The behaviour of dry based glaciers and the interpretation of Pleistocene glacial deposits from glaciers in the Dry Valleys, Antarctica

The formation of deposits and landforms at the margin of alpine glaciers in the Dry Valleys (The Suess Glacier, Taylor Glacier and Rhone Glacier in the Taylor Valley, the Wright Lower Glacier in the Wright Valley and Victoria Upper Glacier in the Victoria Valley) was studied over several seasons.The purpose of the work was to understand the operation of the margins of dry-based glaciers and to provide data to assist in the interpretation of Pleistocene glacial deposits. Fieldwork undertaken focused on structural glaciology, ice marginal landforms and sediments. Ice, water and sediment samples were analysed, including but not limited to, crystallography, chemical composition, gas content, isotopic composition, debris concentration, base cations and chloride concentration. Direct observations of the composition, structure and motion of the glacial ice was carried out by mapping and the installation of sensor equipment. Ice tunnels were constructed at the base of the glaciers and ice movement was measured using plumb lines, displacement transducers and strain arrays. Shear tests to test the strength of basal ice and material at the base of glaciers was also completed. Ice cores were collected from the basal zone of the glaciers, the glacier surface and the adjacent lakes (Lake Popplewell, Lake Bonny, Lake Brownworth and Victoria Upper Lake).