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The Southern Ocean has undergone significant climate-related changes in recent decades. As a result, pelagic communities inhabiting these waters, particularly mesozooplankton, have adapted to new conditions. The present study considers the patterns of horizontal and vertical (up to 1000 m) distribution, the composition, abundance, and biomass of mesozooplankton, and the relationships of these parameters to the extreme environmental conditions off the western Antarctic Peninsula throughout the record-warm austral summer season of 2022. Sampling was conducted using the opening/closing Multinet system (0.25 m2 aperture) equipped with five 150-μm mesh nets and a WP-2 net. The mesozooplankton was represented by the three most abundant groups: eggs and larvae of euphausiids such as Euphausia superba, small copepods such as Oithona similis, and large calanoid copepods such as Calanoides acutus, Calanus propinquus, Metridia gerlachei, and Rhincalanus gigas. The composition and quantitative distribution of the mesozooplankton significantly varied: the copepods were abundant in the west, off the Antarctic Peninsula, while eggs and larvae of euphausiids were abundant in the east, off the South Orkney Islands. Most mesozooplankton occurred in the upper 200 m layer, and each taxon showed characteristic depth preference: small copepods, euphausiids larvae, and cirripeds cypris larvae were abundant in the epipelagic layer, while large calanoid copepods, euphausiids eggs, amphipods, pelagic polychaetes, and ostracods were found mostly in the mesopelagic layer. The composition and quantitative distribution of mesozooplankton had clear relationships with environmental factors, particularly with a combination of variables such as water salinity, temperature, and chlorophyll a concentration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The carbon dioxide concentration in the atmosphere has progressively risen since pre-industrial times. About one-third of the anthropogenically generated CO2 is absorbed by the waters of the World Ocean, whereas the waters of the Southern Ocean take up about 40% of this CO2. The concentrations of oxygen and carbon dioxide dissolved in seawater are sensitive to climate changes, transferring anthropogenic pressures with consequences for the biogeochemical cycles in the World Ocean. The Southern Ocean is a key region for the exchange of oxygen and carbon between the surface water and the atmosphere and for their transfer with cold water masses to the deep layers of the Ocean. In this paper, we discuss the dynamics of the carbon dioxide partial pressure (pCO2) and dissolved oxygen (O2) in the surface waters of the Atlantic Southern Ocean based on data collected during the 87th cruise of the R/V "Academik Mstislav Keldysh". The study area includes the Bransfield Strait, Antarctic Sound, the Powell Basin, the Weddell, and Scotia Seas. We have analyzed the spatial distribution of pCO2 and oxygen for the areas of transformation of water masses and changes in biogeochemical processes. In the zone of Scotia and Weddell Seas, we have observed an increase in pCO2 and a decrease in oxygen concentrations at the transect from the Weddell Sea at 56° W to the Powell Basin. From the Antarctic Sound to the Bransfield Strait, a decrease in oxygen saturation and an increase in pCO2 has been traced. The surface waters of the Bransfield Strait have revealed the greatest variability of hydrochemical characteristics due to a complex structure of currents and intrusions of different water masses. In general, this area has been characterized by the maximum pCO2, while the surface waters are undersaturated with oxygen. The variability of the AOU/ΔpCO2 (w-a) ratio has revealed a pCO2 oversaturation and an O2 undersaturation in the waters of the Bransfield Strait. It is evidence of active organic carbon decomposition as the major controlling process. Yet, photosynthesis is the major biogeochemical process in the studied areas of the Weddell and Scotia seas, and their waters have been undersaturated with pCO2 and oversaturated with O2. As it comes from the analysis of the distribution and correlation coefficients of AOU and the sea-air gradient of pCO2 with other physical and biogeochemical properties, the predominance of the biotic processes to the dynamics of O2 and pCO2 in the surface water layer has been demonstrated for the studied areas. Yet, there is evidence of additional sources of CO2 not associated with the production and destruction processes of organic matter. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Three-dimensional structure of currents in the Bransfield Strait (BS) was measured in 2017 over 50 transects across the strait using a Shipborne Acoustic Current Doppler Profiler (SADCP) onboard the R/V Akademik Sergey Vavilov and Akademik Ioffe. These data were used to determine local features of the three-dimensional velocity field of the currents. The sections crossed all three basins of the BS and the main flows in the strait including the Bransfield Current and the southwestward flow of Weddell Sea waters along the Antarctic Peninsula. Two vessels are equipped with different SADCP systems with frequencies of 76.8 kHz and 38.4 kHz, which allows us to compare the data from different SADCPs. The observations reveal that very dense waters from the Weddell Sea propagate in deep layers over the shelf break; this flow is usually not observed at the sea surface. Vertical structure of the Bransfield Current significantly differs from the flow of the Weddell Sea waters and its velocity maximum is located in the upper ocean layer. We also used two gridded altimetry products of 0.25° and 0.1° resolution for investigations of circulation in the BS. We analyzed the efficiency of satellite altimetry in reproducing currents in conditions of a narrow strait and evaluated its accuracy using field velocity observations. We found that satellite altimetry can be used for identification of the mean ocean circulation patterns within the BS. However, daily altimetry data contain significant discrepancies with the in situ data and require direct measurements for studies of the BS circulation.

