Determination of deposition, sediment transport direction and age of New Mountain Sandstone (Beacon Supergroup) at various localities in the Royal Society Range and Dry Valleys region

The New Mountain Sandstone, the lowest formation of the Beacon Supergroup was studied in detail at various localities in the Royal Society Range and Dry Valley's region to determine its environment of deposition, sediment transport direction and age of the unit. A further objective was to determine the stratigraphic position and environment of deposition of the Boreas subgreywacke, an unusual member of the New Mountain Sandstone. Seven main areas were visited in addition to nearby areas reachable by foot. These included Mt Kempe, Table Moutain, Knobhead Peak, New Mountain, the Taylor Glacier, Mt Boreas and Plane Table in the Asgard Range. Twenty one stratigraphic sections were measured between the Royal Society and Olympus Range. Detailed sampling for mechanical and chemical analysis was performed at each locality. Nearly 600 paleocurrent measurements were taken on appropriate structures within the New Mountain sandstone. Detailed statistical analysis of this data will show any lateral and vertical changes in transport direction within the New Mountain Sandstone. Detailed sampling of the Terra Cotta siltstone member was performed to carry out detailed major and trace element chemistry of the red and green colour and Terra Cotta siltstone. Samples of basement granites were taken for radiometric dating. Samples were taken from the basement contact at New Mountain, Mount JJ Thompson in the Taylor Valley and Mount Odin in the Wright Valley.