Showing papers in "Polish Polar Research in 2009"

Tidewater glaciers of Svalbard: Recent changes and estimates of calving fluxes

Abstract: The purpose of this study is to describe the current state of tidewater glaciers in Svalbard as an extension of the inventory of Hagen et al. (1993). The ice masses of Svalbard cover an area of ca 36 600 km 2 and more than 60% of the glaciated areas are glaciers which terminate in the sea at calving ice−cliffs. Recent data on the geometry of glacier tongues, their flow velocities and front position changes have been extracted from ASTER images acquired from 2000-2006 using automated methods of satellite image analysis. Analyses have shown that 163 Svalbard glaciers are of tidewater type (having contact with the ocean) and the total length of their calving ice−cliffs is 860 km. When compared with the previous inventory, 14 glaciers retreated from the ocean to the land over a 30-40 year period. Eleven formerly land−based glaciers now terminate in the sea. A new method of assessing the dy− namic state of glaciers, based on patterns of frontal crevassing, has been developed. Tide− water glacier termini are divided into four groups on the basis of differences in crevasse pat− terns and flow velocity: (1) very slow or stagnant glaciers, (2) slow−flowing glaciers, (3) fast−flowing glaciers, (4) surging glaciers (in the active phase) and fast ice streams. This classification has enabled us to estimate total calving flux from Svalbard glaciers with an accuracy appreciably higher than that of previous attempts. Mass loss due to calving from the whole archipelago (excluding Kvitoya) is estimated to be 5.0-8.4 km 3 yr −1 (water equiv− alent - w.e.), with a mean value 6.75 ± 1.7 km 3 yr −1 (w.e.). Thus, ablation due to calving con− tributes as much as 17-25% (with a mean value 21%) to the overall mass loss from Svalbard glaciers. By implication, the contribution of Svalbard iceberg flux to sea−level rise amounts to ca 0.02 mm yr −1 . Also calving flux in the Arctic has been considered and the highest an− nual specific mass balance attributable to iceberg calving has been found for Svalbard. Key wor ds: Arctic, Svalbard, tidewater glaciers, calving flux, ASTER.

Terrestrial Antarctic ecosystems in the changing world: an overview.

Abstract: Although the Antarctic has avoided the worst effects of alien species, its future seems endangered due to increasing natural and man−made pressures. Rapid changes in three major environmental variables have occurred in the Antarctic region during the last decades. In the short term terrestrial biota are likely to benefit from reduced environmental stresses, but in the long run the colonization of the region by lower latitude species with greater competi− tive ability will become increasingly important and can lead to large−scale changes in biologi− cal composition and trophic complexity in some existing Antarctic terrestrial ecosystems. Moreover, the recent dynamic climate changes combined with human activities in the Antarc− tic region might modify the status of several alien species which have hitherto been consid− ered transient or persistent and could, therefore, become naturalized and threaten the native communities on a larger scale than today, or influence the status of naturalized species. Key wor ds: Antarctica, alien species, human impact.

Penguin past: The current state of knowledge

Abstract: Penguins (Aves: Sphenisciformes) hold much interest for many people, includ− ing (but not limited to) scientists. According to results of molecular studies, penguin his− tory began in the Cretaceous, but the oldest bones assigned to these birds are Paleocene in age. The first fossil representative of Sphenisciformes formally described was Palae− eudyptes antarcticus, and this event took place 150 years ago. Since that time, several dozens of species have been erected, though not all of them have stood a test of time. The 21st century entered new dynamics into the paleontology of penguins, and (importantly) it concerned both the new material, and new theories. This paper summarizes what we currently know about extinct penguins and indirectly suggests the most promising areas for further research. Key wor ds: Southern Hemisphere, Aves, Sphenisciformes, evolution, fossil record.

Persistent organic pollutants (POPs) and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in surface sediments from selected fjords, tidal plains and lakes of the North Spitsbergen.

