The Royal Navy has sent scientists on an Antarctic research mission to analyze the growing impact of tourism and climate change on the frozen continent.
HMS protector Two University of Portsmouth researchers collected water and rock samples as the icebreaker traveled south from the Falkland Islands along the western tip of the Antarctic Peninsula during the first phase of its annual polar mission.
Research by the university's environmental pollution professor Fay Couceiro and Dr Claire Boston could ultimately help us understand the impact on Antarctica as record numbers of tourists continue to visit the sensitive region. will contribute.
Professor Kuceiro collected water samples from the Falkland Islands, Anvers Island, Port Lockroy, Detail Island, Purquoy Pass Island and at Rothera Research Station, the UK's largest Antarctic facility.
These samples will be tested for concentrations of microplastics, metals and nutrients, providing insight into the impact humans may be having on Antarctica.
Meanwhile, Dr. Boston collected rock samples from Percoi Pass Island, of the protector Hydrographers collected data in Margaret Bay to study the landscape formed by the Antarctic Peninsula ice sheet about 20,000 years ago.
she said: She said: “She has had a great experience joining HMS.” protector, observe Antarctic wildlife and collect data. The crew worked hard to get me ashore and help me find the stone. ”
On the journey south, protector recorded seafloor data over more than 1,000 square miles, an area the size of Dorset, in unmapped or poorly mapped areas.
This initiative will improve the safety of seafarers navigating the region at a time when maritime traffic is significantly increasing. From 2011 to her 2020, the number of voyages to Antarctica nearly doubled from her 234 to her 408. All data collected will be provided to the British Hydrographic Office. Office for publication in nautical charts and nautical publications.
The vessel will also assist members of the UK Antarctic Heritage Trust (UKAHT) to complete structural work on the roof of Port Lockroy's historic building, protecting it from the elements for many years to come. delivered 1.5 tonnes of timber, steel and stored supplies to Port Lockroy.
Author Emma Whittingham said: “I was really looking forward to landing in Antarctica for the first time and seeing the wildlife.'' She said: “As I was walking around Port Lockroy I noticed some penguins with eggs and I was so happy when one of them started hatching right in front of me. How wonderful! It's an experience.”
Port Lockroy was the first Royal Navy ship to paddleboard in Antarctic waters, so work at Port Lockroy wasn't all work or play.
Sailors explored the harbor's amazing natural frozen waters. The harbor's shoreline is home to a living museum, shops, and the world's southernmost operating post office. The curious penguins investigated the paddle boarders and swam right up to the group to say hello.
forward protector Going to Detail Island, UKAHT members were scheduled to stay for several weeks to conduct dialogue activities at Base W. Base W was a former research station for the British Antarctic Survey, but it was quickly vacated in 1959 because the ice around the island became unstable and supplies to scientists were cut off. ship.
Three tons of stores and supplies were brought ashore by ferry. of the protector The Zodiac rows for 48 hours under harsh conditions. protector is scheduled to return to Detail Island for the second stage of the deployment, before returning the UKAHT team to the Falkland Islands.
“It was a great honor to have the opportunity to work with members of the British Antarctic Heritage Trust and support their mission to deliver building materials and supplies needed to preserve historic buildings around the Antarctic Peninsula. It was an experience I will never forget,” said Lieutenant Colonel Lindsay Gascoigne. of the protector Logistics person.
“The team inside protector They were willing to work extremely hard in extreme environmental conditions of sub-zero temperatures, near-high winds and, of course, ice,” said Commander Marc Baltan, Protector's executive officer. . “To accomplish the mission, everyone has spent long days feeding the hungry, dodging icebergs, launching and driving boats, and keeping machinery running reliably. ”
The opinions expressed here are those of the author and not necessarily those of The Maritime Executive.
