Field Camp Research Articles

KNUST SEG Geophysics Field Camp: A project to study slavery-related archaeology in West Africa

In this article, we describe a field camp in West Africa that explored the use of geophysics in archaeological investigations related to the transatlantic slave trade. Africa's geodiversity and richness of natural resources makes geoscience education essential for social, academic, scientific, and professional growth and development. Field camps serve as a pivotal element of geoscience pedagogy, providing hands-on experiential learning opportunities for budding geoscientists. Due to a lack of funding, there is limited access to and availability of geoscience field camps for students and early-career professionals in Africa. The main goal of our field camp was to delineate archaeological relics related to the transatlantic slave trade in the southeastern part of Ghana. The field camp provided a way to conduct research and train geoscience students in planning and performing geophysical investigations. It also taught students how to process and interpret geophysical data and prepare and present scientific investigation reports. We investigated sites in Aflao, Denu, Hedzranawo, and Keta in the southeastern part of Ghana. Sites of interest included former slave markets, barracoons, and a fort. The project highlighted locations of potential slavery-related archaeological relics and shared the importance of the findings and their implications for understanding the history of transatlantic slavery in Ghana.

Student Zone: SEG field camps provide experiential learning for students

SEG field camps provide experiential learning for students.

SEG Summer Field Camp: Multigeophysical imaging of an aquifer in the Astara region of Azerbaijan

Groundwater faces growing pressure due to human activities and the impacts of global climate change. Therefore, it is imperative to characterize near-surface aquifers, especially those that are unconfined because they are particularly vulnerable to these challenges. In Azerbaijan, alluvial plain aquifers represent a critical facet of the nation's water resources, yet they remain largely understudied. The objective of our study is to employ a multigeophysical survey (including electrical resistivity, seismic refraction, and ground-penetrating radar) to describe the subsurface attributes of an unconfined alluvial aquifer situated within an agricultural field in Astara, Azerbaijan. These data were acquired during the 2023 SEG Summer Field Camp by global students and specialists. Based on our general knowledge of the area, we interpret our findings as a subsurface with four distinct layers. The first is an initial 1 m thick soil layer covering the second layer, which is a more permeable unconfined aquifer likely consisting of a mixture of sand, pebbles, and gravel with a silty matrix (3 m thick). The third is a potential confining layer that is possibly clayey. The fourth layer is a presumed confined aquifer at a depth of 10 m. These results shed light on previously unstudied alluvial plain aquifers and contribute to comprehension of the hydrogeologic conditions at the local scale. To provide a broader understanding at the regional scale, the survey area should be extended and linked to borehole data to improve the interpretation of the geophysical results.

Foundation News: NextGEO initiative kicks off

SEG and the SEG Foundation have created a new initiative called NextGEO to raise funds for the SEG programs that the Foundation supports. Many of the programs that SEG members enjoy (such as the Honorary and Distinguished Lecture series, scholarships, SEG EVOLVE, field camps, travel grants, and Geoscientists without Borders) are funded by donations from SEG members and corporations. The programs provide our members with the opportunity to learn and advance the science of geophysics, interact with other members, and demonstrate the utility of geophysics to society at large.

Inverse modeling using geomagnetic data of field camp geophysics in Karangsambung (2005-2019)

Geomagnetic data from field camp surveys in Karangsambung 2005-2019 were collected and merged. Before 2020 (the restriction of Covid-19 pandemic), there are 4713 and 5984 data of field and base observation in the study area. The purpose of works in this paper are presenting the data collection, simple data processing, and simple calculation of inverse modeling. Fifteen surveys from each year of field camp data acquisition are merged with 2017 survey as reference. The data observation from proton magnetometer are corrected with geomagnetic regional field and diurnal variation (using available data from base observation). Geomagnetic model for 2.5D is calculated using SW-NE slice sections with topographic variation in the study area. The program for inverse model calculation was built to recover distribution of magnetization contrast from surface geomagnetic anomaly. The interpretation of subsurface model should be able to be analyzed and correlated with rock susceptibility and geological surface maps in the study area. From this work, the values of geomagnetic anomaly map are shown in the range of -1600 to 1600 nanoTesla, and the inverse modeling conducted over the Volcanic Breccia in the part of Bukit Brujul area, Basalts and Diabas between Geopark Karangsambung-Parangan-Sadang area, and Clay Breccia in the Sadang-Totogan area.