Abstract: The aim of this study was to examine the pollution level of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and selected chloroorganic pesti− cides (HCH isomers, DDT and its metabolites, aldrin, dieldrin, endrin, heptachlor, endo− sulfan I and II, and methoxychlor) in surface sediments from selected fjords, tidal plains and lakes from the North Svalbard area. The sediments were collected from 34 sampling sta− tions in July 2005. Only endosulfan I and methoxychlor, among selected chloroorganic pes− ticides, were measured in concentrations near detection limit (LoD) in fourteen sediment samples. The sum of seven PCB congeners varied from < 0.9 to 5.6 ng g −1 d.w. in sediments from fjords and tidal plains and from < 0.1 to 14.6 ng g −1 d.w. in sediments from lakes. The concentrations of analysed PAH compounds in surface sediments from lakes were over ten times higher (16PAHs to 429 ng g −1 d.w.) than in sediments from fjords and tidal plains (16PAHs to 36 ng g −1 d.w.).

Recent, relic and buried soils in the forefield of Werenskiold Glacier, SW Spitsbergen

Abstract: Soils, having a well−developed sequence of A and Bw horizons, are widespread on the uplifted marine terrace 8-12 m a.s.l. in the proximity of Nottinghambukta Bay. The present−day origin of these soils is however questionable, while similarly developed soils, but buried under the cover of the youngest till were found on a forefield of the Werenskiold Glacier. To quantify an intensity of the soil−forming process under present climate condi− tions of SW Spitsbergen, the chronosequence of soils developed from the Recent, up to 70 year−old moraines, was studied on the forefield of Werenskiold Glacier. Significant dis− solution of CaCO3, decrease of pH, leaching of calcium and magnesium, increase of amor− phous iron content, as well as an accumulation of organic matter and initial formation of ag− gregate soil structure were observed within the surface layer of recent till. The 70 year−long period of pedogenesis was, however, too short for a distinct morphological differentiation of the subsurface B horizon. It is concluded, that deep and structural Bw horizons of some surface and buried soils are relicts of a much longer period of relatively warm climate be− fore the last transgression of glaciers. Key wor ds: Arctic, Svalbard, soil development, marine terrace, glacier forefield.

The near−surface ice thermal structure of the Waldemarbreen, Svalbard

Abstract: The near−surface ice thermal structure of the Waldemarbreen, a 25−square km glacier located at 78 N1 2E in Spitsbergen, Svalbard, is described here Traditional glacio− logical mass balance measurements by stake readings and snow surveying have been con− ducted annually since 1996 The near−surface ice temperature was investigated with auto− matic borehole thermistors in the ablation and accumulation areas in 2007-2008 The mean annual surface ice temperatures (September-June) of the ablation area were determined to be −47C at 1 m depth and −25C at 9 m For the accumulation area, they were −30 Ca t 2 m, and −23C at 10 m depth between September and August On the Waldemarbreen, at 10 m depth, the mean annual near−surface ice temperature was 40C above the mean annual air temperature in the accumulation area The Waldemarbreen may thus be classified as a polythermal type with cold ice which is below the pressure melting point and a temperate ice layer in the bottom sections of the glacier and with a temperate surface layer only during summer seasons At a depth of 10 m, temperatures are of the order of −2C to −3C Key wor ds: Arctic, Spitsbergen, ice temperature, thermal regime, glacier

Early Cambrian bradoriide and phosphatocopide arthropods from King George Island, West Antarctica: Biogeographic implications

Abstract: Arthropod carapaces have been recovered from the Early Cambrian fossiliferous limestone erratics (dropstones) in the Early Miocene glaciomarine Cape Melville Forma− tion of King George Island (South Shetland Islands), West Antarctica. The arthropod fauna comprises the bradoriide carapaces of Albrunnicola bengtsoni Hinz−Schallreuter, Liang− shanella birkenmajeri sp. nov., Melvillella corniculata gen. et sp. nov., Mongolitubulus squamifer Missarzhevsky, ?Zepaera sp., the phosphatocopid ?Dabashanella sp., and one problematic taxon. With the exception of M. squamifer, all described species are recorded from Antarctica for the first time. The described Antarctic bradoriide assemblage attests to a close relationship with similar faunas from South Australia and South China, but also in− cludes more widely distributed taxa extending the relationship to the palaeocontinents of Siberia, Baltica and Laurentia.

