Henryk Arctowski Research Articles

Anthropogenic effect on the pedochemical variability of potentially toxic elements at the vicinity of an Antarctic research station.

Antarctica represents an isolated continent devoted to conservation and scientific research, although it accumulates records of increasing anthropic contamination. The historical continued use of fuel for power generation in Antarctic settlements is a potential source of toxic elements to the soil. We investigate Cd, Cr, Cu, Mn, Ni, Pb, V and Zn levels in surface soils in the vicinity of the Henryk Arctowski Antarctic Station, aiming to identify anthropic effects on their local pedochemical variability. Pollution indices were used and compared to evaluate possible cumulative anthropic impacts, whereas correlation analyzes were explored to identify potential sources of contamination. High concentrations of Pb and Zn were locally observed near fuel tanks and machinery facilities. Correlation and principal component analysis suggest that old fuel tanks, vehicle traffic and machinery disturbance are key, and contrasting, sources of contamination. Among the eight indices we compared, Enrichment Factor and Modified Degree of Contamination were chosen, showing very high enrichment for Pb and moderate for Zn. All other elements presented minimal or null enrichment. The evidence of potentially toxic elements enrichment on Antarctic soils associated with the long-term occupation of Antarctic research stations highlights the need for further monitoring and mitigation measures, especially in energy-generating systems.

Variability of biothermal conditions in the vicinity of the Polish Antarctic station in the South Shetlands, West Antarctica

There are nine year-round and 11 seasonal scientific stations in the South Shetland Islands, an area often visited by cruise ships and sailing yachts. Although this is the warmest part of Antarctica, the weather conditions may be demanding for humans. We analysed the variability of biothermal conditions near Henryk Arctowski Station Polish Antarctic Station, on King George Island, during the period 2013–2021, using the wind chill index (WCI), which combines air temperature and wind speed, to determine thermal sensation. WCI values were interpreted using two cold sensation categorisations. Hourly WCI values were assigned to thermal sensation classes that ranged from “comfortable” to “frosty.” The most favourable biothermal conditions occurred from December to February. The “cold” sensation was dominant in all months, its average occurrence frequency ranging from 56.4% (in January) to 84.4% (in July). From November to March, there was no risk of frostbite to uncovered body parts. Such conditions occurred only from April to October, with a frequency of 0.2–6.8%; biothermal conditions were also the most variable in this period. Maximal WCI hourly values show that dangerous weather conditions may occur throughout the day in June and for most of the day from July to September. An abrupt change in biothermal conditions was more often caused by wind speed change than by air temperature change. The most marked WCI changes occurred from April to September, on average five times per year. Our results indicate that biothermal conditions in the vicinity of Arctowski Station are predominantly favourable for outdoor work only if a person wears proper winter clothing.

Unintentional transport of fungi propagules to Antarctic biome and the ability to develop at low temperatures

Filamentous fungi relatively easily disperse and colonize a variety of substrates, inhabiting various, often extreme environments. Therefore, they spread all over the world. The purpose of the research was to determine whether the propagules of filamentous fungi brought (accidentally transported) into the Antarctic biome by tourists and members of scientific expeditions are capable of developing at low temperatures. In the studies were used seven isolates of fungi: Penicillium sp., Aspergillus flavus, Alternaria alternata, Cladosporium cladosporioides, Trichoderma viride, Geotrichum candidum and Botrytis cinerea. The isolates came from samples collected from tourists and members of scientific expeditions arriving at the Henryk Arctowski Polish Antarctic Station on King George Island in the South Shetland archipelago. Fungal growth was measured at 0, 5, 10, 22°C (as a control) and 10° C, but after having frozen inoculum at -15°C for a period of 7 days. Penicillium sp., Alternaria alternata, Cladosporium cladosporioides, Trichoderma viride, Geotrichum candidum and Botrytis cinerea were found to be capable of growing at low temperatures (5 and 10oC as well as after one freezing cycle, down to -15oC and thawing, up to +10oC). They did not produce a macroscopically visible mycelium at temp. 0oC, however, it was not a lethal temperature for them, as when they were transferred to higher temperatures, they continued to develop even after a fairly long time following the beginning of the experiment. The most vulnerable was Aspergillus flavus. At lower temperatures (from about to 5oC) it did not develop, while freezing and thawing were lethal for this species. Some species (G. candidum, T. viride and B. cinerea), despite the development of mycelium, did not produce spores at lower temperatures.

