Near the highest point on Inexpressible Island on an undulating broad flattish ridge surface
Altitude:
380 m
Aspect:
W
Slope:
2 °
Location Data
Observer
IBC
GPS
No
Latitude Longitude DMS
74° 53' S 163° 37' E
Latitude Longitude DD
-74.883 163.617
Latitude longitude precision DD
0.008 0.008
Locality
Inexpressible Island, Terra Nova Bay
Survey
USGS 1:250 000 1968; Mt Melbourne SS 58-60/9
Climate
Soil climate zone:
Coastal Antarctic
Estimated mean annual temperature:
-20
°C
Frozen ground depth:
25 cm
Frozen type:
Hard ice-cemented
Frozen comment:
25cm
Geology
Geological setting:
The surface materials on the higher slopes of Inexpressible Island are mainly tills from Granite Harbour Intrusives, which occur extensively in the region; sandstone, metasedimentary and dolerite rocks within the tills suggest that it has originated from the Priestley Glacier
Patterned ground:
Large weakly developed polygonal nets
Surface weathering or surface features:
Some surface oxide staining on boulders; many boulders unstained and showing abrasion on upwind sides; some exfoliation; most boulders subangular to angular
Oceanic subxerous; small scattered snow patches; little liquid water available
Biological activity:
Nil observed
Profile Description
Horizon
Depth
Description
46a
0 – 14 cm
light brownish grey (2.5Y 6/2) sandy pebble and cobble gravel; loose; rock fragments angular to subangular with some weak staining; sharp boundary,
46b
14 – 25 cm
light grey (5Y 7/2) sandy gravel; cohesive; frosted; weakly developed vesicular structure; rock fragments angular to subangular and unstained, on frozen ground.