ABSTRACT 



During the austral winter of 1960-1961, a series of oceanographic stations was taken at 

 an icehole 3 miles offshore in McMurdo Sound, Antarctica. The icehole was covered by an 

 insulated hut which provided a warm field laboratory for oceanographic observations. A 

 gasoline powered generator supplied current for the operation. 



The hut was visited whenever weather permitted and routine observations were con- 

 ducted at intervals of about two weeks. Sea water temperature, salinity, dissolved oxygen, 

 and subsurface currents were measured, and bottom sediments and marine life were noted. 



Oceanographic samples and current measurements were made at 18 different depths 

 from the surface to the bottom ( 580 meters). Oceanographic factors were very constant 

 during the winter but by early summer micro changes in the upper waters became apparent. 

 Temperatures rose, dissolved oxygen increased markedly, and salinity decreased; however, 

 little change occurred in the deeper water. Currents averaged about one-half knot of drift 

 and apparently were of tidal origin. The maximum observed current drift occurred at 500 

 meters and amounted to 1.83 knots. 



Systematic sampling of the bottom was carried out with a Peterson grab sampler and by 

 the use of bottom tangles and fish traps. The bottom was found to harbor a rich and wide 

 variety of invertebrate forms. At least five species of fish were captured. 



