deep the coast and access is relatively harbour (Horseshoe Harbour), be easy. Sometimes even by late Janu tween Mount Henderson and the ary all the ice has gone out and on Masson Range, in 67° 36' S., 62° 53' E. a fine clay men may enjoy boating The site was selected by Phillip on the harbour and bask in the heat Law, using aerial photographs, and radiated from the dark rock. But after examination from the air on in case access should be completely February 2, 1954, a camp was estab barred, a two-years' reserve of pro lished there on February 9 under visions is always kept on hand. Robert Dovers and his wintering Sartyan." in The weasels station from was the formally "Kista The site chosen for the new Wilkes opened by Law on February 13, and Station is on a rocky outcrop on the when the vessel left on the 23 rd north side of Bailey Peninsula in the three huts were completed and the Windmill Islands (66° 17' S, 110° March, 1965 The Belgian-Dutch Expeditions The Danish Polar ship 'Magga carry out the planned summer pro 1" sailed from Antwerp on Decem- grarhmes. On the whole, this wr>rk :r 6 to carry the new Belgian-Dutch has been carried out accordin_ expedition to the Antarctic. plans (see December issue of . arctic) and the summer programme Three Dutch and two Belgian mem can be considered as highly suc bers of the expedition were on board. cessful. The 34 other members joined the Baron G. de Gerlache acted as ship at Cape Town. The winter party co-ordinator for the relief operation numbers 16, of whom six are Dutch between the 1964 and 1965 expedi men. Four of the team have served tion and for the planning of th" previously in the Antarctic. These summer programmes. include Ken Blaiklock, the 37-year- old British surveyor and geologist, (Leader A. Capart) who was with the British (F.I.D.S.) In addition to several stations be expedition in 1948-51 and 1952-55, the tween Cape Town and Antarctica an Trans-Antarctic expedition in 1955-57 extensive oceanographic survey took and the Belgian Antarctic expedition place in the coastal waters of Base in 1959-60. Roi Baudouin. An underwater T.V. The ship arrived at Base Roi Bau set was experimented with and douin on January 12 after an easy proved interesting. . voyage through the open pack ice. In addition to these physical Although some difficulties were ex oceanographic studies the seal and perienced with the Bay ice going penguin population was studied. out, the unloading of the ship was Several penguins and two seals (on finished by January 24. of which died on the way back; The new winter team which com were sent back to Belgium. Their prises several Antarctic veterans quarters had been arranged in the officially took over Base Roi Bau refrigerated holds of the "Magga douin on February 3. This short Dan. ceremony was marked by the pre PHOTOGRAMMETRY sence of Baron G. de Gerlache (Leader Prince A. de Ligne) (Chairman of the Belgian Dutch The aircraft was damaged while Antarctic Committee) and the ob being unloaded from the ship. The server Mr. A. van der Essen. aircraft mechanics skilfully repaired The 17 men of the 1964 expedition it. Several photo runs (oblique (leader L. Cabes) had a very success photography) were made in the east- ful wintering over and carried out em part of the Sor Rondane moun completely the intended scientific tains where sufficient photo cover programme. The new King Baudouin age was still lacking. Base built by them is very well The photographs will be used to established. complement the existing ones in the Next day "Magga Dan" sailed for construction of a new map of this Cape Town. Most men boarded the area. Owing to bad weather the ship by helicopter, the bay ice now planned photographs of the coast being gone completely. nad to be abandoned. The time between the arrival of SOR RONDANE TRAVERSE the ship and her departure from (Leader T. Van Autenboer) Base Roi Baudouin was very suc The traverse (7 men) reached the cessfully used by the different mountains after an easy journey groups of the summer personnel to from the Base, travelling with two Polaris Sno-Toboggans and one Mus 32' E). . . keg. The present Wilkes Station is m Later, the Alouette helicopter position 66° 15' S, 110° 31' E and joined the party and was used for was constructed by the United transport and reconnaissance work. States in early 1957, control being The Cessna aircraft flew in the sup transferred to Australia in February, plies (mainly helicopter fuel) from 1959. the Base. March. 1965

The geologists made detailed stud ies of certain areas and took several WHALING POOR 100 lb samples of "key" units for An Oslo message dated January 26 •-diometric dating. A detailed study .--morainfc deposits was made with the hope of contributing to the chronology of the deglacierization. Orientated samples of chosen units were taken for palaeomagnetic stud J EASE RENEWED ies. Several snow and ice samples :re taken for isotopic analysis. inHinitiniHJii stated that the Scottish firm "of The surveyors reoccupied the Charles Salvesen, of Leith, near Edin laciological stations put up during burgh, had renewed the lease of the tne 1959 and 1960 Belgian Expedi Antarctic whaling station at Leith tion. Most of the markers were re covered although a few have dis Harbour, South Georgia, to a Japa appeared. This will allow a thorough nese whaling company and would check over periods ranging from' 4 provide the Japanese with technical to 5 years on the velocity measure aid at the station over the next three ments already obtained on the glac years. iers in the western part of the range. The station was previously leased New stakes for future observations to the Japanese whaling company, were set up. Another survey party Nippen Suisan Kaisha Limited for was flown out to the eastern part the 1963-64 season. of the range and was successful in Salvesen sold the last of their obtaining another astro position. whaling factory ships to the Japa Some of the party were flown back nese company in August 1963. Japan > the Base while the vehicles were now has a quota of 52 per cent, of back at the Base on the morning be the total world catch of whales. fore the departure of the ship. After the departure of the ship, the news received from Base Roi VISIT TO MIRNY Baudouin indicates that the 1965 Rear-Admiral J. R. Reedy paid a Expedition has been successful in seven-hour visit to the Russian Base, recovering the three generators from the old Base. The latter is now Mirny, on November 5-6, accom covered by 8 metres of snow. panied by Dr. G. Meyer, who is to winter at the Soviet station, the fifth The new buildings for the meteoro American scientist to do so. The logical programme and for the ozone Hercules aircraft left McMurdo at measurements have been completed, and the surveyor of the winter party 8.25 a.m. and reached Mi my at 2.15 has started his toposraphical work p.m. The American party was driven in the neighbourhood of the Base. to the station and had breakfast of The leader of this year's team is steak, ham, cheese, potatoes, black M. Winoc Bogaerts, an engineer, who bread and coffee. was a member of an Arctic Ice Forty Adelie penguins were col Station expedition in 1962-63. Sum lected at Fulmar Island to serve as mer plans include work in geology "guinea pigs" in the projected navi and geodesy in the Sor Rondane gational study on the Ross Ice Shelf. Mountains and oceanographic work in Breid Bay. Some 99 per cent, of the ice on the The expedition is well equipped with transport: a Cessna 180 single- earth is concentrated in polar ice sheets, and 91 per cent, is in Anl- engincd aircraft, an Alouette II heli artica. —C. Lorius in S.C.A.R. Bulle copter, three Sno-cats, two Polaris tin, May 1964. motor-toboqgans and a Muskeg. Base Roi Baudouin was established as' a Belgian base in December 1957 expedition in January of last year. and evacuated in February 1961. It The base is located in 70° 25' 53" S., was re-occupied b" a Belgian-Dutch 24° 18' 38" E. March, i%5 TENTH SOVIET EXPEDITION BEGINS OPERATIONS The change-over from the 9th to the 10th Soviet expeditions was safely effected early in the New Year, the ships employed being again the "Ob" and the "Estonia". The Leader of the tenth Soviet cists will be able for the first time to Antarctic expedition is Dr. Ye. S. make a study of the intensity of cos Korotkevich. Seventy men will be mic rays along the vessel's entire wintering at Mirny, wth Dr. I. G. course. Pelrov as the Chief, including 30 The personnel in Mirny was scientists, of whom one is an Ameri changed on January 23, 1965, and in can, one is a Pole and one is a Hun Vostok on January 22, 1965. garian. The main task of the Expedition, Novolazarevskaya has 14 men on says "Vodny Transport", will be the the staff, headed by Dr. Yu. A. Kru- completion of the complex research chinin; ten of them are scientists, work on the coast and inside Antarc including one from Czechoslovakia. tica according to the programme of Vostok has 15 men, headed bv A. V. the I.Q.S.Y. Shirochkov; ten of them are scien The temporary base Komsomol- tists, including one from Czechoslo skaya, half way between Mirny on vakia. the Pravda Coast and the Geomag Molodezhnaya is headed by A. B. netic South Pole (Vostok), will oper Buretsky and "has 44 men on the list, ate during the Antarctic summer. It including 11 scientists, of whom two will keep in touch by radio with sno- are from the German Democratic cat teams and aircraft working in Republic. the depth of the continent and will supply them with meteorological SHIP MOVEMENTS information. Of special interest will be the "Ob" departed from Lenin- medical study of man's acclimatiza rau on November 26, 1964; spent the tion to the severe Antarctic climate. 10th and 11th December, 1964, in Dakar (Senegal); arrived at Mirny After leaving Mirny the "Ob" ar on January 5, 1965, and left on Janu rived at Molodezhnaya after being ary 26. On January 30 the ship delayed by a severe snowstorm off explored the new border of the Enderby Land. Amery ice shelf. On February 2 the On board were 57 members of the ship arrived at Molodezhnaya. After Soviet expedition and also a Czecho visiting Novolazarevskaya and again slovak scientist, Stefan Pinter, three Mirny the ship will leave Antarctica geophysicists from the German in the second half of March. The Democratic Republic — Hans Wirth, crew is headed by V. Ledenev, a Klaus Lindner and Klaus Elstner — geographer who has participated in and the American microbiologist previous expeditions. George Meyer. The "Estonia" left Leningrad on The ice barrier on to which sup December 4, 1964; arrived in Aden on plies for Molodezhnaya were un December 21, was in Fremantle on loaded last year has crumbled awa> January 3-4, 1965, and spent from and the expedition is now looking the 11th to 24th of January at Mirny. for a suitable place to land supplies. She arrived back in Fremantle on The "Ob" is carrying prefabricated January 31. By means of special houses, panel sections for a garage, equipment on board, Soviet geophysi- a workshop and a power plant, as March. 1965 well as other supplies for the new nics, began the re-opening process. centre. Inside the buildings the temperature After unloading about 1,500 tons of had reached 50°C. below zero (—58° supplies and equipment and taking F.). With all the sources of heat on board the men who have com switched on it took 24 hours before pleted their period of duty, she the temperature rose to +7°C. will go on to Novolazarevskaya in (44.6°F.). Queen Maud Land, about 1,900 miles Soon the call signs were answered from Mirny, where men and supplies by Vostok, Novolazarev and Mirny. will also be landed. Oceanographical On December 8 "Sovietskaya Ros studies will then be conducted in the siya" reported the arrival of the train Southern Indian Ocean. at Vostok, and gave some particulars Men who arrived on "Estonia" of the conditions there. have taken over Vostok. Planes con Eight heavy truck-tractors and the veyed them from Mirny, together powerful "Kharkovchanka" cross with the first supplies from the "Ob". country vehicle were harnessed to the sledges, whose 100-ton load con EXCHANGE sisted of scientific equipment, fuel, Igor Zotikov, a Soviet physicist, is etc., for the use of the wintering- joininp- the United States expedition over staff. in Antarctica. He will winter at Mc has two poles: the Murdo and will conduct a year's Geomagnetic South Pole and the cycle of investigations concerning Pole of Cold. It is here that the the thermal condition of . absolute minimum temperature was This is the eighth exchange of fixed, 88.3°C. below zero. In these scientists between the Antarctic ex conditions metal becomes brittle peditions of the U.S.S.R. and the like glass, diesel fuel becomese solid United States. and rubber hoses and cables break EARLY JOURNEY at a slightest twist. From the previous experiences of A weasel-sledge transport left the wintering-over staff we now Mimy for Vostok on October 16, 1964, know that polar explorers who havr and arrived at Vostok on December been acclimatized, i.e., who hav< 2. On December 10 it left Vostok, and lived through several months here returned to Mirny on January 13, with the temperature 76°C. below 1965. zero, feel relatively well, but each STATIONS RE-OPENED degree below that is felt particularly An earlier report (December 1) in badly. "Sovietskaya Rossiya" described the The explorers live in small build appearance of the disused Pioner- ings well insulated from the cold by skaya Station, opened in 1956 and a reliable heating system. Outdoo closed in 1959. "The station is cov periods of stay during severe frosts ered with a thick blanket of snow. are limited to 15-20 minutes. Special Only the three radio masts are visi masks, in which the air is warmeJ ble together with the top of the up before entering the respirator aerological pavilion, and a heavy organs, together with special cloth truck-tractor which took part in ing, enable the staff to carry on earlier inland expeditions. After get scientific observations even during the severest of frosts. ting into the station through the aerological building and along a In addition to excessive frosts the narrow snow tunnel the visitors con staff at Vostok Station are subjected nected the knife switch on the power to extremely low atmospheric pres switchboard and immediately several sures. To get used to these one needs bulbs lit up." not only a strong physique but also After another 18 days they reached a strong mind. the unoccupied Komsomolskaya Sta In the latest radiograms receiv( tion and Fiodorov, who will be in from Vostok Station the expedition charge of this station during the members report a warm welcome summer season, with three mecha from the wintering-over staff. March, 1965

