Regional stratigraphy, sedimentology structure, metamorphic and tectonic history of the lower grade Skelton Group meta-sediments between the Skelton and Koettlitz Glaciers

A study of the low grade meta-sedimentary rocks of the Skelton and Koettlitz Glacier areas including the unmapped Mt Cocks Range at the head of the Koettlitz Glacier was investigated to add to the limited geological knowledge of the area. The specific aims were to fill in the unmapped Mt Cocks area between the low grade meta-sediments of the Skelton Glacier and the high grade metasediments of the Koettlitz Glacier, to confirm that the change in gradational or if not, determine the nature of the change, to separate regional stress metamorphism from regional and local contact thermal metamorphism, to map the structural features in detail and to determine the stratigraphy within Skelton Group and the nature and depositional history of the original sediments. A reconnaissance of the field area was conducted by helicopter with samples collected from some areas. The field party examined the geology between the Cocks Glacier and Baronick Glacier, the outcrops along the south bank of the cocks Glacier and round into the Skelton Glacier, Red Dyke Bluff, Teall Island, Ant Hill towards the Dilemma Glacier, Dilemma Bluff, Hobnail Peak, Tricouni Peak, North Baronick Glacier area, the cliffs above the Skelton Glacier north to the Baronick and south to the Cocks Glaciers, Mt Cocks and the Cocks Range, Hoopers Crag and finally the Foster Glacier moraine. Data was collected to interpret the regional stratigraphy, sedimentology structure, metamorphic history and tectonic history of the lower grade Skelton Group meta sediments from the Skelton Glacier to the Upper Koetlittz Glacier. Data on the pre and syn-tectonic granite, diorite, gabbro and quartz prophyry intrusives and interesting basaltic volcanoes of McMurdo volcanics was also collected.