Larval ascaridoid nematodes (Anisakidae) in fish from the South Shetland Islands (Southern Ocean)

Abstract: The aim of this study was to assess the anisakid nematode distribution pattern in the fish collected from the South Shetland Islands. A total of 32 fish species were examined for the presence of nematodes in 1978, 1979, 1981 and 2007/2008. The fish were caught off the South Shetland Islands (Elephant Island, Shishkov Island and in Admiralty Bay - King George Island). Three genera of L3 larval nematodes were identified: Anisakis sp., Contra− caecum spp. and Pseudoterranova decipiens. The infection level was higher on the shelf around the islands than in Admiralty Bay. This is explained by a higher abundance of the fi− nal hosts in the region. A comparison of the infection data from 1978/79 and 2007/2008 with data from 1994/96 (Palm et al. 1998, 2007) was done. The parameters of infection of Notothenia coriiceps and Lepidonotothen nudifrons by Pseudoterranova decipiens were decreasing within the 30 years period.

Spectral characteristics of the Arctic ornithogenic tundra vegetation in Hornsund area, SW Spitsbergen

Abstract: Solar radiation reflectance was analysed to characterize Arctic ornithogenic tun− dra developing in the vicinity of large breeding colony of Brunnich's guillemots Uria lomvia and kittiwakes Rissa tridactyla at the foot of Gnalberget cliff (Hornsund, SW Spitsbergen). Radiometric method was found to be a useful tool for studying structure and functioning of plant formations. We measured reflectance of four wavelengths: 554 nm (YG), 655 nm (RED), 870 nm (NIR) and 1650 nm (SWIR) at 10 plots situated along the transect running from the colony to the sea. Moreover, data of plant community character, species quantitative composition as well as total biomass were collected to relate these pa− rameters with the spectral values. The results showed that radiometric data characterized vegetation well enough to recognize the same plant communities on the basis of spectral reflectance as distinguished with traditional phytosociological methods.

Origin of dolomite−ankerite cement in the Bravaisberget Formation (Middle Triassic) in Spitsbergen, Svalbard

Abstract: The organic carbon (OC)−rich, black shale succession of the Middle Triassic Bravaisberget Formation in Spitsbergen contains scattered dolomite−ankerite cement in coarser−grained beds and intervals. This cement shows growth−related compositional trend from non−ferroan dolomite (0-5 mol % FeCO3) through ferroan dolomite (5-10 mol % FeCO3) to ankerite (10-20 mol % FeCO3, up to 1.7 mol % MnCO3) that is manifested by zoned nature of composite carbonate crystals. The 13 C (−7.3‰ to −1.8‰ VPDB) and 18 O (−9.4‰ to −6.0‰ VPDB) values are typical for burial cements originated from mixed inor− ganic and organic carbonate sources. The dolomite−ankerite cement formed over a range of diagenetic and burial environments, from early post−sulphidic to early catagenic. It reflects evolution of intraformational, compaction−derived marine fluids that was affected by disso− lution of biogenic carbonate, clay mineral and iron oxide transformations, and thermal de− composition of organic carbon (decarboxylation of organic acids, kerogen breakdown). These processes operated during Late Triassic and post−Triassic burial history over a tem− perature range from approx. 40C to more than 100C, and contributed to the final stage of cementation of the primary pore space of siltstone and sandstone beds and intervals in the OC−rich succession. Key wor ds: Arctic, Svalbard, Middle Triassic, cementation, petrography, geochemistry, carbon and oxygen isotopes.