Late Holocene technological provisioning at the Kings Table rockshelter, Blue Mountains, New South Wales, Australia

ABSTRACTTechnological analysis of the late Holocene component of the stone artefact assemblage recovered from the Kings Table rockshelter in the Blue Mountains, west of Sydney, provides the basis for an assessment of the site's role in broader late Holocene settlement‐subsistence systems. Drawing on Kuhn's widely employed “provisioning model”, as well as Kelleher's general pre‐contact occupation model for the Blue Mountains National Park (BMNP), we argue that the Kings Table rockshelter functioned as a short‐term field camp for logistically‐organised hunter‐gatherers whose principal residential bases were located in “off‐mountains” contexts. It is argued that the late Holocene component of the Kings Table assemblage has a technological “signature” entirely consistent with individual provisioning. Aboriginal groups occupying this site over the course of the late Holocene employed a mobile toolkit whose lithic component was dominated by artefacts manufactured out of high‐quality, transported silicified tuff and incorporated both backed artefact‐bearing composite tools and hafted edge‐ground hatchets (axes) as key elements.

Seismic Soundoff: Uncovering the hidden history of Ghana

Cyril D. Boateng discusses his SEG field camp, “Investigating the slave trade in southeastern Ghana using integrated geophysical techniques.” He explains the concept behind “the archaeology of slavery” and describes the various geophysical investigations used across four communities. This conversation highlights the significant value that geophysics brings to a problem. It shows how SEG field camps are an invaluable tool for building the next generation of scientists and providing humanitarian benefits.

Molecular epidemiology of enterically colonizing Escherichia coli with resistance against third-generation cephalosporins isolated from stool samples of European soldiers with concomitant diarrhea on deployment in Western African Mali.

Extended spectrum beta-lactamases (ESBL) are frequently found in Enterobacterales isolates from Western Africa. However, information on the molecular epidemiology of regional ESBL-positive Enterobacterales strains is scarce. In order to provide epidemiological information, ESBL-positive Escherichia coli isolates from stool samples of European soldiers with diarrhea deployed to a field camp in Mali were subjected to whole-genome sequencing (Illumina MiSeq and Oxford Nanopore MinION) and antimicrobial susceptibility testing. With two exemptions, sequence-based analysis suggested an absence of transmission events between soldiers as indicated by a high genetic diversity of isolates and sequence types, confirming previous rep-PCR results. Third-generation cephalosporin resistance was associated with the presence of blaCTX-M-15 genes with (n = 14) and without (n = 5) co-occurring blaTEM-1b genes. Between 0 and 6 virulence and resistance plasmids per isolate were recorded. The detected resistance plasmids could be categorized into five types, which, in turn, share different sequence-identical segments, representing particular antimicrobial resistance gene-associated mobile genetic elements (MGEs). Phenotypic resistance rates within the 19 assessed isolates that showed distinguishable colony morphologies were 94.7% (18/19) against ampicillin-sulbactam and trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole, 68.4% (13/19) against moxifloxacin, 31.6% (6/19) against ciprofloxacin, 42.1% (8/19) against gentamicin, 31.6% (6/19) against tobramycin, and 21.1% (4/19) against piperacillin-tazobactam and fosfomycin. Virulence-associated genes mediating infectious gastroenteritis were rarely detected. The gene aggR, which is characteristic for enteroaggregative E. coli, was only detected in one single isolate. In summary, we found a variety of different strains and clonal lineages of ESBL-carrying E. coli. Transmission either between soldiers or from common contaminated sources was demonstrated in two cases and played only a minor role in this military field camp, while there were indications that resistance gene bearing MGEs had been exchanged between antimicrobial resistance gene-(ARG-)carrying plasmids.

By-products of disinfection of potable water at placing of armies in field conditions

On the basis of studying of the data published in open sources, the problem of the comparative characteristic of potential danger of various methods of disinfection of water about formation in process or as a result of its clearing of the substances possessing toxic and (or) cancerogenic action dared. Application of practically all methods, both traditional, and perspective is established, that is accompanied by formation of by-products of disinfection directly in potable water or as a part of drains in the form garbage removed from the water.
 Now the most widespread, effective and economic way of disinfection water is the use of chlorine-containing preparations. Such approach provides destruction of the majority of pathogenic microorganisms that defines the application of chlorine-containing preparations in world practice of clearing and water disinfecting in spite of the fact that at their use there is a formation of the big number of products of collateral disinfection.
 As concentration of the last depends on parameters of the process of disinfection, to solve a safety problem it is offered by strict observance of conditions of technological process, instead of prohibition of application of those or other techniques.
 The most perspective for water preparation perfection in the field conditions, having the least quantity of by-products of disinfection, is the approach to disinfecting of water which includes two alternative systems: reverse osmosis and an ultrafiltration (and in the long term nanofiltration) with possibility of a choice of one of these variants of clearing.
 As concentration of the last depends on parameters of the process of clearing, to solve a safety problem it is offered by strict observance of conditions of technological process, instead of prohibition of application of those or other techniques.
 The basis for refusal of connection of field camp to the centralised networks of water supply and use of the chlorinated potable water is not revealed.