MOLODEZHNAYA'S NEW LOOK BIG BREAK OFF At the beginning of February a As mentioned in earlier issues, the Tass correspondent reported from Enderby Land station, Molodezhnaya, is ultimately to have enhanced status Mirny that a huge mass of ice had as a scientific station. Work to that end has begun, and a group of builders was sent to the base this has now retreated over 40 miles to the base stands. the south. The area of the mass which has broken off is estimated at The plans for converting Molode about 425 square miles. zhnaya into "the capital city of the This important change in the Antarctic" were explained to a Amery glacier was first discovered by "Trud" staff writer by Ju. A. Chaba- the pilot of an IL-14 plane, Arkady rov. Director of the Department of Arctic and Antarctic Research. "A Bertsynsky, during a flight from whole township will spring up at Mirny to Molodezhnaya. It was in vestigated by explorers who, on a Molodezhnaya," he said, "with its clear day, without any wind, ap industrial and residential quarters. proached the scene on the "Ob". The It will be situated not far from the scientists made observations at three sea and it vrill be 2 km. long. hydrological stations and measured "We have already chosen the site the depth of the sea by the new edge for the diesel power plant and the of the glacier (from 380 to 500 store where fuel and lubricating fathoms). materials will be kept. Fuel will be The results of the observations will stored in containers specially manu be incorporated in the atlas of the factured by specialists of the Neft- Antarctic which is being published espezmontazsh Combine to withstand in the U.S.S.R. towards the end of the pressure of the snow. Each con this year. tainer will hold 700 to 1,000 M3 of diesel fuel. Material for six of these ANTARCTIC PERIMETER containers has already been sent to the Antarctic, where they will be The length of the Antarctic shore assembled. line was accurately calculated re cently by two Soviet geographers — "Delivery of fuel will be made once Vladimir Bardin and Inna Suyetova. every two or three years by tanker, According to their calculations, the then transported to the storage site. perimeter of the continent has a An airfield is also being planned, total length of 30,030 kilometres capable of taking heavy cargo planes. (about 18,660 miles). Until now it Although air transport will be largely had been believed on the basis of used in order to enable expedition calculations made in 1960 that the members to reach their destinations shore line was about 28,000 kilo more quickly, we are looking for a metres long (17,400 miles). suitable bay on which to build a Inna Suyetova has also calculated wharf. Preparations are being made the total volume of the ice of Ant to build a powerful radio-meteoro arctica (23,920,000 cubic kilometres). logical station. Sixteen sets of dis This figure includes the shelf ice. The mantled radio masts ready to be average thickness of the ice covering assembled have been sent to Molo is 1,710 metres (just over one mile). dezhnaya. GEODETIC TRAVERSE "Although in time the major part of our research will be carried out at A geodetic traverse along a 100 km. the new Molodezhnaya Station, other profile was made from Mirny, with stations will continue their work the participation of scientists from with somewhat reduced pro the German Democratic Republic grammes." from January 1 to February 5, 1965. March, 1965

NEW RESEARCH SHIP HELPING THE WHALERS The Soviet M/S "Academician One of the main tasks is the trans Knipovich", a new research ship, of mission of information on weather 5,000 tons displacement, will soon set out on its maiden voyage from the port of Sevastopol. the 10th expedition include provision Professor Yuli Marti, D.Sc. (Biolo for an increase to the meteorological gy), the head of the expedition which staff at Mirny Observatory. The in will work on board the new ship, formation gathered on climate and told a correspondent: atmosphere circulation in the Ant "The 'Academician Knipovich', the arctic is being successfully used in first boat of a series of special ships, the analysis of aerial synoptic charts will permit comprehensive explora and weather forecasts. tion of fauna and flora in any region of the world ocean and at very great The hydro-meteorological staff on depths. the whalers "Sovietskaya Ukraina", "The ship has 12 excellently "Yuri Dolgoruki" and "Sovietskaya equipped laboratories, trawls for Rossia" have at their disposal catching and research and modern modern scientific equipment and a fish-finding instruments with TV and phototelegraphic receiver. This en photo devices for underwater obser ables them to receive from Mirny vations. The ship can conduct oceano- twice daily the synoptic charts of the logical investigations even in heavy Southern Hemisphere and the seas. weather reports from Australia, "The research boat has also an South America, Africa, and the sub- experimental plant for processing sea Antarctic islands. products and aquariums for observ ing the life of fish and invertebrates. ABOARD "ESTONIA" "The maiden voyage of the 'Acade mician Knipovich' will last more When "Estonia" called at Freman than eight months during which she tle (on the same day — January 3 — will cover some 60,000 km. in the as last year) Australian reporters Mediterranean, sub-Antarctic waters elicited some points of interest: and the Indian Ocean. About a third of the crew of 90 are "The expedition will study raw- material resources of the tropical zones of the Atlantic Ocean and the Station leader for Mirny, Dr. Ivan waters adjacent to the Antarctic, the Petrov, has spent 18 years work bottom relief, the type of soils in ing in the Arctic, but this is his these regions the composition and first trip to the Antarctic. distribution of water and the origin and location of fertile areas, that is, On board were 137 scientists and technicians. places with high productivity. There will be investigated the peculiarities Two Japanese joined the ship at Fre in biology and the behaviour of com mantle in order to inspect the mercial fish. Research will also be Japanese Showa Base. made in perfecting the methods of "Estonia" normally carries tourists catching and fish processing." between Leningrad and London. AND A NEW FACTORY SHIP A large new refrigerated factory LONG FLIGHT ship, christened the "Salna", is to go to the Antarctic to join the "Yugi A gull has turned up at a Soviet Dulgoruki" fleet, pick up a full load Antarctic station more than 625 miles of whale meat and deliver it to her inland, Tass reported on December home port. "Salna" is commanded by 17. It appeared to be "very tired" Serghei Goriachev, the first Latvian and a Soviet expert said this was the master of a fishing vessel to go to first time. a bird had been seen so the Antarctic. far inland in Antarctica. CZECHOSLOVAKIA IN SOUTH AFRICAN NEWS THE ANTARCTIC The South African Antarctic ves Two Czechoslovak scientists will sel RSA (1550 gross tons) was due in winter with the Soviet expedi t r v l a a i r o f ^ i - i r . T n u m ^ . v » n a n a m K a r 29, and to call at Marion Island to tion, the sixth time Czechs have par- disembark a biological expedition 'icipated in Soviet Antarctic activi- :s. Last year two Czechoslovak before proceeding to relieve the 1964 team at SANAE. The 1965 team will cophysicisls, Messrs. Chaloupka and Konecny, were members of the 9th comprise 14 men under the leader Soviet Antarctic Expedition. The two ship of J. T. J. van Wyk. new men are: Included in the programme for J. Skok (32), a member of the staff this summer is an over-snow traverse of the Safarik University, Presov. to Trolltunga Glacier Tongue on the He is a cosmic ray expert whose meridian of Greenwich, and the special interest is the variations in grounded area to the south-east of the neutron and ionized portions the old Norway Station; also an ex respectively of cosmic rays. He will tension of the inland geophysical be wintering at Vostok Station. traverse beyond 72°S. S. Pinter (25), a geophysicist, is a The team will also continue the member of the Academy of Sciences, reconnaissance mapping of the bed whose special interest is the micro- rock geology and georriorphology of ulsations of the earth's magnetic the Ahlm; eld. He will be studying their rela tion to the aurora. Mr. Pinter will also be conducting research on Whistlers. His station will be Novo lazarevskaya. OUT OF THE PAST The two Czech scientists left Prague by air on November 9 for Before he died, on July 7 last, Pro Leningrad, sailing on the "Estonia" on December 4. They reached Mirny fessor R. W. James, who was an honorary member of the South on January 11. In a message dated African Antarctic Association, con January 20 Pinter said that Skok had tributed to the Association's "Antark- already gone on by air to Vostok. tiese Bulletin" an article on his ex Last year's Czech participants, Mr. periences with the rnprT,1",°*-'- ~f Konecny and Mr Chaloupka returned Shackleton's "Endeavcir to Europe by the vessels "Ob" and tion who were marooned on "Estonia" respectively. phant Island in 1916. An attractive 150-page book in He concludes an account which tended for general reading was pub one wishes were longer with an ac lished in Czechoslovakia in 1963 count of the rescue. "Thus the win entitled Nasi v Antarktide, Our Men ter passed, not unpleasantly. We in Antarctica. It is lavishly illustra were dry and warm and not actually ted, the plates including 13 in colour, hungry . . . but we had read and and is a striking indication of Czech re-read our few books and I fear that interest in Antarctic research. The our mental existence was not very co-authors are Antonin Mrkos, Stani- brisk. At last on 30 August, 1916, just slav Bortl, Oldrich Kostka and Old- as we were sharing out a stew made rich Praus. of seals' backbone and seaweed, a small steamer appeared out at sea. More extensive scientific reports . . . Within an hour we were sailing will be published in due course. northwards towards Punta Arenas . . . hearing of the madness of a [We arc indebted lor this information to a reader in Prague who has kindly forwarded world at war, from which we had a copv of the book. been cut off for two years." March, 1965

the Argentine Republic, will visit the ARGENTINE Antarctic in February "to re-affirm MOVES there Argentine sovereignty". Bases to be occupied in the 1964- The icebreaker "General San Mar 65 season are: Teniente Matienzo, tin" was scheduled to leave Buenos Orcades del Sur, Decepcion, Almir Aires on November 2 and to visit ante Brown, Esperanza and General Belgrano. Ships participating in the Ushuahia, Decepcion, Almirante relief operations are, acording to "Dill Reports the News", General San Martin, Bahia Aguirre, th( tanker Punta Medanos, and th< oceanic research ships Comman- ary 29 was to take in the Mar de la Flota, Gerlache Strait, Bismarck Strait, Marguerite Bay and as far A Buenos Aires report says: The as Peter I Island. It was Wanned to Argentine Air Force successfully reconnoitre the northern part of launched its third Gamma-Centaur Alexander I Land and to inspect the rocket in Antarctica on February 9. General San Martin Base, returning to Buenos Aires on March 23. "Bahia Aguirre" was to leave CALLING MOSCOW Buenos Aires on December 7, visit On February 16 Scott Base rang

