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Geological surveys, seismology, chemistry, geology and lava sampling at the Mt Erebus summit crater to investigate the behaviour of the volcano

Entry ID: K044_1972_1982_NZ_1

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Summary

Abstract: An international study of the volcanic activity and geological processes taking place on Mt Erebus were investigated over 10 seasons. The broad program involved several investigations.

Surveys: A survey of the crater layout, camp area, plot of lines of fumeroles, warm areas and depths was conducted. Trig points were established around the summit area and at Tent Island. Tellurometer ... lines were measured, plus angles from all Trigs. Crater depths and mountain height was established. A map of the summit area of the mountain was completed using rangefinder readings and stereo photographs from trigs around the main crater rim and side crater. General photographs were taken by investigators and a C130 flew over the summit taking photos for the compilation of a detailed contour map.

Geology/Geothermal Investigations: The geology of the volcano was examined from general observations, sample collections and mapping of the rocks on the slopes. A great deal of watching and photographing the lava lake, the fumaroles and the active vent in the main crater was conducted and compared between seasons and used to determine the frequency of eruptions, topographic changes in the inner crater and possible eruption mechanisms. Anorthoclase crystals and ice samples were collected for analysis and ice and an ash layer from the Fang Glacier was investigated for deposition.

Seismology: The seismology of the volcano was studied in detail every season and compared between seasons. A continuous record of eruptions during each expedition was recorded. Seismometers, seismographs and sound recordings (low frequency microphone) were used to monitor the frequency and strength of major eruptions temporarily (during the expeditions) and to compare with previously reported activity. Tape recordings of the short period time changes in the magnetic field of the earth (1-100 second period) were made which will include changes of volcanic origin, caused by the circulation and disruption during explosions of the electrically conducting magma - electromagnetic impulses generated by the lava column.

Chemistry: Salts were sampled from the main crater, outer slopes and in ice caves. Samples were taken at inner crater rim and the warm ground and temperature/salts correlation studied.

Lave sampling: Freshly ejected lava bombs were sampled. The temperature of the exposed lava in the lava lake was measured using an optical pyranometer. Rangefinder readings were taken to measure the depth of the lava lake below the main crater rim. The apparent viscosity of the lava lake was measured by penetration of metal spears dropped from a thick stainless steel cable stretched across the crater. The main crater fumeroles were measured and moss and algae were collected from the surrounding warm areas and on the outer slopes. Isotopes (gross alpha particle activity) and chemicals (Cl, F, SO2 and heavy metals) were measured from the fume cloud and other steam emissions on the main crater rim.

Ice Cave Investigations: An ice cave was found and investigated in great detail as only two other volcanoes have records of caves of this type. The cave was mapped, the geology observed and a soil temperature profile was measured. Changes in the configuration of the ice cave were monitored every season. Mt Terror: Mt Terror was used as an acclimation point and investigations at this summit included collecting samples of lava bombs, olivine, pyroxenes and basalts and surveying the summit (survey marker was drilled into the highest rock pinnacle and bearings taken on all known trig points).

Related URL

Link: VIEW PROJECT HOME PAGE

Description: The Mount Erebus Volcano Observatory homepage.

Geographic Coverage

(Click for Interactive Map)

Spatial coordinates

	N: -77.53	S: -77.53	E: 167.17	W: 167.17
Min Altitude: 3500 Max Altitude: 4020

Temporal Coverage

Start Date: 1972-12-12

Stop Date: 1973-01-06

Location Keywords

CONTINENT > ANTARCTICA

CONTINENT > ANTARCTICA > MT EREBUS

CONTINENT > ANTARCTICA > ROSS ISLAND

GEOGRAPHIC REGION > POLAR

Science Keywords

LAND SURFACE > TOPOGRAPHY > CONTOURS

LAND SURFACE > TOPOGRAPHY > TOPOGRAPHICAL RELIEF

ISO Topic Category

GEOSCIENTIFIC INFORMATION

Platform

FIELD SURVEYS

GROUND-BASED OBSERVATIONS

FIELD INVESTIGATION

Instrument

CAMERAS

SOIL TEMPERATURE PROBE

Quality The international investigation of the Mt Erebus crater included investigations from several different scientists and organisations: Victoria University of Wellington, NSF and NIPR.

The Erebus deformation data is in the GNS collections. All the seismic tape recordings and some of the analysis for this period from the Victoria University of Wellington and NIPR contributions to the ...

Ancillary Keywords

crater surveys

geothermal activity

Data Set Progress

COMPLETE

Data Center

Antarctica New Zealand, New Zealand Antarctic Institute, New Zealand

Data Center URL: http://www.antarcticanz.govt.nz/

Data Center Personnel
Name: SHULAMIT GORDON Phone: +64 3 358 0200 Fax: +64 3 358 0211 Email: s.gordon at antarcticanz.govt.nz Contact Address: Antarctica New Zealand Private Bag 4745 City: Christchurch Country: New Zealand

Personnel

PHILIP R. KYLE

Role: INVESTIGATOR

Phone: 505 835-5995

Fax: 505 835-6436

Email: kyle at nmt.edu

Contact Address:

Department of Earth and Environmental Science

New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology

801 Leroy Place

City: Socorro

Province or State: NM

Postal Code: 87801-4796

Country: USA

Publications/References

Kyle, P.R. The geology, mineralogy and geochemistry of the Late Cenozoic McMurdo Volcanic Group, Victoria Land, Antarctica. Ph.D., Victoria University of Wellington : . 1976.

Kyle, P.R. Rankin, P.C. Rare earth element geochemistry of Late Cenozoic alkaline lavas of the McMurdo Volcanic Group, Antarctica. Geochimica et cosmochimica acta 40: 1497-1507, 1976.

Kyle, P.R. ...

Creation and Review Dates

DIF Creation Date: 2009-02-03

Last DIF Revision Date: 2010-09-29

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