STUDIES OF CAINOZOIC ENVIRONMENTAL-CHANGE IN TASMANIA AND COASTAL EAST ANTARCTICA - A REVIEW

Observational studies on Cainozoic environmental changes in both Tasma nia and East Antarctica have led to important modifications in the acc epted interpretation of the history of glaciation for each area. Many contributors have played an important role in the processes of investi gation leading to the present state of knowledge. A crucial role has b een played by the integration of the methods of glacial geomorphology, stratigraphy, sedimentology and dating methods. From studies based on combinations of these approaches, a model of multiple glaciations has been developed to explain observed features in Tasmania. This model i s complemented by studies of vegetation history, largely through polle n analysis. A less complete picture of the history of ice-sheet fluctu ations in East Antarctica is beginning to emerge from similar applicat ions of cross-disciplinary studies.