Microbial community at the front of Ecology Glacier (King George Island, Antarctica): initial observations.

Abstract: Since 1978 the retreat of Ecology Glacier in the vicinity of Henryk Arctowski Sta− tion has opened new ice−free areas for colonization by terrestrial organisms initiated by pio− neer microbes. Samples were collected from the soil surface, at 0, 5 and 20 cm below surface close to glacier front, then stored at below −20C. Total bacterial count (TC), estimated by epifluorescence microscopy, reached high values, of 10 10 g −1 dry wt. Healthy looking bacte− rial cells of mean volume 0.0209 μm 3 at 0 cm to 0.0292 μm 3 at 20 cm made up from 7% at 0 cm, to 30% at 20 cm of total bacterial population. The number of colony forming units (CFU) accounted for only 0.02% of TC. Taxonomically they belonged to the,, subdivi− sions of the proteobacteria and to the Cytophaga−Flavobacterium−Bacteroides (CFB) group. Morphophysiologically CFU bacteria were diverse, from Gram variable short coccal forms to very long rods or filaments. Randomly selected CFU colonies were characterized by low sugar assimilation and high esterase/lipase activity. Spore forming bacteria - absent from 0 and 5 cm, formed a small fraction of 175 cells g −1 dry wt at the 20 cm depth. Filamentous fungi were relatively abundant and represented mainly by oligotrophs. Key wor ds: Antarctica, glacial retreat, ice−free areas, microbial communities.

Foraminifers from the Treskelodden Formation [Carboniferous-Permian] of south Spitsbergen

Abstract: The organodetritic, sandy limestones of the Treskelodden Formation (Late Gzhelian to Early Artinskian) investigated in outcrops at Treskelen Peninsula, Hyrnefjellet mount and Polakkfjellet mount of south Spitsbergen, contain rich foraminiferal assem− blages. Fifty eight foraminiferal species of twenty three genera, including two new species (Hemigordius hyrnefjelleti sp. nov. and Midiella arctica sp. nov.) have been identified. Three foraminiferal zones have been defined, with ages of Late Asselian (Pseudofusulinella occidentalis), Sakmarian (Midiella ovata – Calcitornella heathi) and Early Artinskian (Hemigordius hyrnefjelleti – Midiella arctica). Sedimentary features and the biotic history of the studied succession records a Late Paleozoic cooling trend that stays in accordance with Pangaea’s shift to the north.

Occurrence of acanthocephalans in notothenioid fishes in the Beagle Channel (Magellanic sub−region, sub−Antarctic)

Abstract: specimens of notothenioid fishes of five species (Patagonotothen longipes, P. tessellata, Champsocephalus esox, Cottoperca trigloides and Patagonotothen brevi− cauda) caught at two sites in the Beagle Channel (Magellanic sub−region, sub−Antarctica) were examined for the presence of thorny−headed worms (Acanthocephala). Representa− tives of three fish species, Patagonotothen longipes, P. tessellata, and Champsocephalus esox, were infected. Fishes caught at the eastern mouth of the channel were infected with 180 echinorhynchids representing three species, Aspersentis johni (the most numerous spe− cies), Heterosentis heteracanthus, and Hypoechinorhynchus magellanicus, and only 12 cystacanths of four polymorphids, Andracantha baylisi, Corynosoma sp., Corynosoma beaglense, and Corynosoma evae. Patagonotothen longipes was the most highly infected in the eastern mouth of the channel (prevalence 85%, maximum intensity 26). Aspersentis johni was the dominant parasite species in this host (prevalence 85%, mean abundance 4.00, maximum intensity 18) and H. heteracanthus was the sub−dominant one (prevalence 50%, mean abundance 2.60, maximum intensity 25). The infections of C. esox were the most di− verse (six parasite species - three echinorhynchids and three polymorphids). Fish caught near the city of Ushuaia were infected only with six cystacanths of C. evae (intensity one). Taking into account the whole sample, C. evae was the most abundant polymorphid, repre− sented by 10 of 18 specimens found. Three species, H. heteracanthus, A. baylisi and C. evae, have been previously reported from the low western Antarctic (H. heteracanthus also from the Kerguelen sub−region of sub−Antarctic), remaining four species seem to be endemics of the Magellanic sub−region of sub−Antarctic. Key wor ds: Sub−Antarctic, Beagle Channel, Acanthocephala, notothenioid fishes.

