Internal structure of stone−banked lobes and terraces on Rink Plateau, James Ross Island, Antarctic Peninsula region

Large−scale stone−banked lobes and terraces are distributed over an area of 1 km 2 of gentle slope on Rink Plateau in the northern part of James Ross Island, Antarctic Penin− sula region. Topographically, there are two main features: relatively high risers up to 5 m high and distinct frontal ridges. In order to understand the processes responsible for these lobes and terraces, the authors have monitored air and ground temperatures and movement of stones on the surface over the period 1995-2005. In February 2005, the subsurface struc− tures were surveyed by ground penetrating radar and drilling. The ground penetrating radar profiles identified the bedrock surface. The surface morphology of the lobes corresponds closely with that of the bedrock. The relatively high risers of these lobes are presumed to be due to a cessation of frontal advance. Key wor ds: Antarctic Peninsula, James Ross Island, ground penetrating radar, stone− banked lobe, solifluction.