course of this cruise from Scott Base to his wife and was to be relieved. "Bahia Aguirre's" family in Moscow, twelve thousand second cruise involved hydrographic miles away. The actual path of the research in the Mar de la Flota and call was several thousand miles Gerlache Strait, from January 12 till March 6. longer. Dr. Zotikov's call was scheduled "La Argentina" was to visit Decep for 1.30 p.m., but he came the two tion Island in the course of a training miles from McMurdo to Scott at voyage for cadets or the Naval Col 10 a.m. to make sure he would be on lege. time. The Commander of the Antarctic The call went from Scott Base to Naval Group is Capitan de Fragata Wellington, then by toll circuit to D. Gonzalo D. Bustamante. the International Telephone Ex change at Auckland. Compac cable The major task for the 1964-65 took it on to Honolulu and Vancou summer is the construction and ver, microwave took it to Montreal, establishment of the Almirante submarine cable to Oban in Scotland, Brown naval base as a scientific the United Kingdom toll system to station cquinned for special atten London, and finally F tion to biological research. The Officer in Charge will be Sr. Alfredo phone connections to Corte. The call was "worked" by Scott Base operator Ted Gawn, who says Argentina has inaugurated a new it took about three minutes to reach "refuge" near EsDeranza Base (63° Russia from the time the number 24' S, 56° 59' W), , on the was asked for at New Zealand's east of the . The International Telephone Exchange. new hut is named SARGENTO The circuit, he says, was "very good CABRAL and is located at 63° 50' S, quality", and Dr Zotikov with great 58° 21' W. smiles explained in his limited Eng "El Mundo" (Buenos Aires) says lish how happy his wife and family that Senor Arturo Illio, President of were to hear from him. March, 1965 THE REPORTS PROGRESS

Contrary to expectations this 1964-1965 summer has been a good ice season for the relief of the bases maintained by the British Antarctic Survey. An unexpected breakout of foot The "Kista Dan" had a completely ice and pack allowed the "John Bis ice-free passage to and coe" to reach Adelaide Island on the relief of this base was accom December 19. Never before has a ship plished in good time. succeeded in relieving Marguerite RELIEF? Bay bases five years in succession. At this time Stonington Island was in The latest news is that on Febru accessible but there is no doubt that ary 18 the "John Biscoe" was at the this base will be relieved in due Argentine Islands ready to return to course. Marguerite Bay. Reports indicate that she will have an ice-free passage Before going to Marguerite Bay and that the way is now open to the "John Biscoe" started work on Stonington Island. hydrographic survey in the . A fault in the Hi-fix S O U T H F R O M H A L L E Y B AY surveying equipment allowed her to A British research team has estab go south when the ice broke up. lished a base in unexplored territory Since she returned she has com 800 miles from the South Pole. pleted 890 miles of soundings and the The position of the new station, new equipment has been reported a which will be manned in summer, is great success. In the course of this 77° 57' S., 24° 48' W. work much valuable biological work The team is headed by Dr. G. was done. Bowra. Its main objective will be to measure the drift of electron clouds "Shackleton" and "Protector" ac over the Antarctic from the station complished two ship seismic sound they set up 170 miles south of Halley ings in the Bransfield Strait area, since when the "Shackleton" has Bay after a hazardous 13-day journey carried on alone. over the icefield in two snow tractors towing sledges. OTTER OUT VALUABLE SITE The area the team is investigating What promised to be a rewarding is of particular scientific interest be season's field work in the Marguerite cause it is at a very high geographic Bay area was checked by an accident latitude but at a low magnetic lati to one of the Otters. Landing on tude. Adelaide Island in poor visibility Sir said the journey resulted in a crash. Fortunately no into entirely new territory had not one was hurt but the aircraft was a only made possible a valuable con write-off. The efforts of the remain tribution to ionospheric studies, but ing plane had therefore to be con had paved the way for a future jour fined to recovering field parties. ney to link up the British mapping programme with work done farther Despite this setback much valuable south by the 1955-57 Transantarctic work was done on the east coast and Expedition. in the George VI Sound area. With out aircraft support next season sup THE B.A.S. BASES plies already delivered should permit The following notes on British Ant useful work in the latter region. arctic Survey bases will help readers March, 1965 to appreciate more fullv the refer ences to them in our quarterly B.A.S. CHILEAN reports. All except Halley Br.y are in RELIEFS the Antarctic Peninsula ( ormerly ) area. For locations Members of the-three branches of and number of personnel see "Ant the armed forces forming part of the arctic," Dec. 1964, p. 546. 19th Chilean Antarctic Expedition left Valparaiso on December 12 to Adelaide Island: Built on one of the relieve the men who have wintered few rock outcrops from the ice-shelf at the Chilean bases. In his welcome, on the south coast oi Adelaide Island, President Frei is reported in the this is one ot the southernmost Bri Chilean press as saying: "Chile main tish bases in the Antarctic Peninsula tains and will maintain her histori area. cal, geographical and legal rights in the Antarctic." The Commander of the Task Force is Captain Augusto G. tion built in 1954 replaced the earlier Stahr. station erected in 1947 on the site of the British Graham Land Expedition SUMMER TASKS in 1934-37. Both sites are on a group A new radio station is to be erected of small islands. at Aguirre Cerda to provide space for equipment providing a radio link : Occupied since with McMurdo and the installation February 1944, the site is a natural harbour of volcanic origin which of directional and rhombic aerials. affords shelter and water for ships A vulcanological station is to be and is much used in summer. installed and operated at Pedro Aguirre Cerda. Ornithological studies Halley Bay: Situated on the blunt will be undertaken at Nelson Island ice-shelf fringing the Caird Coast, and geological research in the South , east of the . Shetlands. Buildings have to be replaced as they During the summer a labour force sink below the surface. Access has of 47 men will effect repairs and been found to the continental in terior. Easily the most southerly Bri extensions to existing bases. tish base Equipment is to be installed at O'Higgins and Arturo Prat bases for : Not much south of the ecological study of invertebrates 60°, this base is on one of the S. in different Antarctic and sub-Ant Orkney Islands. It is the Survey's arctic land environments. A heliport main biological centre and a large, is to be constructed at Arturo Prat. well-equipped laboratory was built in 1963-64. Ships participating in the relief operation were the transport "Piloto Pardo", the patrol-ship "Lientur" and Stonington Island: The most souther the frigate "Covadonga". The "Piloto ly of the Antarctic Peninsula stations. There is no scientific programme Pardo" carries two Type C Bell heli here. The base is used for logistic copters. support of field parties working in Commanders of the station and the Marguerite Bay area. Established personnel for 1965 will be: in 1946, it was closed in 1950 and re- Arturo Prat: Capitan de Corbeta occupied in 1958. A new hut was Ramon Capetillo and 8 men. built in 1961. Bernado O'Higgins: Capitan Arnaldo O. Acevedo and 8 men. Pedro Aguirre Cerda: Coman- IN NEXT ISSUE dante de Escuadra don Mario J. Barrera and 9 men. POLAR HOVERCRAFT COMING? The fourth base, Gonzalez Videla A DIFFERENT WAY OF LIFE on the Danco Coast, is temporarily (A F.I.D.S. man visits Ross Sea to be maintained as a summer base only. March, 1965 ANT/*

INSPECTION AMERICANS AND RUSSIANS On January 30 the Chilean Minister of Defence, don Juan de Dios Car- CO-OPERATE mona, left Chile on the frigate "Cova- donga" for an inspection visit to A despatch to the American press Chilean Antarctic bases. He was due from Vostok on January 11 states: at Arturo Prat (on Greenwich Island in the South Shetland group) on Soviet scientists are carrying out experiments set up by United States y 3, Bernardo O'Higgins on scientists in a spirit of warm co-oper ation at the coldest spot on earth. to visit Pedro Aguirre (on Deception American physicists recently installed geophysical instruments at Vostok, Island) on the 5th. where a temperature of 127° below He was accompanied by the Com zero was recorded several years ago. manders in Chief of the Army, Navy and Air Force, the Director of (he Soviet scientists are operating the Chilean Antarctic Institute, the Rec equipment at a breath-robbing alti of Concepcion University and the tude of two miles and a quarter. Dean of the Faculty of Sciences and Vostok is situated high on the polar Mathematics of the University of plateau, about 750 miles from the Chile. South Pole. It is at tne core of the earth's magnetic fielu, a key position The previous night two Grumman for studies of geomagnetism and aircraft of the Quintero air base were related mysteries of the polar skies. readied at Chabunco airfield, Punta The National Sc:~nce Foundation Arenas, to provide an esecort for the Minister and his party. A further two provided grants to the University of aircraft were held in readiness in Alaska and the National Bureau of case of emergency. Standards to conduct several pro jects here, and made arrangements RETURN for Soviet assistance. The National Members of the 18th Expedition Science Foundation, an independent were welcomed home when they agency of the United States Govern arrived at Punta Arenas in January ment, finances and administers the on the frigate "Covadonga". They United States Antarctic research pro were then flown to Santiago. The gramme. returning Commander of the Aguirre Cerda base, don Andres Pachcco, said AMERICAN RESEARCH that during the year no serious prob Dr. V. P. Hessler, University of lems had arisen. Alaska geophysicist, and Mr. J. Whit- The 4th meeting of the Antarctic comb, National Bureau of Standards Powers under the Antarctic Treaty is engineer, flew here in United States to be held in Chile next year. Navy Hercules aircraft. Dr. Hessler established systems for measuring pulsations of the earth's magnetic Mr. Jacobs investigated radio sig field and associated electric currents nals generated naturally in the on the surface. Mr. Whitcomb in earth's magnetic field, and main stalled devices to monitor the fluctu tained the Vostok link of a continen ating charges in the ionosphere. tal network of cosmic ray detectors established last year by the National GENESIS Bureau of Standards. Both of these The Vostok arrangement grew out projects will continue with Soviet of two projects run in 1964 by Mr. operators. J. Jacobs, University of Alaska, radio The Russians will receive dupli physicist, who was the American cates of data from all the American participant in the annual exchange projects here, which constitute more of scientists between American and than one-third of Vostok's current Russian Antarctic stations. He was research programme. the first American to work at Vostok. March, 1965

