Antarctic geological data from the Royal Society Range and Dry Valleys region includes nearly 600 paleocurrent measurements and 21 measured stratigraphic sections from the New Mountain Sandstone. The dataset, created by SCIOPS, results from field studies to determine depositional environment, sediment transport direction, and unit age. Data collection was completed and last updated in 1975.
Use Cases
- Analyze lateral and vertical changes in sediment transport direction using the nearly 600 paleocurrent measurements.
- Determine depositional environments and stratigraphic position by correlating the 21 measured stratigraphic sections across localities.
- Conduct geochemical analysis of the Terra Cotta siltstone member using major and trace element chemistry data from red and green color samples.
- Establish unit age constraints by integrating stratigraphic data with radiometric dates from sampled basement granites.
Strengths
- Nearly 600 paleocurrent measurements provide a substantial directional dataset.
- Coverage includes 21 stratigraphic sections measured across seven main field areas.
Limitations
- Data is temporally stale, last updated in 1975, with no recent revisions.
- Sample size for specific geochemical analyses (e.g., Terra Cotta siltstone) is not quantified.
- Geographic scope is limited to specific Antarctic localities, not a regional survey.
Provenance
- Source
- SCIOPS via NASA EarthData.
- Collection Method
- Field measurements from seven visited areas, including stratigraphic section measurement, detailed sampling for mechanical/chemical analysis, and paleocurrent measurement.
- Time Range
- null
- Freshness
- 1975-01-09
- Geography
- Royal Society Range and Dry Valleys region, Antarctica, including Mt Kempe, Table Mountain, Knobhead Peak, New Mountain, Taylor Glacier, Mt Boreas, and Plane Table.