Submarine evidence of the Aavatsmark and Dahl Glaciers fluctuations in the Kaffiøyra region, NW Spitsbergen

Abstract: Although the terrestrial marginal zones of some glaciers on Spitsbergen are rela− tively well described, we are largely ignorant about the morphology of their submarine forefields. Initial reconnaissance of the forefields of the Aavatsmark and Dahl glaciers in the Kaffioyra region and soundings made in that of the Hans Glacier (southern Spitsbergen) indicate the occurrence of sea−floor push−moraines which can be as much as 3 m high. Their lateral separation is considered to denote annual recession rates. They appear to result from cyclical annual advances of ice−cliffs during winters when the deposits are risen up at the contact of the ice with the sea−floor. The development of the major forms may be related to surge. There is some evidence that certain elements in the sea−bed morphology date from the Little Ice Age (LIA). Key wor ds: Arctic, Svalbard, glacier, push−moraines.

HSPB seismic broadband station in Southern Spitsbergen: First results on crustal and mantle structure from receiver functions and SKS splitting

Abstract: In the framework of the 4th International Polar Year Panel "Plate Tectonics and Polar Gateways" the international project "The Dynamic Continental Margin Between the Mid−Atlantic−Ridge System (Mohns Ridge, Knipovich Ridge) and the Bear Island Region" was undertaken in 2007-2008. As a part of this project a new three−component seismic broad− band station was installed in September 2007 in the area of the Polish Polar Station Hornsund in Southern Spitsbergen. The new HSPB station has the coordinates: = 77.0019N, = 15.5332E, H = 11 m a.s.l. During the first years of operation a number of good quality teleseismic events were recorded. This gives the opportunity for a first determination of crustal and mantle structure beneath the station by using receiver function (RF) and SKS split− ting techniques. The Moho depth determined using RF is about 32 km beneath HSPB. Signifi− cant amplitudes on the transverse components of the RF indicate a shallowly dipping discon− tinuity (sedimentary−basement) towards the south−west. The fast polarization of SKS phases is near parallel to the border between the continental and the oceanic crust and the Hornsund fault ( = 151.8). The average time delay t between "fast" and "slow" directions is 0.68 s, which implies ca. 2% anisotropy in a 100-200 km thick layer in the mantle. Key wor ds: Arctic, Spitsbergen, HSPB broadband seismic station, receiver functions, SKS splitting, crustal and mantle structure.

Isotope age constraint for the Blue Dyke and Jardine Peak subvertical intrusions of King George Island, West Antarctica

Abstract: The Blue Dyke and Jardine Peak are subvertical hypabyssal intrusions cutting a stratiform volcanic sequence in the Admiralty Bay area on King George Island (South Shetlands, Antarctica). The rocks are porphyritic, crystal−rich basaltic andesites. Tiny zir− con crystals were used for single grain SHRIMP U−Pb dating. The mean ages calculated for the zircon populations from both intrusions indicates Late Oligocene (Chattian) formations. Zircon grains from the Blue Dyke gave the mean age of 27.9±0.3 Ma, whereas those from the Jardine Peak are slightly younger displaying the mean age of 25.4 ± 0.4 Ma: a Late Oligocene (Chattian) crystallization age the inferred of both these intrusions. These are much younger than previous Eocene K−Ar and Ar−Ar ages for such rocks and suggest that formation of the King George Island intrusions can be related to tectonic processes that ac− companied the opening of the Drake Passage. Key wor ds: Antarctica, King George Island, Late Oligocene, U−Pb SHRIMP dating.