Japan Prepares to Re-occupy Showa Station The Japanese Ministry of Education is stepping up its prepara tions for the planned re-opening in the 1965-66 summer of Showa Base, built in January 1957, and occupied with one break of a year until 1961, when the sixth Japanese Antarctic Research Expedition cocooned the base and left for home. Showa is on Ongul Island in 69° S. training in the pack ice of the 39° 35' E., off the Prince Harald Coast Okhotsk Sea. in Dronning (Queen) Maud Land. Further preparations include the Two Japanese scientists, biologist testing during the present (northern) )r. Tadsuro Matsuda and geologist winter of a new over-snow vehicle Dr. Koshiro Kazaki, arrived in Fre and a helicopter under cold condi mantle on December 29 to board the tions in the northern island, Hok Soviet vessel "Estonia". They were kaido. It is anticipated that the exDected to visit Mirny tor about a "snow car" will be used for a long month and to s^end about 48 hours inland journey, possibly from Showa at the Japanese Showa Base to check to the South Pole. buildings, scientific equipment and POLAR INSTITUTE other facilities. Showa is some 300 A new Japanese research organisa miles from Mirn". tion, we are informed, is in process The two men returned to Japan on of formation, the Japanese Polar February 6, much earlier than ex Institute, a private body. We hope to pected. They had only 10 days in publish further details in our next Antarctica but visited Showa Station issue. on January 14 with the assistance of RESEARCH SHIP the Soviet team. They reported on After a month's work in the Ant their return to Japan that the build arctic the Japanese fishing research ings and equipment, left behind on vessel "Umilaka Mam I" called at February 9, 1962, are in good condi Lyttelton on December 27 to refuel tion. The ten panel-huts are ready and take on supplies. With 42 post for occupation. Only a canvas tent used as a store-house has been dam graduate students from the Tokyo University of Fisheries and 11 re aged. Mr. Kazaki said that it was search workers on board, the vessel hoped to expand the base to house left for a further month in the Ant about 30 men within a few years. The arctic on January 3. wintering team for 1966 is expected to number 18, and there will prob "Umitaka Maru I" is commanded by Captain K. Ozawa and has 13 offi ably be about 22 in the summer cers and a crew of 26. Captain Ozawa party. is himself a graduate of the Tokyo ICEBREAKER University of Fisheries. When the base is re-opened, the Those aboard are engaged in team of scientists and support per oceanographic and biological investi gations mainly along the edge of the sonnel will have the use of the new ice pack to the south of Australia icebreaker which is being built at and New Zealand. Kawasaki near Tokyo and which is expected to be launched about mid- SCIENTIFIC PROGRAMME March. The poor condition of the ice Their chief aim is to gain informa breaker previously used was one of tion about the shrimp-like Crustacea the reasons why the base had to be which are the staple food of marine closed down. The crew have been in life in the Antarctic. March, 1965

In addition, the university men on board are studying geophysical THE SUB-ANTARCTIC aspects of the area they traverse and CROZET ISLAND are measuring geomagnetism and gravity while under way. They are (France) also mapping the ocean bottom by Rain, snow and violent winds char the use of an echo-sounder and are acterised the months of October and taking core samples of the sea bed November and hindered outside at depths of up to 3,000 metres. work at the Crozet Island station. However, the cable-railway was Daily water samples, pressures and ready for operation when unloadin temperatures are also being recorded began with the arrival of "Gallieni" from graded depths down to 3,000 on December 12 — in good weather. metres. Three hundred tons of supplies and Work being done on behalf of equipment were discharged without the International Hydrographic Bur incident by the 15th, when "Gallieni" eau in Monaco includes a survey left for Kerguelen. She carried the of undersea mountains south of Mac members of this first Crozet Island quarie Island. expedition who, at the end of a hard assignment, watched the black cliffs RESEARCH AIDS of these inhospitable but now The ship carries fishing and plank strangely familiar shores sink below ton nets together with equipment the horizon with joy not untouched for trawling at depths of 2000ft, and with sadness. is equipped with the most modern devices for aiding its scientific staff. KERGUELEN ISLANDS Equipment includes underwater (France) cameras (made in the United States) In spite of unfavourable weather complete with flashlights, and a pho conditions, in spite of violent winds tographic meter for measuring the and squalls, the works programme intensity of sunlight to depths of was not interrupted — annexe build about 100 metres. ings completed, regular radio opera Some direct benefits accrue to tion, preparation of the framework New Zealand from the vessel's voy and anchorages for the future 72 m. age. When in Antarctic waters it high ionosphere pylon, arrangements passes daily weather reports to the for unloading. Campbell Island weather station for A fire alarm on November 2 from transmission to New Zealand. the geology lab. . . . fortunately there The reason officially given for kvas no serious damage done. The the voyage is "practical training in other scientific laboratories func tioned normally. pelagic (ocean) fishing and research in the Antarctic regions and ocean Oceanographic trawls in Morbihan Bay. navigation." Several reconnaissance trips, one The Umitaka Maru is a stern of which, a climb of the right flank trawler of 1450 tons with a speed of of Ross Crater to 1,200 m., was 13 knots. She is fully equipped for restricted by fog. all types of fishing research, and is The "Gallieni" anchored on Decem owned and maintained by the Jap ber 18-19 at Port Christmas and a anese Government. team which landed for several days to carry out geological research un der the direction of J. Nougier ar rived at Port aux Francais on the O L D W H A L E M A R K S 19th. Two fin whales captured in the Unloading operations were deyayed 1963-4 season had marks fired 29 somewhat by bad weather and did years before, in 1934-5. Both whales not begin till the 21st. 1,350 tons were had been marked in 54°S., 40°W. One off-loaded up till the 27th, when mark was recovered in 51°S., 32° W., "Gallieni" departed for Nouvelle the other in 56°S., 37rW. Amsterdam, via Port Christmas. March, 1965

CAMPBELL ISLAND Temperatures for January were (New Zealand) very high with some days reaching 69°. The members took full advan A RUSSIAN VISIT tage of this and a sailing regatta was held on the harbour; also a lot of January has been a very exciting month for Campbell Island, with th( swimming was done which does not calling of an unexpected visitor in happen very often on Campbell the form of the Russian oceanogra phic marine research vessel "Genev- ny" having her home port at Odessa. On January 30, the flag on the This vessel anchored in Perseverance station was flown at half mast in Harbour on January 15 for her remembrance of Sir Winston Chur engineers to prepare her equipment chill, and at 7.30 p.m. a short mem for biological and oceanographic re orial service was held with the leader search after leaving Campbell Island. Colin Clark giving a resume of Sir Winston Churchill's career. Peter As far as can be asectrained it is Ingram played a tape recording of a the first Russian ship ever to visit famous < Campbell Island and on board were chief scientist Dr. Gennady Solyanik On February 18 the U.S.S. "Mills" and his wife Svetlana. called in at Campbell Island on her last voyage south to Ocean station The coming ashore of Mrs. Solya nik marks another milestone in his tory, she being the fourth lady ever party over the winter months to to step ashort on Campbell Island. come. She will call again at the At 3.30 p.m. the same afternoon island en route to Dunedin to uplift the American picket ship U.S.S. St. Croix and Ingram who have "Mills" en route for Dunedin also finished their 18-month tour. anchored in the harbour, and ex change visits were made between the ships. M A C Q U A R I E I S L A N D The U.S.S. "Mills" invited De St. (Australia) Croix and Ingram to judge the beard- M.V. "Nella Dan" left Melbourne growing contest as they were the on December 2 with the relief expedi oldest inhabitants on the island and tion for Macquarie Island. The new both supporting very long beards. party of 18 men to relieve the 1964 Souvenirs were exchanged between party has as its officer-in-charge C. the Russians and Campbell Island Bruce Ellwood. staff with the Russians presenting Comprehensive long-term scientific the island with two Sperm Whale studies will continue, as in past teeth beautifully polished and en years, during 1965, in meteorology, graved with a picture of Persever ance Harbour. upper atmosphere physics, zoology, geomagnetism and seismology. In In return for the hospitality be addition, for the first time since 1951, stowed on the expedition members, a full-time botanist, John Jenkin, will Gordon Surrey, the chef of the island, spend a year on the island, where he will study the pattern and seasonal Sreparedew Zealand a sumptuous meal, with and numerous typical growth of the plant communities in wines brought forward for the occa relation to microclimatic factors. He sion. will also make a quantitative assess The "Genevny" departed Campbell ment of the effect on the vegetation Island on Saturday the 16th at 12.45 of grazing rabbits introduced by sealers in the 19th century. p.m. for the Ross Sea and Peter I Island. As she left there was much While the ship was at Macquarie horn blowing and a really magnifi Island, Professor J. Bruce Falls, a cent distress signal was sent into the visiting biologist from the University of Toronto, made sound recordings March, 1965

of the calls of penguins, albatrosses Thomas of the Antarctic Division and and seals. Few such recordings have Miss S. Ingham of the C.S.I.R.O. previously been attempted in the "Nella Dan" returned to Melbourne sub-Antarctic. Other scientists who on December 16. pursued short studies during the changeover included Dr. R. Carrick, of the CSIRO Division of Wildlife JANUARY NEWS Research, two botanists, two ocean- Highest temperature 52.8°F., lowest ographers, an ozone physicist, a 34.6°F.,; rain on 22 days and the geographer and four women scien tists. All these activities are addi maximum fall for one day was 23 tional to the long-term scientific points. The relative humidity was 85 research which is continuously car per cent.; there was sunshine for 88.7 hours, and the highest wind speed ried out at Macquarie Island. was 54 knots. Help during the relief operations The "Meteorological Office" now was given by two Army Cadets, two has a rock garden and a sign an Queen's Scouts and two Sea Scouts nouncing that information and fore who accompanied the ship for the casts can be obtained there. The return voyage. latter has yet to be proved as a cor Under the leadership of Dr. Phillip rect statement due to the constant Law, the changeover operations took changes in our weather. six days, during which 650 tons of Ormay and Jenkins have made cargo were unloaded and three new numerous intrepid trips hunting and buildings were erected — a meteoro are usually successful in bagging logical office, a surgery and a refriger enough for a meal for all hands. The ation room. rabbits also help in the cause of science as Simpson is doing some Landings were made at Bauer Bay, research in the stomach contents of Sandy Bay and Green Gorge to put ashore stores and provisions for field the animals. He and Purchase have been involved with studies of the parties. The first two were made by skua gull lately and both bear many Army DUKWs, and the third by a rubber pontoon. The hazardous pon scratches and bite marks to show toon landing was made by 15 men, the sharpness of talons and beaks. amongst rock and kelp in heavy surf, Bryden and MacKenzie have been but although four men were thrown dissecting seal carcases and after into the icy sea, all struggled out tests are completed the choicest cuts are used for the skua trap. The seal again and the stores were safely landed. Stores for the main station tank is now almost ready for use were unloaded by DUKWs from the and within a couple of weeks it should have its first occupants. ship half a mile offshore. During six days at the island teams of scientists, who are making the MARION ISLAND round trip from Melbourne, worked on Royal Penguin studies, botanical (S.Africa) investigations, geomorphological in A biological expedition was sched vestigations of the results of past uled to work on Marion Island from glaciations, the recording of sounds December 1964, travelling on the made by seals, penguins and sea South African research vessel "RSA" birds, the ozone content of the atmos on her voyage south to SANAE. The phere, and wave movements around team was to be relieved by the the coast. "RSA" later on her usual relief and Four women, all biologists, also resupply voyage. made the round trip. Two of them, Activities planned include collect Mrs. C. Carrick and Mrs. B. Falls, ing of fauna and flora, study of the were with their scientist husbands. influence of animals on vegetation, The other two were Miss J. E. etiology of birds and seals. March, 1965 British South Georgia Expedition Attains All Objectives As mentioned in a stop-press note in our last issue, the ten-man Combined British Services expedition in South Georgia succeeded in covering "in all details" the route followed by Shackleton, Worsley and Crean in their historic crossing of the island nearly 50 years ago. Now we can report that the expedi Blizzards have nearly buried the tion has successfully completed its expedition's camp and stores on occa assignment. The expedition was spon sions, while fierce gales have tested sored by the Navy Department of equipment to the full. Much of the the U.K. Ministry of Defence. travelling has been in "white out" conditions by compass. The expedition, led by Lt.-Cdr. Malcolm Burley, R.N., and consisting Early in December the expedition of four men from the Royal Navy, was at Leith, preparing to move off three from the Army and three from into the Allardyce range, where its the Royal Air Force, was landed in main mountaineering task, including South Georgia on November 15 to assaults on two unclimbed peaks of spend four months undertaking a nearly ten thousand feet, was to be wide range of scientific and survey undertaken. ing tasks in almost unknown regions. The exact track, which has hitherto UNCLIMBED PEAKS SCALED been the subject of dispute, taken by the famous explorer has been Mount Paget in the Allardyce established beyond doubt. Shackle Range, the highest mountain in ton crossed from the south to the South Georgia, whose 9,625 ft. peak north coast of the island to obtain had defeated the efforts of at least help from the whaling stations there three previous expeditions, was the following their incredible open boat first objective. voyage from Elephant Island when their ship, the "Endurance", was The assault was mounted by Lieu crushed in the ice in 1916. tenant Simon Down, Royal Marines (24), Sergeant Thomas Lynch, Para After being put ashore by H.M.S. chute Regiment (26), and Senior Air "Protector", R.N. ice patrol ship, the craftman John Chester, R.A.F. (25). expedition retraced Shackleton's route from King Haakon Bay over "Whiteout" conditions were com the interior mountains to the now mon in the early stages and ten days ghost whaling station of Stromness passed at one stage with visibility at on the opposite coast. The geographi less than a hundred yards. Christmas cal descriptions given by Shackleton Day was spent camped in a snow were found remarkably accurate, but storm on an exposed glacier and it so precipitous were the ranges en was on the following day that the countered that all of the members of Mount Paget team set off carrying the party were compelled to take twelve days' rations. part in the rope lowering of their equipment, including sledges, down The three men reached the summit the steep slopes. on December 30. They folowed the same route as that of the 1960 expedi South Georgia, states the report tion from H.M.S. "Protector" which from the island, lives up to its repu succeeded in climbing the 9,565 ft. tation as far as weather is concerned. high west peak of the mountain. March, 1965

