Glaciological Work of the 1959–60 U.S. Victoria Land Traverse

Abstract

Accumulation along the route of the 1959–60 Victoria Land traverse, derived from 19 snow pits, was found to be 16 cm. of water equivalent. Sastrugi, reflecting prevailing surface wind directions, indicate that the surface winds in Victoria Land are katabatic. Movement points on the Ross Ice Shelf show a maximum rate of about 844 m./yr. with Iesser rates obtaining in more marginal areas. Stake measurements of accumulation on the Ross Ice Shelf indicate an average of 20 cm. of water equivalent/yr. A large glacier, about 300 km. long and up to 30 km. wide and draining into Rennick Bay, was discovered.