I.G.Y. Glaciological Work at Wilkes Station, Antarctica

Abstract

Abstract The Wilkes Station area comprises 75 km. 2 of rock which form one of the most extensive exposures on this part of the East Antarctic coast. During 1957 and 1958 the continental ice sheet south-east of Wilkes Station was explored to a distance of 100 km. inland, and its form and behaviour studied by means of topographic, movement and gravity surveys. Surface stake measurements inland showed a net accumulation equivalent to 13.7 cm. of water in 1958. Sub-surface measurements of wetness, hardness, density, grain size, crystal size, shape and fabric and electrical conductivity were made at 60 locations and to depths which reached 62 m. at an auxiliary inland station. Meteorological observations were made and englacial temperatures measured. In summary, the ice sheet in this area provides a typical section of a polar glacier. The evidence for glacial fluctuations and the possibility of establishing a chronology for these are discussed.