Geological investigation of dykes in Shackleton Range, Antarctica

During the Geological Expedition to the Shackleton Range, Antarctica (GEISHA) in 1987/88, samples were taken from twenty-one basaltic dykes for palaeomagnetic investigations. The directions of characteristic remanent magnetization (ChRM) of the dykes were determined by thermal and alternating-field demagnetization of 268 cores drilled from the specimens collected. Moreover, on account of the hydrothermal and sometimes low-grade metamorphism of the dyke rock and the resulting partial modification of the primary magnetization, not only were comprehensive magnetic studies carried out, but also ore-microscopic examination. Only thus was it possible to achieve a reasonable assessment and interpretation of the remanent magnetization. Jurassic and Silurian-Devonian ages were confirmed for the dykes of the northern and northwestern Shackleton Range by comparison of the paleopole positions calculated on the basis of the ChRM of the dykes with the known pole positions for the eastern Antarctic, as well as with polar-wandering curves for Gondwana. Radiometric ages were also determined far some of the dykes. Middle and Late Proterozoic ages are postulated far the dykes in the Read Mountains. Conclusions on the geotectonic relations of the Shackleton Range can also be drawn from the palaeomagnetic data. It has been postulated that the main strike direction, which differs distinctly from that of the Ross orogen, is due to rotation or displacement of the Shackleton Range crustal block; however, this was not corroborated. The pole positions for the Shackleton Range agree with those of rocks of the same age from other areas of East Antarctica and its positions in the Palaeozoic-Mesozoic polar-wandering path for Gondwana are evidence against the idea of rotation and rather suggest that the position of the Shakleton Range crustal block is autochthonous.

Chemical analysis of various geological samples from Northern Victoria Land, Antarctica

This paper reports the results of a preliminary palaeomagnetic investigation of the Admiralty Intrusives complex of northern Victoria Land, Antarctica. The samples were collected at Mt. Supernal and Inferno Peak, two pinions mainly formed of granodiorite and minor tonalite and emplaced at ab. 350 Ma at a high crustal level, as shown by amphibole geobarometric data and occurrence of miarolitic cavities. Microprobe and isothermal remanence analyses showed that magnetite. characterized by low coercivity and Curic point in the range 550-570 °C is the only primary ferromagnetic mineral. Stepwise thermaldemagnetization succeeded in isolatingamagnetization component. stable up to 530 °C. The virtual geomagnetic poles (VGPs) of the two plutons are different. That of Inferno Peak is consistent with the Australian palaeopoles of late Devonian-early Carboniferous age, whereas the location of the Mt. Supernal VGP probably results from the tectonic activity which affected the Ross Sea region during the Cenozoic.

Geological map of VIKENEGGA, Heimefrontfjella, Antarctica (Scale 1:25,000)

Topographic data of this geological map were obtained through stereoscopic aerial photo interpretation. The photogrammetric photo flights were undertaken in 1986 by the Institut für Angewandte Geodäsie, Frankfurt. Horizontal ground control points required for aerial photo interpretation were determined by means of Doppler satellite observation during the 2nd German Neuschwabenland Expedition 1985/86. Vertical ground control points were taken from unpublished map drafts at 1:100 000 scale by Norsk Polarinstitutt, Oslo. The elevation above mean sea level was transferred to Heimefrontfjella barometrically. For this reason assertions concerning the absolute elevation (referred to sea level) are uncertain. Contours and spot heights presented on the map were obtained from the photogrammetric evaluation of the photography taken in 1986; relative elevation data (hight differences) are accurate to approximately ±10 m.