Geophysical and glaciological studies in the Filchner Ice Shelf Area of Antarctica

Geophysical and glaciological data collected during the IGY in the Filchner ice shelf area have been reported previously, and some of these are included here to present a more unified picture of the region. A large trough underlies the eastern section of the ice shelf and extends into the unexplored area at its head. Although the trough is not isostatically compensated locally, the area as a whole is essentially in isostatic equilibrium. The elevation of the M discontinuity is about −31 km, which is consistent with that expected for a continental margin. Berkner island is a grounded ice feature on Berkner bank, which gravity data indicate is probably composed of morainal material. The eastern section of the shelf is flowing seaward at a high rate, and the amount of ice lost at the ice front is greater than accumulation on the shelf.