I. INTRODUCTION 



A . Objectives of the Study 



As a part of Operation Deep Freeze 61 (1960-1961), U. S. Naval Oceanographic 

 Office personnel from aboard USS STATEN ISLAND (AGB-5) conducted a recon- 

 naissance survey in the eastern Ross Sea and Sulzberger Bay, Antarctica, during 

 December 1960. In addition to serial oceanographic station data, continuous sonic 

 depth recordings were taken as the ship moved from station to station, and Phleger 

 cores were obtained at 25 locations . Figure 1 shows the location of the survey 

 area (latitudes 75" 10' to 78*'48'S and longitudes 144* to 164 «>W). The National 

 Science Foundation supported the scientific effort; bathymetric results are present- 

 ed in the Report . 



This study has two objectives: First, to construct a chart of the area describ- 

 ing the bathymetry and general sediment types of the eastern Ross Sea and Sulzberger 

 Bay from survey data collected, from existing charts, and from reports of previous 

 work published on the area. Second, to develop an explanation of the origin of 

 these bathymetric features from bottom sediment samples collected and from the 

 existing areal geological and glaciological literature published on the area. 



B. Survey Techniques and Data Analysis 



Bathymetric data were collected along sounding lines that were approximately 

 30 miles apart, and serial oceanographic stations and Phleger cores were collected 

 at approximately 30-mile intervals along the sounding lines. The bathymetric data 

 were recorded with an EDO AN/UQN-lB echo sounder, and sonic depth recordings 

 representing 1,200 nautical miles of ship's tracks covering an area of 20,000 square 

 miles were collected, processed, and analyzed . Serial oceanographic station data 

 collected at 31 locations were processed,and these data are presented in Technical 

 Report 105 "Operation Deep Freeze 61, 1960-1961, Marine Geophysical Investi- 

 gations" June 1962, U.S. Navy Hydrographic Office. Also, included in Technical 

 Report 105 are the locations and field descriptions of the 25 Phleger cores collected 

 during the survey. All bottom samples obtained during the operation were shipped 

 to the Department of Geology, Florida State University, Tallahassee, Florida for 

 laboratory analysis and publication of the resulting data . 



Navigational control was by dead reckoning, radar ranges and bearings on 

 mountain peaks, and/or by sun-line fixes. Position errors were probably as great 

 OS 10 miles, possibly more. For example, (1) the degree of accuracy of the chart- 

 ed position of mountain peaks was uncertain, (2) the effects on the sun-line fixes 

 of the refraction of the sun's rays resulting from the low angles of the sun above 

 the horizon and the temperature inversions of the air layers were difficult to deter- 

 mine, and (3) straight courses could not be run owing to ice conditions. 



