Jacobsen-McGill University Arctic Research Expedition to Axel Heiberg Island, N.W.T.

Abstract

Reviews this expedition to study the evolution of the mountainous and strongly glacierized and glaciated area of the central part of western Axel Heiberg Island. It was initiated by G. Jacobsen, had a four-man reconnaissance survey in 1959, a 27-man operation in May-Aug. 1960, an 18-man party to spend four months of 1961 on the island with smaller groups in 1962 and later years. A map survey is reported by T.J. Blachut and D. Haumann; glaciology by F. Muller, W.P. Adams, U. Zysset; seismic operations by B.B. Redpath, gravity measurements by A. Becker; meteorology by J.M. Havens and R.H.G. Andrews; geology is described by E.H. Kranck, P.E. Fricker, and E.W. Hoen; geomorphology is reviewed in French by B. Robitaille; botany by R.E. Beschel, and palynology by O. Hegg; the permafrost program is outlined by G. Jacobsen, and mountaineering by J. Marmet. Base camp was constructed at 79 25 N, 90 30 W to serve as a permanent high Arctic Research Station for McGill University.