The 1977–78 Ross Ice Shelf Project (RISP) field season was marked by two major achievements: completion of the Ross Ice Geophysical and Glaciological Survey (RIGGS) and successful penetration of the ice shelf at the RISP drill camp (82°22′S 168°38′N). The RIGGS programme visited nearly 200 sites over four field seasons, providing complete coverage of the shelf with measurements of ice thickness and velocity, surface strain rates, bottom depth, accumulation, and mean annual temperature. The survey work was conducted by Twin Otter aircraft operating from six temporary base camps. Tidal gravity measurements were made at these six camps and a few additional sites.