A Standard Set of Courses to Assess the Quality of Driving Off-Road Combat Vehicles

<div class="section abstract"><div class="htmlview paragraph">Making manned and remotely-controlled wheeled and tracked vehicles easier to drive, especially off-road, is of great interest to the U.S. Army. If vehicles are easier to drive (especially closed hatch) or if they are driven autonomously, then drivers could perform additional tasks (e.g., operating weapons or communication systems), leading to reduced crew sizes. Further, poorly driven vehicles are more likely to get stuck, roll over, or encounter mines or improvised explosive devices, whereby the vehicle can no longer perform its mission and crew member safety is jeopardized.</div><div class="htmlview paragraph">HMI technology and systems to support human drivers (e.g., autonomous driving systems, in-vehicle monitors or head-mounted displays, various control devices (including game controllers), navigation and route-planning systems) need to be evaluated, which traditionally occurs in mission-specific (and incomparable) evaluations.</div><div class="htmlview paragraph">To support the use of comparable test conditions, a set of combat-relevant driving courses was developed for usability evaluations. This set of courses has been implemented in simulation (the Detroit Arsenal TBMS/CS simulator) and in the field (Camp Grayling). The 9 courses are: (1) on-road driving, (2) slalom (to avoid obstacles), (3) mogul (to assess rollover propensity), (4) ditches (which are difficult to see), (5) minefield (where the path is narrow), (6) berm drill (a defensive maneuver), (7) urban cover (scampering between buildings), (8) urban drive (narrow alleys), and (9) formation change (e.g., line to column). The courses used at Camp Grayling are documented here and representative driving data are provided to support use of these courses by others. Improvements are also suggested.</div></div>

The BESST REU: Promoting soil science learning and shifts in attitudes toward science

AbstractPrograms that emphasize the important, multifaceted roles that soils play as the interfaces between humanity and the earth are needed to attract new students from diverse backgrounds. The Basic and Environmental Soil Science Training Research Experience for Undergraduates (BESST REU) site aims to provide undergraduates from a variety of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics disciplines with a substantive research experience on modern soil science while developing professional and technical skills. Here, we examine data from the first five BESST cohorts pre‐ and post‐activity surveys, assessing effects of the experience on students’ research skills, knowledge about soil science, and science self‐efficacy. Results suggest that both program‐wide, common experiences, such as our geomorphology field camp, and specific, individual, mentored research experiences were important to student outcomes. Students experienced significant increases in their capacity to conduct research, knowledge about soil science, and confidence in carrying out scientific tasks. Further, qualitative data suggest that the program fundamentally impacted how students saw themselves and understood the task of “doing science.” Experiences provided by REU programs such as BESST are valuable to help students refine their personal goals and understanding of communication and collaboration within research. BESST also helped students to better understand and communicate the role of soil scientists.

Ocean turbulent boundary-layer influence on ice crystal behaviour beneath fast ice in an Antarctic ice shelf water plume: The “dirty ice”

The oceanic connection between ice shelf cavities and sea ice influences sea ice development and persistence. One unique feature in regions near ice shelves is the potential for sea ice growth due to crystal accretion on its underside. Here we present observations of ocean boundary-layer processes and ice crystal behaviour in an Ice Shelf Water outflow region from the Ross/McMurdo Ice Shelves. From a fast ice field camp during the Spring of 2015, we captured the kinematics of free-floating relatively large (in some cases 10s of mm in scale) ice crystals that were advecting and then settling upwards in a depositional layer on the sea ice underside (SIPL, sub-ice platelet layer). Simultaneously, we measured the background oceanic temperature, salinity, currents and turbulence structure. At the camp location the total water depth was 536 m, with the uppermost 50 m of the water column being in-situ super-cooled. Tidal flow speeds had an amplitude of around 0.1 m s-1 with dissipation rates in the under-ice boundary layer measured to be up to ε=10-6 W kg-1. Acoustic sampling (200 kHz) identified backscatter from large, individually identifiable suspended crystals associated with crystal sizes larger than normally described as frazil. Measurement of crystals in the SIPL found dimensions of the range 5-200 mm with an average of 93-101 mm depending on the year. The existence and settlement of crystals has implications for understanding SIPL evolution, the structure of sea ice, as well as the fate of Ice Shelf Water.

