Geological mapping and investigations of the Permian Maya Erosion Surface, Metschel Tillite, Pre-Pleistocene tills and Wellar Coal Measures in the Upper Taylor Glacier area and Coombs Hills

Geological investigation in the upper Taylor Glacier was conducted and had three objectives; 1) To locate and examine at Kennar Valley, Finger Mountain and Mount Feather, within the Quartermain Mountains on the southern side of the Upper Taylor Glacier, exposures of the Permian Maya Erosion Surface underlying the Victoria Group Metschel Tillite. Detailed field mapping was carried out to detail the stratigraphy and facies distribution of the Metschel Tillite and to determine the relationship of the various facies with the underlying erosion surface. 2) To examine the stratigraphy and sedimentology of the basal Weller Coal Measures which immediately overlie the Metschel Tillite via the Pyramid Erosion Surface. 3) To investigate a small remnant of Tertiary Tillite located on Mt Feather.

Investigations of facies variation within the Metschel Tillite and the morphology of the Maya Erosion Surface was successfully completed at Kennar Valley and Finger Mountain. The presence and spatial relationships of preglacial fluvial and lacustrine, glacial diamictite, and postglacial fluvial sediments were demonstrated and critical palaeocurrent data obtained. The Coombs Hills area was visited also to locate and examine remnants of pre-Pleistocene lodgement tills.