Two new Bacidia [Ramalinaceae, lichenized Ascomycota] from Antarctica

Abstract: Formerly reported as maritime Antarctic Bacidia sp. A has been re−named here as B. chrysocolla Olech, Czarnota et Llop. Another new species, B. subcoprodes Olech et Czarnota, found in the continental and maritime Antarctic has also been described here. A placement of both taxa within Bacidia De Not. is probably tentative because they are not congeneric with the type of this genus, B. rosella (Pers.) De Not. Similarities to other Bacidia with Laurocerasi−brown hypothecium and mostly 3−septate ascospores are discussed. Key wor ds: Antarctica, lichenized fungi, lichens, Ascomycota, taxonomy, new species.

Brachiopods from the Chlamys Ledge Member [Polonez Cove Formation, Oligocene] of King George Island, West Antarctica

Abstract: Brachiopods from the Chlamys Ledge Member, uppermost part of the Polonez Cove Formation (Oligocene), of King George Island, West Antarctica are represented by the undeterminable Rhynchonellida, one short−looped terebratulide Liothyrella Thomson, and two long−looped terebratellidines: Rhizothyris Thomson and Terebratelloidea gen. et sp. indet. Liothyrella is a well known genus in the Cenozoic strata and Recent waters of the Southern Hemisphere, while Rhizothyris is noted for the second time in the Antarctic re− gion. This is the first record of brachiopods from the Chlamys Ledge Member.

Impact factor 2008 of Polish Polar Research the highest ever

Abstract: Each year, Thomson Reuters (formerly the Institute for Scientific Information, ISI) calculates the impact factor (IF) for the world’s leading scholarly periodicals indexed in citation databases, and publishes the statistics as Journal Citation Re− ports (JCR). The impact factor, a number that provides an assessment of the fre− quency with which the “average article” has been cited yearly, is the most popular bibliometric proxy in the scientific−scholarly communication system. It has be− come the principal indicator in the estimation of international prestige and visibil− ity, in particular the usefulness of published results and concepts in the research community. It is also used frequently to uphold particular titles. Regardless of the considerable criticism of the IF as a measure of research quality, its susceptibility to editorial manipulation and the biases promoted by its common uncritical use (see reviews in Moed 2005; Garfield 2006; Marszakowa−Szajkiewicz 2009; Racki 2009b; and also on http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Impact_factor), this easily−avail− able tool is conventionally utilized as a fundamental guide to the assessment of re− search performance, especially in developing countries (Łomnicki 2003). Despite the review of governmental policy regarding the subsidization of research institu− tions (Żylicz 2006; Racki 2009b), this motivational approach is also much used in Poland. The standard IF is calculated annually by dividing the number of recently−re− ceived citations to citable items published during the previous two years. The IF of Polish Polar Research (PPRes) was previously quite modest (<0.375), presumably due to being strongly biased by the frequency of journal self−citations (Racki 2002, 2005). Although listed on the Thomson−ISI homepage as the “master journal” since 2004, PPRes has formally been included in its coverage in 2008, and, consequently, its IF will be published in 2010. As noted previously, however, PPRes and every other science and technical journal may easily be impact−rated using citation data from Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI Ex). The bibliometric statistics quickly reveal a growing citation number of the most recent PPRes articles, which is a key to the rapidly−increasing IF, the indicator calculated for the two−years window using the conventional IS1 formula (Table 1). Its highest ever value, 0.778 in 2008 (Fig. 1), closely compares with the more prominent Polish journals (Racki 2009a). Also, the use of the more sophisticated “real” impact factor (RIF), based exclusively on