TOURIST PROFILE IN POLAR REGIONS ON THE EXAMPLE OF VISITORS TO THE HENRYK ARCTOWSKI POLISH ANTARCTIC STATION

Purpose. Presentation of the current situation to the extent of touristic arrivals to Antarctica, in view of measuring the scale and structure of incoming tourism recorded at the Henryk Arctowski Polish Antarctic Station (King George Island, South Shetland Islands). Method. The number of persons arriving to the Arctowski Station was measured and subjects interviewed according to a standardised questionnaire. Findings. Research has indicated that there is constant interest in visiting Antarctica. These travellers are mainly people from Europe and North America, in particular seniors, with higher education, professionally active or retired, affluent and usually travelling individually. Research and conclusions limitations. Carrying out measurements regarding the scale and structure of incoming tourism is connected with various limitations, including the way in which such measurements are conducted, the access and quality of source materials or the human factor, i.e. interviewers. Practical implications. This article refers to the latest data concerning the number of persons arriving to the Arctowski Station and the structure of the tourist traffic, whichconstitute basic information for, among others, the tour operators. Originality. The problem involving the scale and structure of tourism, especially in polar regions, is still current and extremely significant due to the importance of the global ecosystem. Research on the structure of incoming tourism to Antarctica, according to the measurements at the Station, has been recently conducted and presented for the first time. Type of paper. In the article, the results of the authors research, similar to those relevant from literature, are presented.

Hydrogeological characteristics of aquifer near Arctowski Polish Antarctic Station on King George Island (South Shetland Islands), Antarctica

During the Antarctic summer season of 2015/2016, the groundwater studies were performed in the area of Henryk Arctowski Polish Antarctic Station on King George Island (South Shetland Islands) in Admiralty Bay of Antarctica. Rock and groundwater samples were collected from 14 research excavations down to a depth of 0.8–2.5 m b.g.l. Analyses of surface waters were performed on water samples from streams, mossland, and a drinking water reservoir. The scope of hydrochemical studies comprised analyses of temperature, pH, mineralization, phosphates, nitrates, macroelements and selected microelements. Using empirical formulas, granulometric analysis of rock samples from various depths, measurements of sample moisture, and calculations of the hydraulic conductivity were performed.The groundwater is poorly mineralized, representing chloride-sulfate-bicarbonate-sodium and chloride-bicarbonate-sodium-calcium types. Studies on hydrochemical indicators show a small range of the effect of animal ecosystems on the waters; no effects of organic matter have been identified in the study area. Results of hydrogeochemical studies of waters and observations of groundwater levels in the summer season indicate groundwater recharge in a shallow groundwater circulation system, lateral inflow direction from land toward the seashore, and a low rate of rainwater infiltration. Groundwater drainage occurs through evapotranspiration and water runoff to the sea.

Mapping of Polar Areas Based on High-Resolution Satellite Images: The Example of the Henryk Arctowski Polish Antarctic Station

Abstract To produce orthophotomaps or digital elevation models, the most commonly used method is photogrammetric measurement. However, the use of aerial images is not easy in polar regions for logistical reasons. In these areas, remote sensing data acquired from satellite systems is much more useful. This paper presents the basic technical requirements of different products which can be obtain (in particular orthoimages and digital elevation model (DEM)) using Very-High-Resolution Satellite (VHRS) images. The study area was situated in the vicinity of the Henryk Arctowski Polish Antarctic Station on the Western Shore of Admiralty Bay, King George Island, Western Antarctic. Image processing was applied on two triplets of images acquired by the Pléiades 1A and 1B in March 2013. The results of the generation of orthoimages from the Pléiades systems without control points showed that the proposed method can achieve Root Mean Squared Error (RMSE) of 3-9 m. The presented Pléiades images are useful for thematic remote sensing analysis and processing of measurements. Using satellite images to produce remote sensing products for polar regions is highly beneficial and reliable and compares well with more expensive airborne photographs or field surveys.

Large-scale map and 3D modelling of the Henryk Arctowski Polish Antarctic Station

ABSTRACTThis paper presents survey measurements carried out during the 39th Polish Antarctic Expedition to the Henryk Arctowski Polish Antarctic Station in March 2015. The measurements were used to create a map on a 1:500 scale and for 3D modelling of the station buildings and vicinity. The paper also presents the geodetic control network established around the station. We discuss the issue of creating a digital elevation model for the station and its surroundings. The elevation models were generated using terrestrial laser scanning data integrated with Global Navigation Satellite System real time kinematic and tacheometric surveying. The accuracy of these models was estimated using height differences in relation to survey data. The mean height difference was 0.03 m and root mean square error was 0.05 m. Furthermore, an analysis of changes to the coastline was conducted using archival cartographic materials to assess the threat of Admiralty Bay to the station buildings. The results are important for continued scientific activity and safety at Arctowski Station, and may be useful for future research on King George Island.

