Do density driven bottom currents originate from beneath the Mackay Glacier Tongue in Granite Harbour? Data from current meters, bathymetry profile and sediment trap samples

Previous studies suggest that a current originating from beneath the Mackay Glacier Tongue in Granite Harbour could contribute to the deposits of mud flooring the deeper parts of McMurdo Sound and the basin/harbours along the southern Victoria Land coast. A single current meter mooring with 8 sediment traps was deployed near the snout of the Mackay Glacier for 53 days between 15 November 1988 to 06 January 1989. A north-south bathymetry profile was measured across the north-eastern tip of the glacier tongue to determine the deepest part of the channel striking east from under the glacier tongue. Sediment traps were deployed at various depths along the mooring from 54m to 697m. Trap samples were analysed for opal content and organic carbon.