Geomorphological analysis of San Nicola Island (Tremiti Islands, Southern Adriatic Sea). Results from the 2021 and 2022 Environmental Geomorphology field camps of the MSc in Geological Sciences and Technologies of Earth and Planets (University ‘G. d’Annunzio’ of Chieti-Pescara)

ABSTRACT This paper presents the results of the 2021 and 2022 field activities carried out at San Nicola Island (Tremiti Islands, Southern Adriatic Sea) by two groups of students as part of the Environmental Geomorphology Field Mapping course held within the Master's Degree in Geological Sciences and Technologies of Earth and Planets at University ‘G. d'Annunzio’ of Chieti-Pescara. Field activities were carried out following an integrated approach that involved morphometric, geological, and geomorphological analyses, supported by the combination of traditional methods with modern survey instruments and techniques. The Main Map (1:2,500 scale) comprehensively depicts the landscape of San Nicola Island, which is affected by both long- and short-term evolutionary processes, as witnessed by widespread slope landforms. The cartographic products presented in this work can represent a useful tool in territorial planning and management, as well as a valuable base for further scientific studies.

DIRECTIONS IN RELATION TO IMPROVEMENT OF SYSTEM OF LOGISTIC PROVIDING OF SOLDIERY PARTS (SUBDIVISIONS) AT PLACING IN THE FIELD TERMS IN THE MODERN ARMED CONFLICTS

Ensuring the security and reliable defense of a military camp is necessary for any locality. However, due to the specificity and limitations of each region, they lead to the usage of appropriate measures that are adapted to the existing reality. Other issues related to the organization and maintenance of the field camp are determined primarily by security considerations. Therefore, the camp operates as a fully integrated system of deployed armed forces infrastructure which is designed to initially provide basic services and facilities for the location with the ability to improve over time by adapting to needs. The functional structure allows you to predict the spatial distribution of objects and improve the organization of the entire field camp. There are two main types of infrastructure within the camp: service and logistics (rear). In the conditions of operations as part of foreign missions, armed contingents of the NATO member states armies equip field camps of various types. According to the duration of usage, field camps are divided into: mobile (short term of placement), typical (up to a year) and foreign garrisons – large points of long-term placement of a military contingent (term of more than a year). The key task regarding the deployment of field camps is the placement of combat units (units) with all equipment, weapons, military and special equipment and other means in the deployment areas without long-term preparation of the infrastructure and material and technical base. The article presents the analysis, principles and approaches to the construction of the necessary infrastructure for the field deployment of armed contingents of the NATO armies member states when performing missions. The structure of a modern universal mobile complex of logistics support is determined and it consists of mobile modules (platforms) corresponding to their specific purpose. The ways of new global developments in the system of locating and ensuring the vital activity of personnel during the execution of combat tasks are presented. Views were considered ,recommendations were made and directions for improving the system of logistical support of military units (units) when deployed in the field in modern armed conflicts were discussed, as well as the expediency of equipping field camps according to the block-module system.

Gravity data processing of field camp geophysics in Karangsambung (2005-2019)

Gravity data was collected from a previous survey in Karangsambung 2005-2019 (before the restriction of field camp activities due to the Covid-19 pandemic). Luk-Ulo Mélange Complex in the Karangsambung area has been the subject of local and regional studies for geoscience students due to the interesting exposure of outcrops that have been interpreted as product of subduction (the Indo-Australian plate under the Eurasian plate in the Late Cretaceous to Early Paleocene time). The data for this gravimetric study based on 2592 observations over an area of inside (9.1 × 9.1) square kilometers. The gravity data were observed by students in the field camps for several years and then we compile. In this work we present simple data processing and simple calculation for modeling. The Bouguer anomaly map was processed using a density estimate of 2.31 g/cc for slab-Bouguer and terrain correction/reduction. The residual anomaly map was obtained by simple calculation of trend surface analysis (second order polynomial order). The inverse model was calculated using a simple algorithm for 2.5D and the program was built by accomodate topographic variations in the study area. Slice sections (SW-NE) of residual anomalies with a length of more than 8 km were inverted to obtain the contrast density distribution as a subsurface model. The subsurface images can then be analyzed and correlated with geological surface maps in the study area. The work in this paper is mainly presented as an ilustration of simple data processing and inverse modeling, so that the outcomes of this work are: (1) Bouguer anomaly map, (2) residual anomaly map, and (3) contrast density distribution as SW-NE section in the Karangsambung area. The value of the Bouguer anomaly map from this study is in the range of 88 to 112 mGal, and the value of the residual anomaly map is in the range of -12 to 10 mGal. The contrast density distribution from the inverse model in this study is in the range of -0.3 to 0.6 g/cc.

