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Libraries > Digital Exhibits > Conquering the Ice > Geology
The Geological Party
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Campsite along the trail, 1929.
Richard E. Byrd Papers, #7801_14. |
Fully loaded
sledge, 1929.
Richard E. Byrd Papers, #7789_1.
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During the Antarctic winter of 1929, the entire
Byrd expedition retreated into Little America for the long 6 months of
darkness. During this time, attention was focused on planning the
geological expedition to the Queen Maude Mountains, which would be led by
Dr. Lawrence Gould, and of course the related flight to the South Pole.
In October, a team was able to leave Little America to establish store
depots for the geological party. On November 4, Gould and his party of 5
men with dogs and sleds, set out for the Queen Maude Mountains.
Larry Gould and the geological party spent 10
weeks in the Antarctic wilderness before returning to Little America on
January 19, 1930. During this time they accomplished much, including
geological investigation. Indeed, they discovered sandstone and coal on
Mount Nansen and in so doing proved that the mountains were not volcanic
as was suspected. In addition, they discovered the stone cairn left by
Roald Amundsen 18 years earlier on his return from the South Pole. |
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"With Byrd
at the South Pole," 1930 Paramount Pictures Corporation, 1992 Milestone
Film and Video.
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The tractor party with Mt. Grace McKinley
in the background,
Richard E. Byrd Papers, #7788_3.
The bicycle wheel on the sledge is used
for measuring trail mileage.
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Navigating over the ice with a dog team was
at times
difficult and dangerous, 1929,
Richard E. Byrd Papers, #7782_2.
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One of the
sled dogs taking a much
deserved break, 1929,
Richard E. Byrd Papers, #7788_4.
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The
geological party upon returning to Little America,
January, 1930. From left: Mike Thorne, Admiral Byrd,
Larry Gould, Jack O’Brien, Norman Vaughan, and Eddie
Goodale.
Richard E. Byrd Papers, #7809_26.
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Matches from the cairn left by
Roald Amundsen in 1911, and discovered
by the geological party, 1929,
Richard E. Byrd Papers.
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