Trans Antartic

The mountains rise high above the western shore of McMurdo Sound and are considerably older and of entirely different geologic origin than the Ross Island volcanics. Many interpretations of the origins of Antarctica have resulted from studies in these mountains, particularly where the rocks are best exposed in the Dry Valleys area. The high, glacier-mantled peaks of the Royal Society Range to the south, however, provide a more spectacular backdrop to the McMurdo area, with continually changing patterns of light and shadow through the 24-hour austral day bringing out both the range's gently rounded glacial contours and the abrupt rock faces of the higher peaks. These mountains, and particularly their Dry Valleys, are within easy access by helicopter from McMurdo Station, and scientists have found excellent exposures of various geologic units, which have helped reveal much about the geologic story of the continent.