Erebus study set to go

Press, 18 December 1976, Page 2

Erebus study set to go

Low cloud has delayed the departure of a team of tour men from Scott Base planning to check the volcanic activity and record the temperature of the lava lake on Mount Erebus, which at 3799 metres is Antarctica’s highest active volcano.

However the cloud is expected to clear, enabling a Lnited States Navy helicopter te lift the party on to the Fang Glacier behind Erebus, where the men will acclimatise for three days before being flown to the camp site, 400 ft below the summit.

During the 10 days the party will be on the mountain top the duration and intensity of each eruption — now averaging two a day — will be measured, and the lake's temperature assessed.

Ihe party, led by Mr C. Monteath, of Christchurch, includes two scientists, Messrs H. Keys and T. Stern, of Wellington, and a surveyor, Mr J. Palmer, of Kaniere.

Mr Keys will study ash layers on the Fang Glacier and fumerole ice towers on Erebus. The towers form when the steam emitted from the fumerole outlets condenses and freezes.

Mr Palmer will survey for final data to enable the photogrammetric branch of the Lands and Survey Department to compile a map of the crater and the surrounding area.