Small Mammals as Reservoir for Zoonotic Agents in Afghanistan.

Rodents and other small mammals can serve as reservoirs for a large number of zoonotic pathogens. A higher risk of infection with rodent-borne pathogens exists for humans with direct contact to rodents and/or their excretions, e.g., soldiers in operation areas. To date, little is known about endemic human pathogenic disease agents that are naturally associated with small mammals in Afghanistan. The aim of this study was to screen abundant rodents and insectivores collected from 2009 to 2012 in four field camps of the German Federal Armed Forces (Bundeswehr) in Northern Afghanistan for the presence of different pathogens. Isolated nucleic acids from ear pinna were screened by real-time PCR for spotted fever group (SFG) rickettsiae and from liver samples for Francisella spp., Coxiella burnetii, Brucella spp., Yersinia pestis, and poxvirus. Chest cavity lavage (CCL) samples were tested for antibodies against SFG and typhus group (TG) rickettsiae, as well as against flaviviruses using an indirect immunofluorescence assay. Rickettsial DNA was detected in 7/750 (1%) ear pinna samples with one being identified as Rickettsia conorii. Antibodies against SFG rickettsiae were detected in 15.3% (n = 67/439) of the small mammals; positive samples were only from house mice (Mus musculus). Antibodies against TG rickettsiae were found in 8.2% (n = 36/439) of the samples, with 35 from house mice and one from gray dwarf hamster (Cricetulus migratorius). Flavivirus-reactive antibodies were detected in 2.3% (n = 10/439) of the investigated CCL samples; again positive samples were exclusively identified in house mice. All 199 investigated liver-derived DNA preparations were negative in the Francisella spp., C. burnetii, Brucella spp., Y. pestis, and poxvirus-specific PCRs. Further investigations will have to prove the potential value of rodents in army camps as sentinel animals.

20-РІЧЧЯ СТУДЕНТСЬКОГО ОСЕРЕДКУ ТОВАРИСТВА ГЕОФІЗИКІВ-РОЗВІДНИКІВ У КИЇВСЬКОМУ УНІВЕРСИТЕТІ!

Geological education is the basis for training specialists in the study of natural resources. The rational use of subsoil is the basis of the economic development of Ukraine, especially in the conditions of the energy transition. Educational institutions provide a wide range of disciplines for the geological training of students. Participation in international societies contributes to getting additional knowledge. The distribution of professional societies within institutions and enterprises is world practice in many countries. There are several geological associations that cooperate with Ukraine in the geologic sciences. The student section of the Society of Exploration Geophysicists (SEG) was established at Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv at the Department of Geophysics twenty years ago. The introduction to new features was interesting and useful for students and teachers. Thanks to SEG programs, students received new computer equipment, geophysical literature, educational courses, attendance of lectures, international participation in symposia, possibility of organizing field camps, getting of scholarships, etc. The field of activity of the SEG Kyiv student chapter covers reports on its work at international conferences and educational institutions, the invitation of specialists of the geological industry, participation in geological quizzes and competitions among foreign students, conducting geophysical studies, etc. Members of the SEG section organized international geoscience investigations in various regions of Ukraine. The geophysical surveys were conducted to study ancient buildings in Kamianets-Podilskyi, a gypsum Verteba cave and paleovolcanoes near Uzhgorod. 49 students from 11 countries participated in the field camps. Local studies of pipelines were carried out by geophysical methods near the building of the ESI "Institute of Geology" (Kyiv) and on Totoha Mount, located in Kyiv region. Students performed magnetics, electrical resistivity tomography (ERT), surface seismic exploration, ground-penetrating radar (GPR), geodesic measurements and surveys UAV. The student chapter activity was presented at its meetings, with more than 50 reports. For 20 years, more than 100 students were members of the SEG section, which has been the basis for the AAPG and EAGE faculty circles. The SEG Kyiv student chapter is recognized as the best one in 2018. The geophysical section SEG has made a significant contribution to the spread of geological knowledge and the presentation of Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv internationally.

