Early geological, glaciology and biological investigations of the McMurdo Dry Valleys, the Koettlitz Glacier area and Darwin Glacier area by Victoria University of Wellington Antarctic Expeditions

In the 1959-60 season, the expedition aimed to complete the geological mapping and studies (basement studies, paleomagnetism, gravity work, topographic survey, glaciology observations, meteorology observations and general biology) begun in the previous two seasons and expand this in the Victoria Valley. In the 1960-61 season, the Koettlitz Glacier area was investigated. A complete geological investigation and mapping coverage of the exposed rock region was carried out, meteorology observations were taken, a gravimetric survey, collections of rock samples for paleomagnetism study and glaciology and biology studies were conducted.

Algae, lichens, mosses, windblown marine shells and sponge remains were sampled and returned to NZ for investigation. In the 1962-63 field season, the expedition mapped the Brown Hills region, the Darwin Mountains and Tentacle Ridge near the Darwin Glacier. This took less time than expected and the Taylor Valley and Marble Point were mapped in the remaining time.

This work completed the detailed coverage by VUWAE mapping in the McMurdo Oases, Darwin Glacier and Keottlitz Glacier areas. Numerous samples of lichen, algae and moss were collected from all regions as well as invertebrates (mites and springtails). Meteorology measurements were taken in most locations.

A gravity traverse was conducted in the Taylor Valley and general glaciology investigations were conducted over all regions.