The mechanics of basin formation processes of Beacon sediments in south Victoria Land

Beacon sediments between Mt Metschel in the south and Robinson Peak in the north were examined with exposures in the Skelton Neve to Robinson Peak area examined for facies, paleocurrent and thickness changes. Facies descriptions with thicknesses along with paleocurrent data were obtained from a number of localities on Mt Metschel, Portal Mountain, Mt Crean, Pivot Peak, Mt Fleming, Mt Bastion and Robinson Peak to provide information on ancient paleoslope direction and basin subsidence.

Detailed descriptions of Pivot Coal Measures made at Pivot Peak for comparisons of Devonian sediments with widespread Permian Weller Coal Measures was completed. Vertical and lateral sample suits were collected and these were used to study the effects of Ferrar Dolerite on carbon:sulphur ratios and to examine the suitability of carbon sulphur geochemistry as a paleosalinity indicator of Beacon rocks. Extensive paleocurrent and facies analysis was conducted on exposures of Lashly A, where fining upwards cycles are preserved with low sinuosity channels.