Geochemical studies, the natural abundance of nitrogen isotopes in soil and evaporates and observations of the sequential changes in the saline lakes of the Dry Valleys and surrounding areas

Geochemical studies on the tritium chronology of Lake Vanda, the natural abundance of nitrogen isotopes in soil and evaporites in the Dry Valleys and observations of the sequential changes in the saline lakes, especially Don Juan Pond, were planned to search for the salt origin and to elucidate the geological history of the area. Glacial ice, subsurface ice, subsurface layered salt deposits, algae, fossil and lake water samples were collected mainly in the Wright Valley to investigate the geological history of the area.

At Lake Vanda and the adjacent area, vertical distribution of water temperature, dissolved oxygen, pH, alkalinity and electrical conductivity in the lake was observed and sampling of lake water for the analysis of trace elements such as mercury was conducted at the deepest point of the lake. The evaporates, soil and algae for studying nitrogen isotope ratio were collected mainly around the lake and on the way to Bull Pass.