Marine Studies in the Inshore Waters of Antarctica near Mawson, 1956

Abstract

THIS investigation, aimed at obtaining information concerning the hydrology and biology of the inshore waters of Antarctica, especially during the winter period, formed part of the scientific programme of the 1956–57 Australian National Antarctic Research Expedition to Mawson (67° 31′ S. lat., 62° 53′ E. long.) in MacRobertson Land. After a period of establishment, I began regular observations in June and continued at weekly intervals until February 1957. Two stations were occupied, one in 25 m. and the other in rather more than 100 m. of water. Observations were made at various depths throughout the water column. For the greater part of the period the surface was frozen to a maximum recorded depth in September of 115 cm. Water samples were taken in the normal manner with Nansen bottles but using modified operating techniques to meet the severe conditions. Plankton hauls, mainly vertical and entailing considerable difficulty, were run with N50 and N70 nets.