Gravimetric water contents of soils and permafrost from sites near Lake Vanda in the Wright Valley and at Beacon Heights in the upper Taylor Valley

The water content of soils and permafrost from localities with a climate contrasting to that of Scott Base were measured from sites near Lake Vanda in the Wright Valley and at Beacon Heights in the upper Taylor Valley. Gravimetric water contents were determined by excavation and sampling of unfrozen and non ice-cemented soil, and by core drilling in ice-cemented layers. Sites in the Wright Valley include from the top of the dais, from the uppermost Lake Vanda beach deposits and from valley side tills up to about 500m above Lake Vanda. Investigations at Beacon Heights were carried out in a small valley between East and West Beacons. Fifteen sites were investigated covering a range of land surface features and differing aged moraines. Drill hole depths ranged from 58-140 cm and soil temperature measurements were made on excavated pits.