First Measurements of the Earth’s Electric Field at the Arctowski Antarctic Station, King George Island, by the New Polish Atmospheric Electricity Observation Network

Atmospheric electricity measurements are performed all over the globe for getting a better understanding of the processes and phenomena operating in the Earth’s electric atmosphere, ionosphere and magnetosphere. Over recent years, we have established coordinated observations of atmospheric electricity, mainly of the vertical component of the Earth’s atmospheric electric field, from Polish observation stations: Stanislaw Kalinowski Geophysical Observatory in Świder, Poland, Stanislaw Siedlecki Polar Station in Hornsund, Svalbard, Norway, and, for the first time, the Henryk Arctowski Antarctic Station in King George Island. The organisation of this network is presented here as well as a preliminary summary of geophysical conditions at Arctowski, important from the point of view of atmospheric electricity observations. In particular, we refer to the geomagnetic observations made at Arctowski station in 1978–1995. We also present the average fair-weather diurnal variation of the atmospheric electric field based on observations made so far between 2013 and 2015.

PHYTOSOCIOLOGICAL STUDY IN ICE-FREE AREAS OF ARCTOWSKI REGION, ADMIRALTY BAY, KING GEORGE ISLAND, ANTARCTICA

This study was undertaken in ice-free areas adjacent to the Polish Antarctic Station Henryk Arctowski, during the austral summer 2013/2014. Phytossociological surveys were made in vegetation patches in the region, where a total of 332 20x20cm quadrats were launched in 10m transects. The five most frequent species in the samples were selected and their data are presented in this work. To check the most frequent species in the samples the index of ecological significance (IES) was used. The most important species were Deschampsia antarctica Desv. and Colobanthus quitensis (Kunth) Bartl the only one angiosperms occurring in Antarctica. Sanionia uncinata (Hedw.) Loeske Politrichastrum alpinum (Hedw.) G.L.Sm. and Syntrichia magellanica (Mont.) R.H. Zander. were the most representative moss species. The data of ecological significance of these species were compared to previous results in order to evaluate the changes in the vegetation in 10 year long-time monitoring.

Spatial Variability of CO2 Emissions from Newly Exposed Paraglacial Soils at a Glacier Retreat Zone on King George Island, Maritime Antarctica

ABSTRACTThawed soils in Antarctica represent organic carbon (C) reservoirs with great potential to increase the net losses of CO2 to the atmosphere under climate change scenarios. This study spatially zones CO2 emissions from soil and vegetation along a transect in front of the retreating margin of Ecology Glacier in Admiralty Bay, King George Island, South Shetlands, near the Polish Antarctic station Henryk Arctowski. Two experiments were carried out to determine soil respiration: (1) a transect of 150 measuring points spaced 1 m apart, statistically analysed with split moving windows, identified three regions with different patterns of CO2 emissions; (2) a survey with three grids containing 60 sampling points, with a minimum distance between points of 0.30 m, totalling 2.7 × 1.5 m, in each of the identified locations. The survey showed that CO2 emission rates decreased (from 2.38 to 0.00 µmol m‐2s‐1) and soil temperature at 5 cm depth increased (from 1.9 to 7°C) near the glacier. The site farthest from the glacier provided an emission 3.5 times higher than the closest site. The spatial variability of CO2 emissions decreased with distance from the glacier. Soil development and vegetation are identified as key drivers of CO2 emissions. Soil formation and vegetation growth increased with longer exposure since deglaciation, leading to enhanced homogeneity of CO2 emissions, independent of permafrost occurrence and stability. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Ground Temperature at The Henryk Arctowski Station (King George Island, Antarctic) – Case Study from the Period January 2012 to February 2013

Abstract The article presents the results of measurements of ground temperature in the context of general meteorological conditions at the Henryk Arctowski Station (King George Island, South Shetland Islands, Antarctic) from the period of 20 January 2013 to 22 February 2013. The measurements were taken using a Vantage Pro+ automatic weather station and the thermal conditions of the ground were measured by means of a HOBO automatic data logger. The variability of ground temperature was analysed in an annual and diurnal cycle. A clear recurrent diurnal pattern was observed in the summer season, resulting from more favourable insolation conditions in that part of the year. In the winter, on the other hand, no major differences in the diurnal cycle of ground temperature were found, particularly with a dense snow cover.