Lieutenant-Commander Malcolm Bur RETURN DELAYED ley, R.N. (36), leader of the present Frequent blizzards and gales, the expedition, was one of the three men latter assessed out at sea by a whale- who made the 1960 climb. catcher as Force 11 — has delayed MOUNT SUGARTOP the return of the expedition to Gryt- In the meantime three other mem viken. An isolated tent occupied by bers of the expedition successfully two members of the party collapsed reached the summit of 7,623 ft. high during the worst blizzard. For fifteen Mount Sugartop, another unsealed hours they sheltered in a tent made peak in the same range. They were from their sleeping-bags, but both Squadron Leader Anthony Back, escaped with minor frost-bite. R.A.F. (33), deputy leader of the The expedition, which left Britain expedition. Sergeant Terence Thomp in October, has completed the first son, Royal Marines (27), and Captain crossing of the Allardyce Range. It John Peacock, R.E.M.E. (32). After has also crossed the island on three being stormbound for several days, occasions. During the last week in an initial reconnaissance of the January the members, all in good mountain matured into a full-scale health and spirits, set out for survey climb. The peak was reached on work in the rarely visited Royal Bay January 4. area on the northern coast of the The remainder of the expedition — island. Lt. Cdr. Burley, Control Artificer P. The expedition is scheduled to re- Langdon, R.N., Sgt. H. Hutt, R.A.F., embark in H.M.S. "Protector" in and Capt. P. Fagan, R.E., stood by as March and to arrive back in Britain a reserve climbing and rescue team. in May. BIG BEN CONQUERED "Summit Mawson Peak Big Ben reached on January 25 by five men. All main aims achieved. Whole expedition fit and headed for Australia." This jubilant radio message from high altitudes is temperate, like that Warwick Deacock to The Australian of the Alps, or polar, like that of broke the news of the successful out- Antarctica, c o m e o f t h e S o u t h I n d i a n O c e a n _ . D I v T D r » T I D T c Expedition to Heard Island. EARLY TROUBLE The ascent of previously unclimbed The "Patanela*' a 63 ft. cray-fishing Big Ben was the most spectacular schooner, left Sydney on November aim of the 10-man team of adven- 5 Twenty-four hours out of Sydney turers, which included three New she ran into a southerly and hove to Zealanders, Colin Putt, Phillip Tern- tor 36 hours. pie and John Crick. Other main aims , Uu"ng tne storm, Major Tilman, w e r e : t n e s k i p p e r , w a s fl a t t e n e d b y a g i a n t To measure ihe temnprainrp incifip wave- Another casualty was Russel tSiSSSS^SSSt^i^SL 5"p£s Trof Sf thr-f ft?T iri cone and collect sublimates and SSSK?l£^%S*" ^ *"* other material as an indication of refJn£'"ihe™a*n,!3Li *• «p,to theme present nresent state state or of volcanic volmnir activity. nrtiviiv nela„ 5U m-P-n- at lhe hd gusts ht of lashed (h& stQrm the Pata- The To study and collect samples oi schooner drifted 50 miles out to sea exposed rocks None has previously but was undamaged, been collected above 4,000 ft. on The "Patanela" was off Wilson's r i e a r a i s l a n d . P r o m o n t o r y l a t e o n N o v e m b e r 9 o n To measure the temperature in its first leg to Albany, in Western crevasses to determine if the ice at Australia. March, 1965

The schooner reached Albany 14 LATEST NEWS days after leaving Sydney and a (February 27) weekend was spent making practice The "Patanella's" crew expected to landings from an 18 ft. raft equipped Sight th° Woc-t Anclrolion CAict \\tr with ah 18 h.p. outboard motor. On March \ the 27th, after waiting for fierce westerlies off the West Australian 150 mi.w H^« y..«j ,., U.WUI. yjL u,v. coast to abate, the adventurers push Roaring Forties. ed south into the roaring forties. No further report was received by The Australian until December 29, NO PLACE FOR GIRLS when "Patanela" was 600 miles from Most New Zealand and Australian Kerguelen Island, and 4,722 miles readers will have heard of Lee Quinn, from Sydney. the man who prefers to man his 45 ft. GALES STRIKE ketch "Neophyte" with women and On January 21 a message was re go on tropical cruises. ceived saying that the schooner had After several such cruises Mr. been swept 100 miles off course in a Quinn thought it would be interest fierce gale. Bleak winds, sub-zero ing to go south for a change. The temperatures and 100 ft. waves bat venture was widely publicised in the tered the vessel, which fought her Australian press as a voyage "to the way back to reach Winston Glacier Antarctic", but the call for an all-girl lagoon on Heard Island. Here a land crew did not attract many appli ing was made by the climbing party cants. Finally only one member of while "Patanela" headed for a more an earlier (tropical) all-girl crew sheltered haven at Kerguelen. accompanied Mr. Quinn when "Neo phyte" set sail from Hobart on Janu AT KERGUELEN ary 11. She was Barbara Sodt (28) of Three weeks were spent at Kergue San Francisco. len, the first week at Port aux Fran- Two experienced Frenchmen whom cais, the French base. During "Pata- Quinn consulted, Paul-Emile Victor nela's" stay high winds made anchor and Captain V. Pedersen of 'Thala ages uncertain and the vessel dragged Dan", warned him of the danger he anchor several times before she was was running ("The weather might forced ashore by a 65 m.p.h. wind. break up very quickly and then She was floated off under her own where are you?" said the Captain), power. Dr. Pardoe used an aqualung but Quinn set sail, determined to to examine the hull but found it un have his ketch photographed beside damaged. an iceberg before he returned. During the last fortnight at Ker ABOUT TURN guelen "Patanela" made "minor sorties" on the island with members A fortnight later, on January 22, of the French expedition. "Neophyte" limped into Hobart with sails tattered, rigging damaged and THE TRIUMPH its bilge pump out of commission. No details are yet to hand concern The ketch's cabin was almost awash ing the climb, so it is not known how and sleeping gear was soaked. many days the climbers wailed on Quinn told how gale-force winds the volcanic plateau before the had sent huge waves crashing over weather made the attempt on the the ketch. About January 18, in 60 summit of Mawson Peak possible. The slopes of Big Ben are seamed degrees one minute south, the first with crevasses. Temperatures at this iceberg was sighted — by Barbara. time of year average 9° near the Apparently no photograph was taken. summit and 50 m.p.h. winds are com The weather deteriorated further mon. The crest of Big Ben is a filled- and it was decided to turn back. in volcanic crater surrounded by Mr. Quinn expects to be in Hobart peaks, of which Mawson Peak is the about a week getting his yacht sea highest. The peaks are shrouded by worthy. He then hopes to sail with blizzards. an all-girl crew — to India. March, 1965

uMEASURING i u n u u i u n u v DFPTH i * * i n OFv i i u TCF i j a l radar i o n o methodn t e m p e yields r a t u r e valuable s . a t v a inform- r y i n g BY" RADAR ' t i o n s depths, o n w h i c and h A the n t a r geological c t i c i c e m forma- a s s e s ( A D e c e m b e r r e p o r t ) r e s t . New Zealand is one of the three After a week along the Skelton, nations represented in a four-man Mr. Jiracek intends using the equip- field party testing a new technique ment in other parts of the Antarctic of measuring ice thickness based on and eventually at the South Pole, a r a d a r p r o b e . w h e r e s e i s m i c m e a s u r e m e n t s h a v e This system will dispense with the been made by the leader of the South present arduous seismic method, and pole. traverse Dr. Charles Bentlcy it can be used from aircraft. (University of Wisconsin), to whom tl ,o , m a . k .e r s e M i s r m . i cJ i r m a e c a e s k u r i e s m a e n r t es s o e fa r T c h . _ a s s i s t a n t . ice, holes have to be drilled for ex- , In, making use of this radar ice plosives that are set off to give a dcPth measurement from an aircraft shock wave, and recording instru- II Wl11 be Possible for a plane to fly ments need to be connected up over an iced area and plot where the across the area being measured. lce 1S thin enough for an icebreaker Tot ~ check„ u i . u their • • equipment „ r l ° c u t U.S. a c hc a h n n to e l , land o r wan h e aircraft. r e i t i s t h i c k s c i e n t i s t s j o i n e d f o r a w h i l e w i t h a _ . . , N.Z.A.R.P. project on the Ross Ice Equipment for the radar method Shelf movements immediately south of lce measurement has been built of Scott Base. The party are now 80 °y the Scott Polar Research institute miles south at the Skelton Glacier and similar methods were experi- and will be there for about a week, mented with in February by the Using motor toboggans for transport Russians at Mirny, they will work along the lower 40 Well-established seismic sounding m i l e s o f t h e g l a c i e r . m e t h o d s w e r e u s e d b y t h e Q u e e n George Jiracek and James Nicholls, Maud Land traverse party to plot ice of the University of Wisconsin, United depths and sub-ice topography, but States, measured ice depths of more at the same time University of Wis- than a mile with the radar equip- consin geophysicists were testing the ment in the Arctic only a few months new method of "looking" into these ago, and in continuing their work in distances. the Antarctic they expect the radar Dr. Bentley said that with this new equipment to be more effective be- method of radio sounding, contours cause of the colder temperatures. of the ground beneath arctic or ant- John Green (United Kingdom) an arcti9 icccaps can be rapidly charted, administrator of the British Antarc- and it may eventually give informa- tic Survey, who has spent about 14 l!on about its geological characteris- consecutive seasons on the Antarctic !cs' as w9n as a5°ut the quallties of 'eninsula, is with the party, as well the superimposed ice. as Ray Hoare, Victoria University of Former radioman with the second Wellington. This is Mr. Hoare's Byrd Antarctic Expedition, Amory H. second summer season in the Ant- ("Bud") Waite, now a member of the arctic. He has joined the party to Institute for Exploratory Research of guide them in working on ice and the U.S. Army Electronics Labora- snow. tories, developed the new technique Ttitc m&th^A rvf moo,„„; •„ and designed the equipment for its t h S n e s ^ ' a c i a r S T E M S B a f e ^ over ice. They give a reading calcK U?-at r']d,°, so.undinSs should be oper atedtatea fromirom tne the sea sea level levelIhSSifhYhr> beneath the almost ational complctely during next antiquate season seismic and depth, gravity and geomagnetism As well as giving thicknesses, the measurements. THE WEDDELL SEAL POPULATION OF McMURDO SOUND

