The geology of the region between the Mawson and Priestley Glaciers, North Victoria Land, Antarctica

Abstract

A regional peneplain (Kukri Peneplain) cuts across Precambrian to Mid Paleozoic metamorphic and granitic rocks of the basement. Thin remnants of Beacon Group continental sedimentary rocks rest on this surface or are rafted by dolerite intrusions of the Ferrar Group. One such raft contains gymnospermous wood, and coal seams with late Triassic plant microfossils. The Jurassic Ferrar Group is the dominant post-peneplain rock unit and includes intrusive Ferrar Dolerites and extrusive Kirkpatrick Basalts. Thin sedimentary horizons within the lavas contain poorly preserved Crustacea (Ostracoda). There is no record of deposition between this Jurassic igneous activity and the Quaternary volcanism (McMurdo Volcanics) of the Mt Melbourne - Cape Washington massif. However, during the time-interval, extensive block faulting and slight epeirogenic warping took place (Victoria Orogeny). The Quaternary volcanic activity extended from Mt Melbourne as lava flows and ash showers along the south side of the Campbell Glacier. Extensive Quaternary glacial deposits are found in several “dry” regions as grounded moraine ridges, and paternoster lakes. Interglacial periods are represented by raised marine muds and marine (wave cut) terraces. © Taylor & Francis Group, LLC.