Geochemistry investigations of landforms in the Ross Sea Region to determine past glacial history and landform processes

The geochemistry of Ross Island (Cape Barne and Cape Crozier), the Taylor and Wright Valleys, Lake Vida in Victoria Valley and Marble Point was studied (weathering and land formation) to determine the past glacial history of the Ross Sea Region. The salts of the sea ice, soils and regolith was sampled and analysed and the effect of salt weathering on landforms was investigated at each site. Particular attention was paid to the evolution of rectilinear slopes, tor formation and the development of the Labyrinth in the Wright Valley. The nature and origin of the labyrinth was further investigated in a follow up study in response to the proposed theories for formation developed from this investigation and new hypotheses were put forward.