Five glacial phases are recognized in the area described. Two of these are represented by the deposits of ice-sheets from the north-east and north-west respectively; the other three were of local origin. The materials composing the drifts differ sufficiently to enable the stratigraphy to be seen clearly. This shows that the local ice caps alternated with the invading ice sheets—which brings out a point of considerable climatological interest in that it is clear that the local ice advanced not simultaneously with the invading ice sheets but alternated with them. The order in which the five phases occurred is well established, but the importance of the intervals between the phases is at present uncertain.

Observations on the distribution and movement of the pack ice around Antarctica. These are based mainly on the work of the “Discovery” Committee’s ships between 1925 and 1939, but also include observations from the pelagic whaling fleet for the years 5930–36. The seasonal advance and retreat of the pack ice are considered in detail and information is given of conditions at the ice edge throughout the year. The movement, or drift, of the pack ice is thought to be closely connected with the surface waters around the Antarctic Continent and a brief account of these currents is included. Some outstanding problems are mentioned in connexion with future research and attention is drawn to the need for air reconnaissance.