Activities of Japanese earth science research in the McMurdo Sound region in the 1985-1986 season

Abstract

Continuous seismic observations have been carried out since December 1980 by a cooperative International Mount Erebus Seismological Studies (IMESS) which includes Japan, the United States and New Zealand. Three Japanese participating in the IMESS visited the McMurdo Sound region during the 1985-1986 field season. They were K. KAMINUMA (Nationl Institute of Polar Research), S. MIURA (Faculty of Science, Tohoku University) and M. YAMADA (Faculty of Science, Nagoya University). KAMINUMA stayed at McMurdo Station and MIURA and YAMADA stayed at Scott Base. They conducted a series of scientific research programs during their tenure at McMurdo Station and Scott Base from 22 November 1985 to 6 January 1986. 1. Seismic observation by the telemetry network : Japanese scientists played back the seismic magnetic tapes which have recorded since February 1985. The daily frequencies of eruptions and volcanic earthquakes occurring in and around Mount Erebus were counted and earthquakes were scaled to determine their locations. 2. Plume observation : The volume of plume at the Erebus summit was watched from Scott Base. 3. Gravity : Two new gravity stations were established on Ross Island by the cooperation with Japan and New Zealand. Gravity was measured at eight other points on Ross Island during the 1985-1986 field season.