East-West seismic profile of McMurdo Sound, Antarctica

• Main Author: Wilson, David Douglas
• Other Authors: McGinnis, Lyle D. (Lyle David), 1931-2017, Department of Geology
• Format: Thesis
• Language: English
• Published: Northern Illinois University 1982
• Subjects: Geophysics > Antarctica; Geology > Antarctica; Seismic reflection method; Seismic refraction method; McMurdo Sound; Ross Island; Hut Point; Hut Point Peninsula; Strand Moraines; The Strand Moraines; Cone Hill; Antarc*; Antarctica
• Online Access: https://commons.lib.niu.edu/handle/10843/18929

Includes bibliographical references. Includes illustrations. Seismic refraction and reflection data have been used to develop geophysical and geologic profiles across McMurdo Sound, from Cone Hill on Hut Point Peninsula, Ross Island in the east to the Strand Moraines in the west. Reflection stations were placed every 1 km to obtain bathymetric information, and refraction stations were placed every 5 km. Sediment velocities range from 1.8 km/sec for a thin veneer along the bottom of the sound to 4.4 km/sec for sandstone. A basement refractor with velocities ranging from 4.7 to 5.6 km/sec is observed at depths averaging 3 kms; an intrabasement refractor with velocities greater than 6.2 km/sec is found at depths averaging 5.7 km. The latter refractor is interpreted as the upper boundary of the lower crust. A normal fault located between stations Blue West and Yellow offsets all units with the down-faulted block being on the east. M.S. (Master of Science)