M. S. R. SMITH*

[The following article is based, by permis WHERE DO THE SEALS GO ... ? sion of the Superintendent, Antarctic Division, D.S.I.R., on a recent report by Murray Smith, who has carried out an intensive study of the A programme of research has been seal population of McMurdo Sound during undertaken by the University of Can the past four summers, and also wintered over at Scott Base during 1963.—Ed.] terbury to study the seals in Mc Murdo Sound in the 1961-62 season The Weddell Seal is the one which and to date four summers' and one most people who visit the McMurdo winter's work has been completed. Region see. It is one of a group of Here is a resume of the results so four truly Antarctic Seals, namely: far obtained. 1. Leopard Seal During the winter period there is only a small overwintering popula tion of seals in the Sound and these 2. Crabeater Seal tend to congregate about the open (Found frequently in the pack tide cracks around Turtle Rock and ice.) the Dellbridge Islands. This popula 3. Ross Seal tion has been estimated to be ap (This is the rarest of the group proximately 250 seals. Then in spring and is found in the pack ice.) (late September to early October) 4. Weddell Seal there is an influx of females moving (See later description.) into the pupping areas and this These seals along with the pen builds up the main population to about 1,000 seals. After the pupping guins and skuas are the most notable elements of the Antarctic fauna. The period there is a gradual build-up of Weddell Seal belongs to the major male and female seals in the area until early January when the peak of grouping of seals, divided into three main subdivisions: approximately 2,600 seals is reached. These seals move in a southerly direc 1. Eared Seals (Fur Seals): These tion ahead of the ice breakup and are the seals which are found this can be seen by the gradual around the New Zealand coast, e.g., Kaikoura Peninsula. 2. Earless Seals: The Antarctic Seals. ridges off Scott Base. 3. Walruses: These are found in the The seals come into the pressure Northern Hemisphere Arctic ridges and reach peak numbers about only. early February. They start to move The Weddell Seal is circumpolar in out of the area in late February and distribution and rarely moves far the last seal recorded at the Base :re are was 7 April. After the seals mov* rt"* of McMurdo Sound raocl nn ' to the pack ice to spenc. This area is an easier place to live in , all cases these were young ani than the Sound where there is thick mals. The seal pups in the McMurdo Sound area between approximately ice from May till the break-up in the 15 October and 15 November and the next summer. main area is between Scott Base and What is very noticeable is that the Cape Royds. In odd years there are seals lying on the ice are controlled a few pups born in the pressure by the prevailing weather conditions. ridges off Scott Base. Strong winds coupled with the other * Zoology Department, University of Canterbury.• meteorological conditions restrict the March, 1965 numbers of seals lying on the ice. MORE VETERANS PASS Another point to notice is that the seals feed in the early hours of the morning and consequently very few SIR GEORGE SIMPSON seals are seen lying on the ice from 2000 hours until 0800 hours. They The meteorologist on Scott's last come out on the ice during the day expedition, Sir George Clarke Simp to rest and digest their food, which son, died in England on January 4, consists of fish and squid or octopus. aged 86. As Dr. G. C. Simpson he spent the 13 months from January 1911 till February 1912 at the famous CONSERVATION hut where he was gener Now that the Antarctic is becom ally known as "Sunny Jim". ing more populated year by year it He was recognised as a dedicated is becoming important to think seri scientist. Cherry-Gerrard called him ously about conserving the Weddell "obviously a first-class scientist, de Seal in our area. We must ensure voted to his work". The importance that we do not affect the seal popula of this work and the fact that its tion by overkilling the stocks and by nature demanded his constant per excessive human interference. This sonal attention made it inevitable population of seals in the pressure that his part in the expedition was ridges is rather unique because it is not a greatly publicised one. He was one of the most southerly occur recalled before the second winter by rences of a mammal other than the Indian Government for whom he humans. (Approximately 800 miles had been working. But he played an from the South Pole.) These seals extremely worthy part in the expedi have been killed annually to feed the tion's operations and was univer dogs which are still an integral part sally respected for his able and con of our programme, but this kill must scientious work as well as for the be rigidly controlled. Only males personal qualities which earned him must be killed and definitely no his nickname. females and this will ensure that the stocks of the Weddell Seal will not After the expedition he became be diminished. The kill should be recognised as a world figure in started about the first week in Febru meteorology. "Master of his craft" in ary and should not encroach into Scott's time — and Scott's words — March. As far as it is possible it he became Director of the British should be attempted to take only Meteorological Office from 1920 to large males. 1938 and President of the Royal Meteorological Society from 1940 to As New Zealand is a signatory to 1942. Plis name is commemorated in the Antarctic Treaty it is up to all at the Simpson Glacier Tongue, N. Vic the Base (staff and visitors) to ensure toria Land, and Simpson Head on that the Weddell Seal population in the east coast of the Antarctic Penin McMurdo Sound is conserved. sula.

DR. J. G. HUNTER lia on "Aurora" but was back on the As a young man of 23 John George relief voyage (to pick up Mawson Hunter was the indefatigable biolo and the few who had remained) a gist of Mawson's main base party in year later, again as biologist. 1911-14. He was a member of the Supporting Party which after the He became probably the best winter accompanied the Southern known figure in Australian medicine, (Magnetic Pole) Party for the first and his death on December 27 was 67 miles of their long journey, from described by the President of the November 6 till November 22, 1912. Australian Medical Association as "a and arrived back at on very great loss to the profession". November 27. He returned to Austra- .^^m

March, 1965 THE READER WRITES Sidelights of Antarctic Research

Letters, preferably not longer with Mr. Alack to urge New Zealand than 500-600 words, are invited to maintain Hallett Station. For one thing it seems a pity to give up con from readers who have observed tinuous observations in meteorology some little known facet of Ant and upper air physics at this useful arctic life or who have reached location. For another, there is a conclusions of interest on some large chunk of Victoria Land lying behind Hallett where there must Antarctic problem.—Ed. surely be much detailed geology, geo physics and glaciology to do. SOUTH POLE FLAGS Sir,— I know the area is within aircraft It was my good fortune to spend range of McMurdo but it may prove several clays at the Amundsen-Scott more efficient to support field work South Pole Station on my second in this area by land based helicopter Antarctic trip. As a featherbedded or light aircraft (or even hovercraft). Above all, it would be good to see modern Antarctic man, I felt that New Zealanders developing in isola ly half-mile walk to the site of the ole was in the nature of an apolo- tion their own concept of Antarctic tic pilgrimage, and I hope that the living. Such people are self reliant losts of the pioneers were able to and cheerful and there are many nse my feelings of awe and ad- experienced snow and ice travellers liration and withhold their scorn, amongst those who take to the he occasion was, however, tem- mountains back home. Apropos of tered with my sadness when I dis- warfare in the Western Desert it was overed that the two flags flying said that the "British" quickly learned to come to terms with a bravely at the bottom of the world re not the national flags of hostile environment and developed lundsen and Scott, but the habits of living in and with the ubiquitous Stars and Stripes and country and not against it. In this the totally incongruous emblem of respect New Zealand troops were the State of Idaho. I yield to no-one pre-eminent. Look how many popped in my admiration of American Ant up in the "cloak and dagger" units. arctic men and their efforts. Will The suggestion that New Zealand they likewise express their respect needs an icebreaker to maintain for those who went before them by Hallet or for any other purpose is, the erection and maintenance of two however, unrealistic. At a guess, to flags, a simple and meaningful restore the science building and ser tribute to those who had so much vices at Hallett would cost around more to fight than their modern £30,000. Recurrent expenditure may counterparts? Truly a worthwhile come to £60,000 a year. A small ice crusade for the Antarctic Society! breaker would cost at least three CLAUDE B. TAYLOR million pounds to build and about £200,00 a year to run and it would HALLETT — AND ICEBREAKERS have insufficient cargo space to re- Shy- supply a base. After fifteen years with the British I know nothing about ice condi Antarctic Survey I recently had the tions around Hallet but I imagine pleasure of a visit to McMurdo the fast ice breaks out nearly every Sound during which I spent three year. If so, why worry about an ice weeks at Scott Base. Like all Ant breaker? I hear that ships are more arctic enthusiasts I find it difficult concerned with bergs in the anchor to mind my own business and there age interfering with unloading. In fore have no hesitation in joining that case, why not get there before March, 1965

the fast ice breaks out and re-supply infested with pack ice all summer— by tractor—the fast light variety, yes. If you really need to break fast towing wooden cargo sledges. We ice — yes. In many areas ice streng did this at Stonington in 1960—61 and thened cargo ships such as the "Dan" discharged the ship in five days over class are not only cheaper to run but seven miles of fast ice using two they get through with all the neces Bombardier Muskegs (Model M6), sary cargo. each towing two "Maudheim" cargo sledges (5,0001b. on the sledges and Maybe the day is not too far away 16001b. on the tractors). when hovercraft in Antarctica will put the icebreaker out of business. No, an icebreaker is not the "Open Sesame" to Antarctica that many JOHN R. GREEN people think. To coastlines heavily London, February 22, 1965.

