Hydrodynamic modelling of Port Foster, Deception Island, Antarctica

Abstract

Over the last decade, the Antarctic continent has been the object of intensive scientific programmes. However, the emphasis of these studies rarely focuses on the Antarctic as a source of potential elements such as mercury. The release of mercury to the environment is known to occur at Deception Island, associated with volcanic activity. In this study, a 3D hydrodynamic model was used to assess the role of water circulation on the dispersion of released mercury. Sea level variation and tidal circulation data were obtained. Residence time was calculated using two different approaches. Internal tide generation in summer and winter were recognized and the barotropic tidal components obtained. Lagrangian tracers were used to depict particle circulation (simulating particulate mercury) in a three month summer simulation for barotropic and baroclinic conditions. The results show that particles accumulate in the northern and western parts of the bay. It is acknowledged that the results of the 3D model are associated with a non-negligible uncertainty, which can only be reduced with an ongoing commitment to monitoring. The findings of this study indicate that mercury accumulation is occurring in Port Foster (Deception Island), which is a potential threat to the local ecosystem.

Evaluation and Modelling of the Coastal Geomorphological Changes of Deception Island Since 1970 Eruption and Its Involvement in Research Activity

“…Figueiredo developed a hydrodynamic model [41,42]. His simulation showed limited particle exchange between the bay and its surroundings over one month, contradicting our observations of significant material displacement and sediment accumulation in the eastern area.…”

“…Likewise, the Roobol study proposed that the shallow bay was further silted by laharic debris of up to 4 m from the Pond Glacier moraines in the last erupted period [36]. Furthermore, the water dynamics of Port Foster have also received attention in several studies [37][38][39][40][41][42].…”