Marine Seismic Surveying in McMurdo Sound

A marine seismic survey was conducted in McMurdo Sound to extend marine seismic coverage to i) the western side of McMurdo Sound, in order to examine the nature of any faulting or other structures in the boundary zone between the TransAntarctic Mountains and the Ross Sea, ii) to examine the continuity of the basin structures to the north side of Ross Island, iii) to extend seismic coverage northwards to link with previous work at Terra Nova Bay, iv) to obtain reconnaissance results around Beaufort and Franklin Islands and also across the sound into Granite Harbour.

A reasonable amount of useful seismic data, and a good bathymetric record was obtained. 14 seismic lines and 3 sonobuoys were conducted. Deviations from straight course and breaks in seismic records along these lines occurred due to ice conditions and equipment problems.