BOOKSHELF SUMMING UP WHAT WE KNOW ABOUT THE ANTARCTIC An important book on Antarctic Empases differ, naturally. "Antarc research is not often published. tic Research" gives greater attention, When two such books appear within for example, to human physiology the space of two or three months it and landscape evolution, while "Ant is a notable event. The two volumes arctica" has more to say about na reviewed below are both works of tional interests and the oases in the outstanding importance. ice, and deals more fully with geo magnetism. Fortunately, while somewhat simi lar in general design — a series of It remains to add that "Antarctic articles by acknowledged experts on Research" is a somewhat larger and the major scientific disciplines and more ornate volume than "Antarc logistic problems associated with tica": and costs twice as much. Antarctic exploration and research — the two books are complementary ANTARCTIC RESEARCH: A Review in that the one concentrates on Brit of British Scientific Achievement in ish work in the Antarctic Peninsula Antarctica. Edited by Sir Raymond area and the 21 contributors are Priestley, Raymond J. Adie and G. de British authorities in their respective Q. Robin. With foreword by H.R.H. fields; while the other deals primar The Duke of Edinburgh. Butter- ily with the Ross Sea area and the worths, London. 360 pages, illustra authors (again 21 of them) are in the tions (37 in colour), maps and dia main New Zealanders or Americans. grams, 2 maps in folder. N.Z. price £11 18s. 6d. Both books deal comprehensively with such topics as logistics (Fuchs: This handsome volume is a much Law) and the main scientific dis more readable book for the ordinary ciplines e.g. biology (Bonner, Laws, man who is interested in the Ant Fraser, Marshall, Stonehouse, arctic than its rather austere title Greene: Dell, Stonehouse, Llano, would suggest. The coverage is so Gressitt), geology (Adie, Linton: wide that it is in effect an Antarctic Bentley, Warren) and glaciology encyclopaedia. The illustrations are (Robin, Adie, Heap: Swithinbank, so numerous and so truly "illustra Zumberge, Gow, Heap). Two authors tive", the maps and diagrams so have the honour of contributing to clear and helpful, and the 37 magni both volumes, Dr. Bernard Stone ficent colour plates so irresistible, house and Dr. J. A. Heap. that the layman will find himself March, 1965 interestedly reading about conjugate ANTARCTICA: A New Zealand Ant points and glacial sculpture and arctic Society Survey. Edited by hydrographic surveys before he Trevor Hatherton. 512 pages, ill. dia realises that perhaps he is somewhat grams, charts and maps. Methuen out of his depth. On the other hand, and Co. Ltd., London; A. H. and the status of the contributors will A. W. Reed, New Zealand. N.Z. price assure the specialist that here is a £5 5s. Od. summing up of Antarctic research in his own discipline which he can (To be on sale shortly.) not afford to miss. This eagerly awaited successor to the Society's "The Antarctic Today" As the sub-title suggests, the em of 1952, has been worth waiting for. phasis throughout is largely on the Here is a masterly summary of our results of British activities in the present-day knowledge of Antarctica, Antarctic Peninsula (Graham Land), focussing attention on the Pacific but, inevitably, there is considerable Quadrant, just as the English vol reference to Antarctica as a whole. ume "Antarctic Research" does on In Robin and Ache's 18 page article the Antarctic Peninsula area, without on "The Ice Cover", for example, loving sight of the whole of Ant reference is made to the Dry Valleys arctica. of Victoria Land and such other "oases" as the Bunger Hills; there This volume is more purely scien is a first rate summary of the tific in interest than "The Antarctic methods used to measure the thick Today" with its historical and des ness of the ice with sample records criptive chapters, and more of its of seismic soundings; and an illum contributing authors are non-New inating map of Antarctica in colour Zealanders (10 compared with 5). shows the routes of recent traverses But all are acknowledged outstand and the results obtained. Mr. N. B. ing authorities in their spheres as Marshall's short article on "Fish" the names of Charles Swithinbank, (the book's chapter titles are admir George Llano and J. Linsley Gressitt ably succinct) makes considerable attest. reference to Antarctic fishes in gen eral and a diagram shows the distri Dr. Hatherton has held the edit bution of fish types throughout Ant orial reins firmly without being dic arctic waters. tatorial, with the result that there is an observable pattern and a bal ance which add greatly to the book's The diagrams are, in fact, a very value as a comprehensive survey, notable and commendable feature while in no way detracting from its of a book for which it is difficult to interest as a series of authoritative find anything but praise. Two sec articles. tions of particular human interest are Sir Vivian Fuch's short (12 The 18 chapters cover the scientific pages) but comprehensive chapter disciplines most affected by Antarc on "Polar Travel" today, and Dr. 0. tic research: Geology, Glaciology, G. Edholm's summary of the effects Meteorology, Ionosphere, Aurora, on man of the "environmental Geomagnetism, Biology, Oceano stresses" to which men living in the graphy: and these must perhaps in Antarctic are exposed. evitably be of more sustained inter est to the specialist or to the New Zealanders will read with scientist of wide interests than to the pleasure the Duke of Edinburgh's "intelligent layman", though even tribute to our own Scott Base in his the latter will find much that will Foreword: "Today New Zealand con interest him if he has the determina tinues the tradition of exploration in tion to keep on reading after his . Their base — univer feet have left the ground. There are sally acknowledged to be a model chapters, however, such as those on of what a polar headquarters should "The Oases in the Ice" by Professor be — is situated within a mile or R. H. Clark "The Land Beneath the two of Scott's first Antarctic Head Ice" by Dr. Charles Bentley, or quarters established 60 years ago." "Birds and Mammals" by Dr. Ber- March, 1965

nard Stonehouse, which will hold intellectual metaphysics which left the interest throughout though they this reader, to continue the meta are in no way merely "popular" phor, cold. articles. Local colour is there aplenty. The only concessions to other in Every article of clothing mentioned terests than the scientific are the is given its nature, colour, material three chapters with which the book and trimmings. Practically every begins: "National Interests in Ant place name of McMurdo Sound is arctica" by John Hanessian Jr. mentioned, at least once, and there (U.S.A.), "Techniques of Living, is plenty of Antarctic jargon, even if Transport and Communication" by never translated. Phillip Law (Australia) and "The Mapping of Antarctica" by J. Holmes Apart from the author's name, Miller (New Zealand). All three are there is nothing in common be of concern to anyone who is inter tween the vivid, authentic, direct ested in Antarctic activities, Dr. Press reports that introduced it to Law's long article being of particular the New Zealand reading world and value as a "background to the the subsequent book, which is so reminiscent of the neo-intellectual news". short story — almost plot-less, not As Appendices readers have "The yet mature, its seams splitting with Antarctic Treaty", a list of National rather unlikely metaphysical pad Stations in Antarctica since 1957, and ding, interlaced with 'daring" refer bibliographies for each section. ences to sex, excreta, and body func There is little doubt that this vol tions and organs, with an undercur ume will be as eagerly sought after rent of delight in the cruelty of as its predecessor, which was out of animals, birds and nature. print even before its translation into Mr. Billing would, it seems, have Russian and Spanish. clone far better to rest on his well- L.B.Q. deserved laurels as a first-class re FORBUSH AND THE PENGUINS. corder and to have remembered that Graham Billing. 192 pages. A. H. and basic law of journalism — facts, not A. W. Reed, Wellington, N.Z. Price opinions. , 16s. O.P.A.W. To those who admired Graham ANTARCTIC SNOW AND ICE Billing's realistic, living reports of STUDIES. Malcolm Mellor, Editor. Antarctica, made when he was 280 pp., illustrations, maps and dia N.Z.P.A. Representative there, his grams. American Geophysical Union. book, "Forbush and the Penguins" List price $12.00. may come as a disappointment. This second volume of the Ameri Believing this to be "the first seri can Geophysical Union's Antarctic ous novel to come out of Antarctica Research Series maintains the high since . . . I.G.Y.", Mr. Billing is, per standard set by the volume "Biology haps, setting his aims a little high. of Ihe Antarctic Seas" noticed in our Serious in the sense that it contains last issue. Malcolm Mellor, the edi no humour the book certainly is, but tor, has had the unusual experience it cannot, surely, be taken seriously of participating in United States, is in any way reflective of the Ant United Kingdom and Australian Ant arctic or many of the men who today arctic expeditions. The 10 papers or yesterday have worked there. include four which deal specifically There is evidence of Billing's with the Ross Ice Shelf: "Horizontal proven ability, as in any purely des Strain and Absolute Movement of criptive passages, such as that deal the Ross Ice Shelf between Ross ing with the blizzard lived through Island and Roosevelt Island 1958— by the only character in the story — 1963" (Zumberge), "The Ross Ice a young biologist studying the breed Shelf Survey 1962-1963" (Hofmann, ing period of the penguins at the Dorrer, Nottorp), "Snow Accumula Cape Royds rookery, the while, tion on the Ross Ice Shelf" (Heap, dreamin' o' his darlin' love. But so Rundle) and "Structural Glaciology often description becomes lost in of an Ice Layer in a Fold a comparable blizzard of would-be (Read). On the other hand, "Drain- March, 1965 age Systems of Antarctica" (Giovin- N.Z. ANTARCTIC MAPS etto) is an attempt to estimate more The following detailed maps of accurately the mass input over the whole of the Antarctic . particular areas of the Ross Depen This handsome — and durable — dency based upon geological and topographical expeditions under the volume is notable for the number of New Zealand Antarctic Research detailed charts, such as the folding Programme have been published by maps giving details of the location id density details determined on the Lands and Survey Department U.S. traverses. during the past year. The maps may be purchased from the Map Sales Office, Government I E G E O M O R P H O L O G Y A N D Buildings, Lambton Quay, Welling GLACIAL GEOLOGY OF THE SOR- ton. RONDANE, DRONNING MAUD LAND, ANTARCTICA. T. Van Autcn boer. Brussels. 91 pages, maps and ALL N.Z.M.S. 166 illustrations. 250 Belgian francs. Byrd Neve (1st Ed. 1964) This, to the layman, forbidding Lat. 81°S.-80°S. Long. 150° E.- title conceals the fact that here is 157° 30' E. a thoroughly readable book about Beaumont Bay (1st Ed. 1964) the impressive Sor-Rondane Moun Lat. 81° S.-82° S. Long. 157° 30' E.- tains 200 k.m. south of the Belgian 165° E. Roi Baudouin Antarctic base. The technical geological details are here, Geologists Range (1st Ed. 1964) but the language in which they are Lat. 82° S.-83° S. Long. 150° E.- 157° 30' E. expressed is much nearer to common speech than the language most Nimrod Glacier (1st Ed. 1964) scientists like to employ. The book Lat. 82° S.-83° S. Long. 157° 30' E.- is beautifully produced, there are 165° E. abundant excellent photographs, and Mt. Rabot (2nd Ed. 1964) really explanatory diagrams and Lat. 83° S.-84° S. Long. 156° E.- maps, the lay-out is clear, and the 165° E. wide interests of the author are indi cated by an historical introduction Mt. Hope (2nd Ed. 1964) and by comment on climate and on Lat. 83° S.-84° S. Long. 165° E.- the bird and plant life of the region. 180° E. Altogether a model of how such a Buckley Island (1st Ed. 1964) scientific treatise on a limited area Lat. 84° S.-85° S. Long. 150° E.- can be made valuable and even at 165° E. tractive to the ordinary reader. The Cloudmaker (2nd Ed. 1964) [Orders should be addressed to Koninklijke Lat. 84° S.-85° S. Long. 165° E.- Vlaamsc Academic VOOr Wctenschappen, Let- 180° E. teren en Schone Kunslen van Belgie, 1, rue Shackleton Glacier (1st Ed. May Ducale, Bruxclles, 1, Belgium.] 1964 —2nd Ed. October 1964) Lat. 84° S.-85° S. Long. 180° W.- PUBLISHED IN NEW 165° W. ZEALAND Plunket Point (1st Ed. 1964) Lat. 85° S.-86° S. Long. 165° E.- ANTARCTICA: 1963-64 NORTHERN 180° E. FIELD PARTY: Maurice Sheehan. (1st Ed. 1964) N.Z. Alpine Jnl. XX (51) 1964: 230^1. Lat. 85° S.-86" S. Long. 180° W.- THE GEOLOGY OF THE MIDDLE 163° W. AND LOWER TAYLOR VALLEY OF SOUTH VICTORIA LAND,, ANTARC The much used N.Z.M.S. 135, Ross TICA: T. R. Haskell, J. P. Kennedy, Sea Regions Map, has been pro W. M. Prebble, G. Smith and A. G. grammed for redrawing. The publica Willis. Trans. Roy. Soc. N.Z. Geo tion date is not known at this stage logy, 2 (12): 165. 169-86 (map in but will be quite some time yet — folder). at least 12 months. March, 1965 ONE MORE FRONTIER CROSSED B E N E AT H T H E S U R FA C E I N A N TA R C T I C S E A S Three scientists, with the help of U.S. Navy personnel, have succeeded in submerging a sub-ice observation chamber in the frigid waters of McMurdo Sound. The chamber, which was dropped most of the time, often going to the through a hole in the six-foot thick hole chipped in the ice through ice, consists of a capsule large which the chamber was submerged, enough for two scientists. It is or inspecting the chamber itself. reached through a chimney that ex tends above the surface of the ice and is anchored there. This gives the scientists an observation plat form 15 to 20 feet below the surface. Navy men spent eight hours sub merging the bell once it was finally brought out to the ice of McMurdo Sound. Two D4 Caterpillar tractors, one rigged with a large boom, and a ten-ton sled with an A-frame and skaggit winch were needed. The chamber is held in place by three arms that extend from the top of the entrance tube to "dead men" set in the ice. It is buoyant, and a counter-balance arm extends from the bottom, so that it will float up ISTAUS right should the ice give way. Flood "ISiHPKCMl lights are attached to illuminate the surrounding area. Biologists from the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution and New York Zoological Society co-operated A zoologist sits in the U.S.A.R.P. sub-ice in the project which was financed by observation chamber while a diver takes a National Science Foundation grant. photos. N.S.F. photo by Dr. C Ray. LISTENING IN Observers entered the capsule through a "chimney" extending to UNDERWATER RACKET the surface and viewed what was An authority on whale and seal going on in the murky waters sounds, Mr. W. E. Schevill, of the through the six windows of the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institut- chamber. They listened to sounds tion, said he had never heard such piped in from a hydrophone in the an underwater racket before. The water outside. animal responsible for the noises The men took turns over a two- was the Weddell seal, an Antarctic week period sitting alone in the 6ft.- species that grows to about lift, high, 4ft.-wide bucket-shaped steel long and 13001b. in weight. capsule. They said the noises they The scientists reported sighting heard were most closely described as few fish but that a strikingly col whistles, buzzes, beeps and chirps oured jellyfish with an umbrella 4ft. and often sounded like something across and tentacles 30ft. long floated unearthly. by. According to Mr. Schevill all Dr. Carleton Ray, a biologist of the the sounds heard by the scientists New York Zoological Society and undoubtedly served one or more co-leader of the project, said seals purposes. "Perhaps the Weddells use swimming gracefully were around them for communication and, as March, 1965 with bats and whales, for sonar HAZARDS UNDER WATER navigation," he said. "Sonar would explain how they find food and Once Curtis had taken some breathing holes, especially in the chunks of ice out of a Weddell hole total darkness of the Antarctic win with his hands and was about to step ter night. in when suddenly the head and long neck of a Leopard seal popped up. "We will carefully analyse this "It stared at me with what appeared jumble of sounds, together with our to be an evil grin for a while before sinking back into the dark water. Leopard seals grow to about 12 feet long and weigh up to a thousand pounds, so we decided to dive else understanding, because seal voices have many characteristics that where," Curtis said. humans cannot hear, such as very Killer whales have also ben sighted high frequencies and rapid pulses near their diving areas but they have too close together to distinguish. never been close enough to present This process will take several a threat. Both men strap knives to months, and the conclusions must their legs as a precaution. be proven by experiments with cap The Old Dominion group is investi tive seals." gating accessible points along the 350 He added that investigators will mile long western coast of the Ross also try to determine how the seals Sea, and several island snores. A make the weird sounds. Weddell Harvard University team is doing seals keep their mouths and nostrils similar research off the tip of the closed under water. Antarctic Peninsula. Both projects The scientists called the visibility are part of the U.S. Antarctic Re "remarkable", noting that the range search Programme. of sight was more than 200 feet. The Dr. Zaneveld hopes ,j:o discover range of the hydrophones was more what kinds of seaweeds are in the than five miles, and the observers Antarctic, where each type grows, could hear hundreds of seals they when the growing season is, how could not see. much seaweed of each kind there is, and finally why the discovered . P L A N T L I F E T O O growth patterns exist. His major Two undersea explorers are seek finding so far is that large beds of ing out ocean bottom plant life in red seaweed grow under ice several ice-filled waters along the shores and feet thick, where little light pene islands of the Ross Sea, in the cold trates. He dived for seaweed in the hunting grounds of Leopard seals Caribbean for several years in the and Killer whales. past, but during Antarctic diving The underwater pioneers are operations he keeps watch at the sur James M. Curtis (21) and Jack K. face, holding a life line tied to the Fletcher (19), both students at Old waist of one of the divers. Dominion College, Norfolk, Virginia. They have accompanied Professor OCEAN BOTTOM LANDSCAPE J. S. Zaneveld on a five-month trip to the south to collect Antarctic sea Describing Antarctic ocean bottom scenery, Curtis said "A typical under weeds and to chart their distribu ice view shows very clear ink blue tion. water pierced by a shaft of light The students wear black rubber from the seal hole. Red seaweeds "frog man' suits that flood with ice grow abundantly on the sloping, water when they plunge into the rocky bottom. Large red or white 29°F brine. After a few chilling starfish cover the upper slope, and moments the water warms enough sponges up to nearly four feet to allow them a maximum of about across cover the lower slope, which 45 minutes submerged. They often fades into blackness farther down. enter the breathing holes of Wed Five foot long worms, sea anemones, dell seals to dive beneath ice up to bottom fish, and various shellfish are seven feet thick. scattered about. March, 1965 WE SHOULD HAVE HELICOPTERS

