The geology of the ridges between the Campbell and Aviator Glaciers and Franklin Island, north Victoria Land

The geology of the ridges between the Campbell and Aviator Glacier, north Victoria Land, was investigated. The oldest rocks in the area are early Paleozoic or PreCambrian metasediments and metavolcanics (Preistley Formation). A series of intrusive granites (Granite harbour Intrusive Complex) were examined with two widespread units being recognized: Navigator Granite and Cosmonaut Granite. A number of other lithologies were grouping into the Northern Granite Complex and Southern Granite Complex. Samples were collected for thin section analysis and fossils collected for identification. The Beacon Group, Ferrar Group and McMurdo Volcanic Groups were all examined also. Observations of the differing weather rates between the Polar Plateau and the sea were made. Lichens were collected from the head of the Campbell Glacier and near mt Melbourne. Rock samples were collected from Franklin Island and the cliffs at the southern end of the island were geologically investigated.