Evaluation of a portable drill for obtaining orientated paleomagnetic samples and detailed mapping and sampling of McMurdo volcanics for petrographic examination and detailed geochemistry studies

An evaluation of the use a portable drill for obtaining oriented paleomagnetic samples was undertaken on Ross Island. In all, 19 sites were sampled using the drill at Cape Crozier, Cape Bird, Cape Barne and Hut Point Peninsula. Oriented block samples were also collected for paleomagnetic determinations at Cape Barne, Cape Crozier and from the Fang Glacier, Mt Erebus. Detailed mapping and sampling of the McMurdo Volcanic Group at Mt Morning and sites around McMurdo Sound including Inaccessible Island, Mt Cis (Cape Barne), Summit crater and Fang Ridge at Mt Erebus, Abbots Peak and Cape Crozier was conducted. Petrographic examination and detailed geochemistry was carried out on the material collected. In the following season, mapping and sampling of McMurdo Volcanic Rocks was continued and included the following areas; Cape Evans,Tent Island, Razorback Island, Hutton Cliffs, Turks Head and Tryggve Point, Cape Royds, Mt Cis, Mt Melbourne, Mt Erebus (Abbott Peak, Hoopers Shoulder) and Rainbow Ridge, Brown Peninsula.