Calcium carbonate hexahydrate (ikaite) is a rare mineral that forms as metastable species in the organic-carbon-rich sediments of the King George Basin, Bransfield Strait, Antarctica, as a consequence of early diagenetic decomposition of organic matter under cold water (−1.4 °C) and high pressure (200 bar) conditions. Large crystals grow in the sediment immediately below the diagenetic transition between microbial sulfate reduction and methanogenesis at ~320 cm below sea floor (bsf). This process is reflected in the dissolved sulfate, total carbon dioxide, and methane concentrations, as well as in the carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen isotope chemistries of the interstitial fluids and dissolved gases of the host sediment. The ikaite crystal faithfully records in its zonal structure the changing carbon isotope ratio of the total dissolved carbon dioxide pool as it gradually diminishes during methanogenesis (δ13Cikaite = −17.5 to −21.4‰). These changes in the crystal's host environment follow general Rayleigh carbon isotope fractionation. The oxygen isotopes of the ikaite carbonate (δ18Oikaite = 1.46 to 4.45‰) also show a strong zonal distribution, unrelated to temperature of formation, but perhaps controlled by the degree of recrystallization of ikaite to calcite. The crystal water of the ikaite is depleted 11‰ in 2H/1H (VSMOW) relative to the coexisting interstitial water, which is in excellent agreement with the isotope fractionation of other hydrated minerals. In addition to the in situ temperature and pressure, nucleation of the ikaite crystals in the Bransfield Basin sediments may be induced by the high alkalinity, high phosphate concentrations, and dissolved organic compounds. Intense microbial metabolism generates such compounds; of these, aspartic acid and glutamic acid may play an important role, as they do in biological and extracellular carbonate mineral precipitation. All indications are that low temperatures (such as of polar environments), high calcium carbonate supersaturation caused by interstitial methanogenesis, and a sufficiently large supply of dissolved phosphate and amino acids favor metastable ikaite formation. These conditions, modified by recrystallization, may be preserved in calcite glendonites, thinolites, and other calcitic pseudomorphs derived from ikaite and found throughout the ancient sedimentary record. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Bransfield Strait is a relatively deep and narrow channel between the South Shetland Islands and the Antarctic Peninsula contributing to the water transport between the Pacific and Atlantic sectors of the Southern Ocean. The strait can be divided into three deep separate basins, namely, the western, central, and eastern basins. The sources of deep waters in the three basins are different, leading to differences in thermohaline properties and water density between the basins. The difference in water density should in turn cause intense deep currents from one basin to another through narrow passages over the sills separating the basins. However, there are still no works dedicated to such possible overflows in the Bransfield Strait. In this study, we report our new CTD and LADCP measurements performed in 2022 over the watersheds between the basins. Quasisimultaneous observations of the main circulation patterns carried out at several sections allowed us to analyze the evolution of thermohaline and kinematic structures along the Bransfield Strait. Volume transports of waters in the strait were estimated on the basis of direct velocity observations. These new data also indicate the existence of intense and variable deep current between the central and eastern basins of the strait. The analysis of historical data shows that the mean flow is directed from the central to the eastern basin. In addition, LADCP data suggest the intensification of the flow in the narrow part of the sill between the basins, and the possible mixing of deep waters at this location. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Gravitational modeling along the DSS 1 profile was carried out, which made it possible to obtain the density structure of the lithosphere of Bransfield Strait between the Antarctic Peninsula and King George Island to a depth of 80 km, to clarify the geological structure of the upper part of the crust, obtained as a result of the interpretation of the seismic survey, and draw conclusions on the course of the evolution of the strait in the cross section of the profile. The identical structure of the bowels of King George Island and Trinity Peninsula, together with the inside of the Bransfield Platform, confirm the common origin of these formations. The crust under the Bransfield Trough has a distinct suboceanic type. The structure of the lithosphere of the Bransfield Strait allows us to distinguish three episodes of tectonic-magmatic activity, which manifested themselves in the introduction of the mantle substance into the crust followed by subsidence of the surface as a result of smelting crystallization. Asymmetric spreading can be explained by the fact that the crust growth to the southeast coincides with the rotational movement of the Antarctic Plate in the east direction, and the pressure from the Phoenix Plate prevents growth from the north-west side. The formation of the oceanic crust of the strait occurs in the areas of the crust that successively pass over the fixed mantle astenolite, i.e. the «hot spot» effect is evident.

