Seismic refraction surveys in the McMurdo Sound region

The suitability of first arrival seismic refraction apparatus for surface structure studies was investigated at sites in the Wright, Taylor and Miers Vallyes and on Brown Peninsula. Results show that the apparatus provides a simple method of measuring the depth of moraine or loess above permafrost or rock and the depth of weathering of exposed rock faces. It was also possible to measure the depth of firn above the brine layer in the Ross Ice Shelf. It was not possible to distinguish between permafrost and ice on a velocity basis and the above method could not therefore be used to detect ice cored moraines. A seismic survey where velocity data was accumulated from a wide variety of materials and areas in the McMurdo Sound region was conducted.