Geological investigations of geological markers and UTh-He apatite analysis of collected samples to determine the nature, amount and timing of vertical and horizontal deformation along the Transantarctic Mountains

Geological investigations were conducted to better constrain the nature, amount and timing of vertical and horizontal deformation along the Transantarctic Mountains. Geological markers, both horizontal and vertical, were used to identify movement along faults. These markers include Ferrar dolerite sills, the Kukri Erosion Surface, boundaries between basement rock units and Vanda dike swarms. Small subsidiary faults may assist with the interpretation of larger or unexposed faults. Two glacier valleys were chosen for investigation; the Mackey and Ferrar Glaciers. From the first camp, traverses were made to the Marson, Hunt and Benson glaciers and across the sae ice to Cape Archer, Lion Island and other points around Granite Harbour. Foot traverses were made to the Kar Plateau, Dreikanter Head and Mt Marston and Mt Doublefinger. Camp 2 was established at the junction of the Ferrar and Darkowski glaciers and Camp 3 near the head of the Sollas Glacier on the north side of the Ferrar Glacier in the Kukri Hills. Foot traverses were carried out in these areas with additional sampling by helicopter in otherwise inaccessible areas near the Camels Hump and Mt Essinger and in the Wilson Piedmont Glacier area. Rock samples were collected from all sites for low temperature thermochronology (UTh-He apatite analysis).