The results of measurement of the thermohaline parameters of water and currents in the Bransfield Strait in Antarctica during the expedition of the Shirshov Institute of Oceanology, Russian Academy of Sciences, in 2020 are presented. A section of nine stations across the strait located in its central part and vertical distributions of temperature and salinity are analyzed. Intrusion of deep water from the southern branch of the Antarctic Circumpolar Current was found. Estimates of the current velocity and water transport are given. The total transport to the northeast was 5.03 Sv (1 Sv = 106 m3/s). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The long-term variability of chlorophyll a (Chl-a) was analyzed during a 12- year period (2002 - 2014) in the Bransfield Strait, Antarctica, to assess the interannual variability of the Chl-a and its main regulating environmental variables. We found that Chl-a was significantly correlated with the El Nino Southern Oscillation (ENSO) phase (r = -0.65), sea surface temperature (SST) (r = 0.70), and wind speed (r = 0.72), and changes in these factors preceded the Chl-a change by 0 - 4 months. High phytoplankton blooms (indicated by Chl-a levels) tended to coincide with higher SSTs, and lagged with wind speed variation during La Nina periods. This suggests that atmospheric teleconnections with ENSO-related processes, SST, and wind speed could have a direct impact on phytoplankton biomass in the Bransfield Strait in short-term (< 4 months) scales. Furthermore, our simple multivariable regression analysis showed the prominent possibility of usina the three variables to prediet Chl- a in the Bransfield Strait region. Overall, this study will help us to understand how atmospheric and oceanic fluctuations could affect phytoplankton dynamics in the Southern Ocean. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Polish Geophysical Expedition to West Antarctica in 1979–1980 was carried out by the Institute of Geophysics, Polish Academy of Sciences. Beside deep seismic soundings, 12 multi-channel seismic profiles, with a total length of ca 1000 km have been recorded north and east of the South Shetland Islands and in the Bransfield Strait, but they have never before been completely interpreted and published. All profiles have been processed with modern processing flow including time migration. Profiles crossing the South Shetland Trench revealed distinct reflector inside continental slope, which has been interpreted as border between buried accretionary prism and overlying slope sediments of glacial-marine origin. Profiles in the Bransfield Strait show traces of the Last Glacial Maximum (LGM) in the form of glacial foreground valleys, with some of them used as weak spots for young age volcanic intrusions. This paper is the first comprehensive geological interpretation of collected dataset and differences between results from other expeditions are discussed.

