Volcanic and geothermal activity of Mt Melbourne

The southern side of Mt Melbourne was ascended to examine the present day thermal activity and the evidence for historic volcanism of the mountain. Many small recent looking volcanic cones and mounds were noted on the summit and flanks of Mt Melbourne and small areas of hot ground were discovered in the region immediately below the summit. Ice pinnacles, steaming ground, soil sequences of hot ground, thermal areas of the summit and ash layers in the ice were investigated. Soil samples were collected for detailed examination of these zones.