H. S. GAIR

[We are pleased to publish this forthright on the value of helicopters for Ant plea by Harry Gair, district geologist in the Christchurch office of the New Zealand Geo arctic field operations such as logical Survey. Mr. Gair was leader of New Zealand's Northern Geological and Survey geology. Incidentally I think we team in Victoria Land in 1962-63 and this could do with a few helicopters in summer was with a United States field party New Zealand, but I will return to far to the South, so he has had experience this point later. When one considers of both dog-sledging and the use of helicopters for Antarctic survey work.—Ed.] the total cost of operations in the Antarctic, and particularly the logis I was a member of the Institute of tics, it does not seem to make sense Polar Studies party from the Ohio to equip field parties with dog teams, State University under the leadership or even motor-toboggans or any other of Dr. Faure. They went in the field, form of ground transport, when with in the Wisconsin Range, at the begin helicopters one can do in hours the ning of November and were using work that takes days or even weeks motor toboggans until December 18 to do using methods of ground trans when the U.S. Army Helicopters De port. In addition helicopters have tachment under the command of the added advantage that they can Major Hampton moved from the visit outcrops not otherwise acces Shackleton glacier to provide them sible. Furthermore, since the helicop with logistic support. My arrival ters used belonged to one of the coincided with that of the helicop United States Armed Services and ters so I did not have the opportunity would probably be flying almost as of any field experience with the many hours back in the States on motor-toboggans apart from the odd training missions, etc. (all at the tax short trip from the camp. payers' expense), I think a good The helicopters were used from argument could be put forward for using this flying to such purpose as December 18 to January 16, and I Antarctic Research. In other words must say that I am completely "sold" it is the job of the helicopters to fly so let's put them to work where they can be of assistance for other work and at the same time provide "Weddell seals, nine feet long and the pilots and maintenance staff with weighing a thousand pounds, cruise good experience. According to the nearby. In open water, penguins pilots Antarctic flying is quite unique sometimes zip across the surface experience, and who can deny that overhead looking almost as if they this may be of considerable use some were flying through the air. Late in the season plankton coats the under day? — Antarctic cor " side of the ice, making the water something that can 1 almost pitch black. Light manages a laboratory! to get through in spots, and the ice A few details of the performance above resembles a star-filled sky." of the helicopter we used might be Curtis and Fletcher usually dive of interest. They are known as two or three times a day while in UH-IB's and are turbo-powered. the field: a full day's work because Their ceiling is reputedly 17,000 ft., the intense cold makes the average but in the Antarctic, because of the 15 minute dive an exhausting event. dense atmosphere, it is probably much higher than this; and they can For three months the marine bio land up to 13,500 ft. but above this logists were flown to various camp landings become progressively haz sites by "Deep Freeze" helicopters, ardous and difficult particularly in and returned to McMurdo to process their specimens. They departed for gusty conditions. We were making landings daily at heights of 9,000 to home on January 10. 11,000 ft. They can fly in winds up to March, 1965

35-40 knots and we were flying in have accomplished such safe land winds of up to 30 knots gusting up ings are considered extremely for to 45 knots — gusty conditions are tunate. In the case of these low-level the most difficult and hence hazard auto-rotations the plane follows a ous for the pilots to handle particu larly on landing and take-offs. They parabolic line upwards losing speed have a crew of two, a range of about and gaining height rapidly (the pilot 400-500 miles, a cruising speed of trades speed for height) and then 80-90 knots and can carry about the "theoretically" settles down like a same load as an Otter (payload is falling sycamore leaf. quoted as 2,0001b.). The Army had three planes operating continuously The problem of fuel and other — the one I was in was fitted with supplies for the helicopters was very an extra fuel tank under the rear capably handled by Squadron VX6 seats and this gave another 1 to VA of the U.S. Navy, firstly by C130 Her hours' flying time. They also require no warming-up period before take cules and later by R4D's (owing to off, nor do the motors require pre- a Hercules opening up several large warming before starting, as is the crevasses during a landing the strip case with piston engines. was placed out of bounds for Her cules and all subsequent supplies SAFETY FACTOR were flown in by R4D). One of the first questions I put to our pilot was what happens if our FEW MEN NEEDED engine cuts? He said we go into auto rotation providing our speed and I was most surprised and im height are sufficient. I then, of course, asked the obvious follow-up question pressed at the small number of men and was told that the ideal minimum the Army had to operate and main height to fly at above the ground tain their helicopters — twelve men surface was about 500 ft. and that the consisting of five pilots, five main air speed should be at least 50 knots. tenance staff, a medical officer and a Successful auto-rotation landings cook (who returned to the U.S.A. from heights below 500 ft. have been made but they become progressively early on because of a family bereave difficult with lower altitude. Some of ment) were all the men needed to the pilots had recent experience in fly and maintain the aircraft. We Viet Nam and they found there that needed more geologists to cope with flying at high speeds within a few the number of hours they were pre feet of the ground in order to avoid pared to fly the aircraft— a geologist ground fire they could still go into auto-rotation provided they noticed and assistant per pilot is the opti the engine had cut in time. This mum as with five pilots for three latter statement sounds surprising helicopters they just wore the geolo but the point is that with a turbine gists out with work! engine unless a pilot happens to have his eye on the engine torque gauge Returning now to the question of or has very keen senses, there is helicopters in New Zealand, it seems likely to be a delay of six or eight to me, firstly, that our Armed Ser seconds before he would notice an vices cannot be considered complete engine failure (unlike a piston engine without a helicopter detachment and where a power failure is noticed im that, aside from this, there is th point that many Government depart mediately) because of the free-run ments such as Ministry of Works, ning characteristic of the turbine. I understand that safe auto-rotation Forest Service, Lands and Survey, landings have been made from D.S.I.R., etc., could put helicopter^ ground level altitudes with the pilot to very good and productive us not having noticed immediately his both from the saving of time am engine failure but the pilots who cost point of view. The New Zealand Antarctic Society is a group of New Zealanders, some of whom have seen Antarctica for themselves, but all vitally interested in some phase of Antarctic exploration, development or research. You are invited to become a member. BRANCH SECRETARIES Wellington: W. J. P. Macdonald, Box 2110, Wellington. Canterbury: Miss Helen S. Hill, Box 404, Christchurch, or 194 Knowles St., Christchurch 5.

SOCIETY TIES

The local manufacturers have received the bulk material for the N.Z. Antarctic Society tie from overseas, and the first 'run' is now in make. The design is similar to those used for the ties of kindred organisations in the United Kingdom and Australia: in fact, the ANARE Club tie was used in the working up of the New Zealand design. Thank you, Australia. The dark blue background, light blue and white stripes and motif of penguins and kiwis provide a striking pattern, yet a reserved note is retained over all. Ties will be available through N.Z. and Branch secretaries of the Society at a cost of 17/6. A special information notice is being issued to members with this issue of "ANTARCTIC."

"ANTARCTIC" is published quarterly in March, June, September and December.

OUT OF PRINT Volume 1, numbers 1, 2 and 9; Volume 2, numbers 1, 2, 3, 4, 7, 8, 9 are OUT OF PRINT. Copies of other issues may be obtained from the Secretary of the Society, Box 2110, Wellington, at a cost of 5/- per copy. Indexes for volumes 1 and 2 are also available, price 2/6 each index.