Krill overwintering strategies vary with ontogeny and year; understanding this variability is essential to predicting how the species will respond to climate change in the future. Overwintering studies have focused on larval and adult krill, but we know little about how juvenile krill overwinter. The late winter diet of juvenile krill is important because it will determine their growth and development rates and consequently their reproductive potential the following spring. A diet rich in ice algae would promote growth and reproductive development. The Bransfield Strait (northern Antarctic Peninsula, AP) is an important overwintering ground for krill; it has been proposed this region offers a food-rich winter environment. We examined the contribution of ice algae to the energy budget of overwintering juvenile krill during 2 years with contrasting sea ice conditions. Grazing on ice algae contributed ∼146% to their winter energy budget in 2015, even though ice concentrations were ≤50% and consisted of newly formed pancake ice. However, when sea ice advanced late in the Bransfield Strait (2016), ice algae contributed significantly less (∼16%) to the winter energy budget of juvenile krill. Delayed sea ice advance may negatively affect growth and reproductive development of overwintering juvenile krill. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bransfield Basin (BB), located northwest of the Antarctic Peninsula (AP) and southeast of the South Shetland Islands (SSI), is the most active section of the Antarctic continental margin. The region has long been (50 Ma) a convergent plate boundary where the Phoenix plate was subducting beneath the Antarctic Plate and is characterized by long-lived arc magmatism and accretion. However, the collision of the Antarctic-Phoenix spreading center with the subduction front near SSI (ca. 4 Ma) gave way to the opening of slab windows and dramatic decrease in the subduction rate of the Phoenix plate beneath AP and SSI. Consequently, the Phoenix slab began to rollback slowly along the South Shetland Trench (SST), giving way to slow extension in the back-arc region and rifting along the BB. Although there is consensus on the factors that control the current deformation and extension of the BB, the origin of the BB and the tectonic configuration of the basin are still unclear. Most of the controversy stems from uncertainties regarding the crustal thickness of the BB. Hence, we computed teleseismic receiver functions for 10 broadband stations in the region that belong to existing permanent and temporary deployments in order obtain robust constraints on the lithospheric structure and crustal thickness of the BB, as well as the AP and SSI. Our results indicate that the crust is thinning from 30 km to 26 km from the AP towards the South Shetland trench and Central BB showing the asymmetrical character of the rift basin. The crustal thickness and Vp/Vs variations are less pronounced along the AP but very significant across the SSB indicating the lithospheric scale segmentation of the South Shetland Block (SSB) and the incipient rift basin under the control of the opening of slab window and the roll-back of stalled Phoenix slab. High Vp/Vs ratios (∼1.9) beneath BB and SSI, agree well with the nascent rift character of BB, the presence of a steep Phoenix slab and consequently a wider mantle wedge characterized by the presence of underplating partial melts beneath SSI and BB. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The distributional records of Ophiuroidea stored at the Italian National Antarctic Museum (MNA, Section of Genoa) are presented, corresponding to 1595 individuals that belong to 35 species and 17 genera. Specimens were collected in 106 different sampling stations at depths ranging from 21 to 1652 m in the framework of 14 Antarctic expeditions to the Ross Sea, one to the Antarctic Peninsula, and one to the Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas). Three species, Amphiura joubini Koehler, 1912, Amphiura (Amphiura) angularis Lyman, 1879, and Ophiura flexibilis (Koehler, 1911), are reported as new records for the Terra Nova Bay area, whose check-list of species increases from 15 to 18 species. The determination of these three new records was based both on morphological identification and molecular analyses (COI barcoding). Some of the genetically characterised specimens were also documented through photogrammetry and micro-computed tomography and represent the first bulk of 3D models that will be available through the MNA and Sketchfab websites, both for research and educational purposes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fifty-four specimens of pycnogonids belonging to twenty-two species, eight genera and six families were collected with a rocky dredge during the cruise Gebrap-96 in the central basin of Bransfield Strait, from depths between 647 and 1592 m. The richest station in terms of abundance and biomass was DR6 (south of Livingston Island), which was also the shallowest one; at this relatively shallow depth food is more available than in deeper waters. The families Nymphonidae and Colossendeidae had the same number of specimens (21 specimens; 39% abundance each). The most abundant species were Nymphon villosum and N. proximum. Pallenopsis buphthalmus was collected for only the third time. The collections increased the geographical distribution of three species and the depth range of six species. The volcanic structures sampled were inactive during 1996, since none of the specimens showed signs of hydrothermal phenomena. This collection was typically representative of the west Antarctic benthic zone.

Geochemical analysis, micropalaeontological analysis and radiometric dating techniques were performed on four gravity cores, G-1, G-2, A-3 and A-6, recovered during the BIO Hesperides expeditions GEBRA-93 and FRUELA-96 from the Bransfield Strait (Antarctica). Moreover, in order to improve the sedimentation rate control we tentatively relate abundance variations in the sea-ice taxa group (SITG) to air temperature estimations based on Deuterium contents in Vostok ice-core. The results of diatom analyses were related to the sequence of neoglacial events that have occurred over the last three millennia. For these periods, a restricted communication between the Weddell, Bransfield and Bellingshausen seas has been proposed. The abundance patterns of diatom valves, resting spores (RS) of the diatom Chaetoceros and opal content agree with the high productivity values previously reported for the area. The significant reduction Chaetoceros RS towards the present is interpreted as a reduction in surface productivity. Trend differences between Chaetoceros RS and TOC contents are explained in terms of organic matter preservation. Diatom communities from the Bransfield Strait did not play an important role in the global CO2 cycle during cold periods. Bio- and geochemical changes have overprinted high frequency cyclicity at about 200-300 yr, which might be related to the 200-yr solar cycle.

