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The University of Maine
Inst for Quat./Climate Stud. and Dept of Geol Sci
Orono, Maine
Dates in Antarctica:
Mid December to early February
Supporting Stations: McMurdo Station
Research Locations: Adelie Cove, Edmonson Point, Inexpressible Island, Scott Coast, Terra Nova Bay
Project Description:
This study seeks, by means of paleontological samples and data, to reconstruct the Holocene climate and elucidate climate variations over time in the Ross Sea region. In past seasons, researchers from this project discovered southern elephant seal skin and hair at many sites along the Scott Coast. This season, they will continue their search for ancient seal rookeries and paleontological samples. These data will allow project scientists to reconstruct the former spatial and temporal distribution of this species through time in the Ross Sea -- an area where it no longer hauls out. Ultimately, by using data from a combination of elephant seal and penguin rookeries, researchers will reconstruct sea ice and climate variations over time. They also will examine genetic diversity and foraging ecology for the seals over that same time period.
Field Season Overview:
Field team members will travel by helicopter from McMurdo Station to temporary field camps in the study area. The field team will split into two groups, with one group beginning its work at Inexpressible Island and the other working from the southern Scott Coast. Each group will move from site to site by helicopter and establish new camps within its geographic area. Each site will be thoroughly scouted for samples. The northern group will be supported by the helicopters of Mario Zuchelli Station (Italy) at Terra Nova Bay. The groups will reunite at Dunlop Island, though they will continue to work as separate teams within the same geographic area. Samples will be returned to the home institution for further study.
Deploying Team Members:
Audrey Bamberg
Brenda Hall (PI)
Paul Koch
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