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Granite erratics in Beacon Valley, Antarctica

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  14 February 2017

Warren W. Dickinson ,
Grechen Williams ,
Matt Hill ,
Simon C. Cox  and
Joel A. Baker
Warren W. Dickinson*
Affiliation:
Antarctic Research Centre, Victoria University, PO Box 600, Wellington, New Zealand
Grechen Williams
Affiliation:
Antarctic Research Centre, Victoria University, PO Box 600, Wellington, New Zealand
Matt Hill
Affiliation:
GNS Science, Private Bag 30-368, Lower Hutt, New Zealand
Simon C. Cox
Affiliation:
GNS Science, Private Bag 1930, Dunedin, New Zealand
Joel A. Baker
Affiliation:
School of Environment, University of Auckland, Private Bag 92019, Auckland, New Zealand
*
warren.dickinson@vuw.ac.nz
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Abstract

We present the first quantitative attempt at reconciling the source and emplacement of granite erratics in Beacon Valley. The erratics are enigmatic because granite does not crop out in the valley and its nearest subaerial exposure is at least 10 km downstream to the east of the valley. Detailed mapping of the valley shows three types of granite erratics, which are not present in equal amounts and do not show spatial patterns. Pb isotopic and elemental compositions of the erratics eliminate the Metschel Tillite as a source and indicate they derive from the Dry Valley plutons. Our limited study tentatively ties the erratics to suites of plutons, but it does not allow a direct tie of the erratics to specific plutons because of i) the geochemical variability of the plutons and ii) the limited number of erratics that were analysed. Published data suggest the erratics provide evidence of wet-based glaciation, which covered the Dry Valleys and much of Antarctica during the mid-Miocene. Our paper also explains the problems associated with the emplacement of these erratics and the age of the massive ice in Beacon Valley.

Keywords

geochemical fingerprintGranite Harbour Intrusivesgranitoid plutonslead isotopesMcMurdo Dry Valleyssouthern Victoria LandTaylor Glacier
Type
Earth Sciences
Information
Antarctic Science , Volume 29 , Issue 4 , August 2017 , pp. 343 - 355
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Copyright
© Antarctic Science Ltd 2017 

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