Sedimented hydrothermal vents are those in which hydrothermal fluid vents through sediment and are among the least studied deep-sea ecosystems. We present a combination of microbial and biochemical data to assess trophodynamics between and within hydrothermally active and off-vent areas of the Bransfield Strait (1050-1647 m depth). Microbial composition, biomass and fatty acid signatures varied widely between and within vent and non-vent sites and provided evidence of diverse metabolic activity. Several species showed diverse feeding strategies and occupied different trophic positions in vent and non-vent areas and stable isotope values of consumers were generally not consistent with feeding structure morphology. Niche area and the diversity of microbial fatty acids reflected trends in species diversity and was lowest at the most hydrothermally active site. Faunal utilisation of chemosynthetic activity was relatively limited but was detected at both vent and non-vent sites as evidenced by carbon and sulphur isotopic signatures, suggesting that the hydrothermal activity can affect trophodynamics over a much wider area than previously thought. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Identifying marine features that support high foraging performance of predators is useful to determine areas of ecological importance. This study aimed to identify marine features that are important for foraging of chinstrap penguins ( Pygoscelis antarcticus ), an abundant upper-trophic level predator in the Antarctic Peninsula region. We investigated the foraging locations of penguins breeding on King George Island using GPS-depth loggers. Tracking data from 18 birds (4232 dives), 11 birds (2095 dives), and 19 birds (3947 dives) were obtained in 2007, 2010, and 2015, respectively. In all three years, penguins frequently visited an area near a seamount (Orca Seamount) in Bransfield Strait. The percentage of dives (27.8% in 2007, 36.1% in 2010, and 19.1% in 2015) and depth wiggles (27.1% in 2007, 37.2% in 2010, and 22.3% in 2015) performed in this area was higher than that expected from the size of the area and distance from the colony (8.4% for 2007, 14.7% for 2010, and 6.3% for 2015). Stomach content analysis showed that the penguins fed mainly on Antarctic krill. These results suggest that the seamount provided a favorable foraging area for breeding chinstrap penguins, with high availability of Antarctic krill, possibly related to local upwelling. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Four new species of Antarctic sea cucumbers are described, three with author O'Loughlin: Crucella susannae, Euthyonidiella huwi, Laevocnus katrinae; and Laevocnus leachmani with authors Davey and O'Loughlin. Pseudocnus Panning is reviewed, and Antarctic species separated into new genus Laevocnus O'Loughlin. We raise the three subspecies of Pseudocnus dubiosus, viz. dubiosus (Semper), koellikeri (Semper) and leoninus (Semper), to species status. We refer Cucumaria croceoida Vaney to the synonymy of Cladodactyla crocea (Lesson). We synonymize Dendrelasia O'Loughlin with Cladodactyla Brandt, and re-describe the reassigned Cladodactyla sicinski (O'Loughlin). This species broods in a dorsal marsupium. The diagnoses of genus Parathyonidium Heding and species Parathyonidum incertum Heding are reviewed. The type specimens for Parathyonidium incertum are listed. Parathyonidium incertum Heding is the only known Antarctic holothuroid that is a coelomic brooder. The Paracucumidae Pawson and Fell is reviewed. Phylogenetic trees are given for species in the genera Cladodactyla, Heterocucumis, Staurocucumis, Laevocnus, Crucella and Paracucumis. Tables are provided for the species of Cladodactyla and Pseudocnus. Keys are included for the species of genus Laevocnus and family Paracucumidae. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Foram analisadas amostras de krill, Euphausia superba, coletadas em 18 estações na região da Passagem Drake-Estreito de Bransfield-oeste da Península Antártica para estudar as variações genéticas através de eletroforese de enzimas em gel de poliacrilamida. Dezenove loci enzimáticos foram analisados, dos quais quatorze (73,6%) apresentam variações alélicas. Cinco dos loci polimórficos apresentam alelos nulos. A heterozigosidade média varia de 0,129-0,157 dependendo da localidade. Não foram observadas, no entanto, diferenças relacionadas ao sexo e ao tamanho do animal A conformidade de distribuição de fenótipos em relação ao equilíbrio de Hardy-Weinberg foi encontrada em todos os loci em todas as estações, exceto Aph-1 das estações 8 e 18, Est-1 das estações 9 e 11 e Mdh-1 da estação 18. As análises de distribuição de alelos indicam a homogeneidade entre todas as amostras coletadas em localidades diferentes. A distância genética entre as amostras varia de 0,000 - 0,002. Os resultados sugerem que os indivíduos