Several geological expeditions explored Marie Byrd Land during the period 1978–1993. New Zealand geologists surveyed the Ford Ranges and Edward VII Peninsula in two expeditions, 1978–79[19][full citation needed] and 1987–88.[20][full citation needed] Exploration of the Marie Byrd Land Volcanic Province began in earnest by U.S. geologists in 1984–85.[21] The WAVE project (West Antarctic Volcano Exploration[22][full citation needed]) focused on the volcanic province during the period 1989–1991. The SPRITE project (South Pacific Rim International Tectonic Expedition)[23] explored regions and surroundings of the Hobbs Coast in 1990–1993.