L090 L091 Wilkes ice thickness measurements, Antarctica, 1962, 1963

During 1963, the Australian National Antarctic Research Expeditions carried out two over snow traverses in the vicinity of Wilkes Station, Antarctica. The Autumn Traverse reached a point about 100 miles east of Wilkes and the Spring Traverse a point about 300 miles south-east of Wilkes. Surface elevations were measured by barometric methods and ice thicknesses were determined by gravity and seismic techniques. Magnetic measurements were made and borehole temperatures were taken. Experiments were conducted to devise means of improving the quality of the seismic reflection records. The optimum frequency range for the filter settings was found to be 90-215 c/s. A hand-drilled 4-ft shot-hole was adequate in the coastal or low plateau regions within 150 miles of Wilkes. Further inland, a shot hole of at least 30-ft depth was required. The optimum charge size was one pound of explosive.