Stability, Glaciological and Depositional Conditions of Continental Ice Sheet Edge at Vestfold Hills

Vestfold and Bunger oases became ice-free after 10 ka BP under the influence of the Holocene marine transgression, which was complete by about 6 ka BP. During at least the last 5-6 ka these oases have been approximately their present size. Since then the margins of the Antarctic continental ice sheet have maintained almost steady state conditions against the landward edges of the hill masses. ###################### Observational studies on Cainozoic environmental changes in both Tasmania and East Antarctica have led to important modifications in the accepted interpretation of the history of glaciation for each area.

Many contributors have played an important role in the processes of investigation leading to the present state of knowledge. A crucial role has been played by the integration of the methods. From studies based on combinations of these approaches, a model of multiple glaciations has been developed to explain observed features in Tasmania.

This model is complemented by studies of vegetation history, largely through pollen analysis. A less complete picture of the history of ice-sheet fluctuations in East Antarctica is beginning to emerge from similar applications of cross-disciplinary studies.