Assessing transfluthrin mortality against Aedes aegypti and Culex quinquefasciatus inside and outside US military tents in a northern Florida environment

Mortality caused by passive resin transfluthrin diffusers (∼5 mg AI per 24 h release rate) suspended in small 2-person tents was measured for colony-reared sentinel pyrethroid susceptible Aedes aegypti and Culex quinquefasciatus female mosquitoes, as well as a pyrethroid-resistant strain of Aedes aegypti, in a USA military field camp scenario. Mortality effects were investigated for impact by factors such as sentinel cage location (inside tent, tent doorway and outside tent), exposure time (15, 30, 45 and 60 min), and environmental temperature (°C), all of which were examined over an 8-week period. Analyses determined there was a significant interaction between mosquito strain and transfluthrin susceptibility, with the two susceptible strains experiencing significantly greater mean mortality than the resistant Ae. aegypti strain. Significant differences were likewise observed between the mosquito strains over the 8-week study period, where study week and temperature were both positively correlated with an increase in observed mean mosquito mortality. Mosquito proximity to the transfluthrin diffusers was also influenced by week and showed that sentinel cage placement in the environment demonstrates different mortality measurements, depending on the environmental conditions. The length of exposure to transfluthrin, however, was determined to not significantly impact transfluthrin efficacy on the examined mosquito strains, although increased exposure did result in increased susceptible strain mortality. These results suggest that transfluthrin is highly effective in causing mortality against susceptible Ae. aegypti and Cx. quinquefasciatus mosquitoes under field conditions but is minimally effective against pyrethroid-resistant Ae. aegypti mosquitoes. Transfluthrin-infused devices are influenced by environmental factors that can combine to impact mosquito mortality in the field.

An unmanned aerial vehicle sampling platform for atmospheric water vapor isotopes in polar environments

Abstract. Above polar ice sheets, atmospheric water vapor exchange occurs across the planetary boundary layer (PBL) and is an important mechanism in a number of processes that affect the surface mass balance of the ice sheets. Yet, this exchange is not well understood and has substantial implications for modeling and remote sensing of the polar hydrologic cycle. Efforts to characterize the exchange face substantial logistical challenges including the remoteness of ice sheet field camps, extreme weather conditions, low humidity and temperature that limit the effectiveness of instruments, and dangers associated with flying manned aircraft at low altitudes. Here, we present an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) sampling platform for operation in extreme polar environments that is capable of sampling atmospheric water vapor for subsequent measurement of water isotopes. This system was deployed to the East Greenland Ice-core Project (EastGRIP) camp in northeast Greenland during summer 2019. Four sampling flight missions were completed. With a suite of atmospheric measurements aboard the UAV (temperature, humidity, pressure, GPS) we determine the height of the PBL using online algorithms, allowing for strategic decision-making by the pilot to sample water isotopes above and below the PBL. Water isotope data were measured by a Picarro L2130-i instrument using flasks of atmospheric air collected within the nose cone of the UAV. The internal repeatability for δD and δ18O was 2.8 ‰ and 0.45 ‰, respectively, which we also compared to independent EastGRIP tower-isotope data. Based on these results, we demonstrate the efficacy of this new UAV-isotope platform and present improvements to be utilized in future polar field campaigns. The system is also designed to be readily adaptable to other fields of study, such as measurement of carbon cycle gases or remote sensing of ground conditions.

Research sites get closer to field camps over time: Informing environmental management through a geospatial analysis of science in the McMurdo Dry Valleys, Antarctica.

As in many parts of the world, the management of environmental science research in Antarctica relies on cost-benefit analysis of negative environmental impact versus positive scientific gain. Several studies have examined the environmental impact of Antarctic field camps, but very little work looks at how the placement of these camps influences scientific research. In this study, we integrate bibliometrics, geospatial analysis, and historical research to understand the relationship between field camp placement and scientific production in the McMurdo Dry Valleys of East Antarctica. Our analysis of the scientific corpus from 1907-2016 shows that, on average, research sites have become less dispersed and closer to field camps over time. Scientific output does not necessarily correspond to the number of field camps, and constructing a field camp does not always lead to a subsequent increase in research in the local area. Our results underscore the need to consider the complex historical and spatial relationships between field camps and research sites in environmental management decision-making in Antarctica and other protected areas.