An analysis of fungal propagules transported to the Henryk Arctowski Antarctic Station

AbstractDuring three austral summer seasons, dust and soil from clothes, boots and equipment of members of scientific expeditions and tourists visiting the Polish Antarctic Station Henryk Arctowski were collected and analysed for the presence of fungal propagules. Of a total of 60 samples, 554 colonies of fungi belonging to 19 genera were identified. Colonies of the genus Cladosporium, Penicillium and non−sporulating fungus (Mycelia sterilia) dominated in the examined samples. The microbiological assessment of air for the presence of fungi was also conducted at two points in the station building and two others outside the station. A total of 175 fungal colonies belonging to six genera were isolated. Colonies of the genus Penicillium were the commonest in the air samples. The potential epidemiological consequences for indigenous species as a result of unintentional transport of fungal propagules to the Antarctic biome are discussed in the light of rapid climate change in some parts of the Antarctic and adaptation of fungi to extreme conditions.

Limnological characterization of freshwater systems of the Thomas Point Oasis (Admiralty Bay, King George Island, West Antarctica)

Hydrochemical research into the small, shallow water bodies and wetland areas around the Henryk Arctowski Polish Antarctic Station (King George Island) is presented. Concentrations of nitrite, nitrate, ammonium, and total nitrogen in these waters were determined, as were those of reactive and total phosphorous, inorganic carbon, organic carbon, total carbon, silicate, and chloride and sulfate ions. Conductivity and pH were also measured. Average concentrations ranged widely, e.g., total nitrogen 0.176–29.21 mg L −1, total phosphorus 0.022–18.35 mg L −1, total carbon 1.38–26.90 mg L −1, Cl − 30.17–850 mg L −1, and SO 4 2– 2.11–236 mg L −1. The trophic status was influenced by influxes of nitrogen and phosphorus from penguin rookeries. Selected water bodies supported 31 taxa of algae and 11 invertebrate taxa, with Euglenophyta dominating in waters with high concentrations of ammonium–nitrogen, whereas diatoms characterized Lake Wujka, with low ammonium concentrations. All water bodies studied had rotifers, but crustaceans were only represented in Lake Wujka.

Bistatic HF diagnostics of TIDs over the Antarctic Peninsula

Results of HF diagnostics of traveling ionospheric disturbances (TIDs) over the Antarctic Peninsula are presented that have been obtained in the frequency-and-angular sounding technique developed at the Institute of Radio Astronomy, National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine (Kharkov, Ukraine). A specially designed HF transmitter was deployed at the Polish Antarctic station Henryk Arctowski to radiate probe signals. Variations in trajectory parameters (angles of arrival and Doppler frequency shifts) of the probe signals used for recovering TID characteristics were recorded at the Ukrainian Antarctic station Akademik Vernadsky with a compact-size three-channel coherent receiver based on the Doppler interferometry technique. The propagation path length was approximately 440 km. Round-the-clock measurements were performed between 31 January and 16 March, 2004 at frequencies 5 to 7 MHz, depending on the ionospheric conditions. The total time of observations was about 1000 h. Results of preliminary processing of the measured data are reported. Characteristic parameters of the disturbances are presented and possible sources of their generation are discussed.

Ecophysiology of soil bacteria in the vicinity of Henryk Arctowski Station, King George Island, Antarctica

Microbial abundance and diversity in soil samples from a ca. 0.2km2 area in Admiralty Bay, King George Island, were analysed by epifluorescence microscopy and plate counts. Total bacterial counts (TC) varied little compared to the elemental content of the organic matter (c.v.TC 51% vs. c.v.C,N,S 131, 171 and 204%, respectively). The number of copiotrophic colony forming bacteria (CFU) fluctuated widely (CVCFU 171%). These factors together with the highly variable time course of colony formation by bacterial populations from each sampling site, indicate the high diversity and mosaic character of the microbial communities in the area. Morphological, physiological and enzymatic features of 48 bacterial strains isolated on nutrient agar were determined through API 20NE and API ZYM systems and by classical tests. These tests confirmed the high physiological diversity within the CFU populations. Only 14 of the 48 isolates tested by API 20NE system were identifiable in the API database.

Components of the energy balance of the ground surface and their effect on the thermics of the substrata of the vegetation oasis at Henryk Arctowski Station, King George Island, South Shetland Islands

AbstractThis article presents the results of measurements of the components of ground-surface energy balance (radiation balance, sensible heat flux, latent heat flux, and ground heat flux) taken during the 1994/95 summer season at Poland's Henryk Arctowski Station, King George Island, South Shetland Islands (62°09'42”S, 58°28'10”W). This was the first time that these complex measurements had been taken in the central part of the South Shetlands archipelago. The results are evaluated at the level of daily and seasonal fluctuations. The consequences of energy balance on the temperature conditions of the soil substrata are highlighted. The verification of the degree of influence of a subset of energy-balance components on soil temperature allowed analysis of the relationships among soil temperature, radiation balance, and sensible heat flux. This analysis leads to the conclusion that there is a rapid reaction of the soil temperature to the radiation balance and sensible heat flux to a depth of 5 cm. The boundary atmosphere and soil substrate represent the basic components of the ecotops of the Antarctic vegetation oasis, so these results are interpreted in pedological or botanical studies in the search for environmental influences on the vegetation.

Henryk Arctowski station: Mixing science and tourism

The establishment of the Henryk Arctowski station on King George Island (South Shetland Islands) in 1977, enabled Poland to commence year round scientific research in Antarctica. The area has since gained the distinction of having the highest concentration of such facilities in Antarctica. The island has in turn become popular with tour operators. The introduction of larger tourist ships poses a danger that research programs and protected areas may be adversely affected. It is suggested that tour operators pay a fee for each client, and that the revenue be used to establish specific areas for tourists, or coordinate their activities.

Karyotypes of two Antarctic fishes,Notothenia gibberifrons andNotothenia coriiceps neglecta

The chromosomes of two species of Antarctic fishes,Notothenia (Gobionotothen) gibberifrons andNotothenia (Notothenia) coriiceps neglecta, were prepared by the air-drying method at the Polish Antarctic Station “Henryk Arctowski” during the austral summer 1984–1985. ForN. (G.) gibberifrons the diploid number is2n = 46 consisting of 2 metacentric (m) pairs, 1 submetacentric (sm) pair and 20 telocentric (t) or subtelocentric (st) pairs. ForN. (N.) coriiceps neglecta the diploid number is 2n = 22 consisting of 9 m pairs, 1 sm pair and 1st pair. Some aspects of karyological evolution of these fishes are discussed.

Polish Antarctic activities 1976–78

The first permanent Polish scientific station in the Antarctic—the H. Arctowski station—was opened on 26 February 1977 on behalf of the Polish Academy of Sciences, by the 1976–77 expedition's leader. Assistant Professor S. Rakusa-Suszczewski. The station is built on the west coast of Admiralty Bay, south of Point Thomas, King George Island, in the South Shetland Islands, and is named after Professor Henryk Arctowski (1871–1958), an outstanding Polish scientist and member of the Belgian Antarctic Expedition in Belgica (1897–99) under A. de Gerlache de Gomery. Its location by the sea allows the possibility of oceanographic research, which should make up for the lack of such a centre in Poland. However, its main purpose is to carry out the biological studies necessary in order to formulate measures for the protection of the Antarctic flora and fauna, whose existence is being threatened by an increasing number of tourists and fishermen. It is also hoped that co-operation with other scientists and countries, and exchanges of information will occur, and that the station will be a stopover point for many scientific expeditions and other ships.

Societies and Academies

PARIS. Academy of Sciences, October 11.—M. Ed. Perrier in the chair.—The President announced the. deaths of Edouard Prillieux and Philippe Hatt, members of the academy.—L. Lecornu: The deformation of a cylindrical tube.—Henryk Arctowski: The solar faculae. An account of a statistical study of Greenwich heliographic observations. From measurements of the areas of the spots and faculae, the maximum for the latter is nine days behind the maximum for the spots. The author, from his researches on the Greenwich data, considers the phenomenon of the variation of the frequency of the sun-spots as being only a manifestation subordinate to the phenomenon of the variation of, the faculæ.—Marcel Brillouin: Certain problems of mathematical physics in the case of hollow bodies.—Pierre Lesage: Salted plants and the transmission of acquired characters. Plants watered with salt water show differences, more or less marked, from plants of the same species watered with pure water. Starting with seeds of Lepidium sativum arising from plants watered with weak salt solutions in 1911, it is shown that some of the acquired characters are transmitted by the seeds,- although the plants arising from the latter had been watered with soft water only.—E. Demoussy: The localisation of the acids and sugars in fruits..Various species of fruit, both ripe and partially ripe, were subjected to gradually increasing- pressure, and the juices expressed collected in fractions and analysed separately. In some cases the amounts of acid arid sugar vary considerably with the pressure. These variations are marked with apricots and grapes, small for peaches, and do not appear in strawberries and melons. The cause of this variation is discussed from the point of view of the osmotic pressures in the cells. The localisation the dissolved matter in fruits is regarded as affording an explanation of the marked difference in the taste of certain fruits in the raw and cooked states.