de todas as amostras coletadas em todas as estações, pertencem a uma única população com acasalamento ao acaso. A contribuição de fatores físicos e biológicos na homogeneidade do krill na região e a necessidade de um estudo mais detalhado, utilizando não somente a eletroforese mas também outros métodos, foram discutidas.Samples of Antarctic krill, Euphausia superba, collected from 18 locations in the Drake Passage, Bransfield Strait and on the west coast of the Antarctic Peninsula were analyzed for protein variation using enzyme electrophoresis. Of 19 enzyme loci studied, 14 (73,6%) exhibit allelic variations. Average heterozigosity for a station varies from 0,129 to 0,157. Five loci are with null alleles. Differences in allelic frequency related to sex and size of animal were not observed. No significant deviations from random mating expectation according to the Hardy-Weinberg principle were found in any locus at any station except Aph-1 at the stations 8 and 18; Est-1 at the station 9 and 11, and Mdh-1 at the station 18. These deviations are likely due to the difficulty in .analysing the enzyme pattern or to the small sample sizes. Analysis of allele distribution indicate that samples from all locations are homogeneous in all polymorphic loci. Genetic distances between samples vary from 0.000 to 0.002. These results suggest that specimens from all locations of the investigated region belong to a single genetically homogeneous population. The contribution of physical and biological factors to the homogeneity of krill in the region and the necessity of a detailed study utilizing not only electrophoresis but also another techniques were discussed.

Age, growth and feeding habits of early life stages of Chionodraco rastrospinosus Dewitt & Hureau, the most abundant channichthyid in the larval fish assemblages of the Bransfield Strait, were studied by otolith microincrement counts and stomach content analyses. Individuals measuring 39–69 mm standard length were caught in the uppermost depth strata down to 300 m from Brabant to Joinville islands along the northern Antarctic Peninsula. The sample consisted of post-larvae and juveniles aged 105–211 days, with a mean growth rate of 0.25 mm day-1. Larval size at hatching was estimated to be c. 17.2 mm. Hatching was spread over a relatively long period from August–November. Sagittal otoliths were characterized by a strong check located at 23–52 microincrements of distance from the core, tentatively associated with the onset of first exogenous feeding. The relatively long period during which larvae can rely on yolk reserves and the large size at hatching enable them to utilize a wide size range of prey, as well as cope with occasional food shortages. The stomach contents consisted exclusively of euphausiids (furcilia and adults) and larvae of Pleuragramma antarcticum Boulenger. Based on growth rate, the residence time in pelagic waters of juvenile C. rastrospinosus was estimated to be about a year and a half. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We analyzed hydrographic data from the northwestern Weddell Sea continental shelf of the three austral winters 1989, 1997, and 2006 and two summers following the last winter cruise. During summer a thermal front exists at ~64° S separating cold southern waters from warm northern waters that have similar characteristics as the deep waters of the central basin of the Bransfield Strait. In winter, the whole continental shelf exhibits southern characteristics with high Neon (Ne) concentrations, indicating a significant input of glacial melt water. The comparison of the winter data from the shallow shelf off the tip of the Antarctic Peninsula, spanning a period of 17 yr, shows a salinity decrease of 0.09 for the whole water column, which has a residence time of < 1 yr. We interpret this freshening as being caused by a combination of reduced salt input due to a southward sea ice retreat and higher precipitation during the late 20th century tin the western Weddell Sea continental shelf. However, less salinification might also result from a delicate interplay between enhanced salt input due to sea ice formation in coastal areas formerly occupied by Larsen A and B ice shelves and increased Larsen C ice loss. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The vertical distribution (0–550 m) of zooplankton biomass, and indices of respiration (electron transfer system [ETS]) and structural growth (aminoacyl-tRNA synthetases activity [AARS]), were studied in waters off the Antarctic Peninsula during the austral summer of 2000. The dominant species were the copepod Metridia gerlachei and the euphausiid Euphausia superba. We observed a vertical krill/copepod substitution in the water column. The zooplankton biomass in the layer at a depth of 200–500 m was of the same magnitude as the biomass in the layer at a depth of 0–200 m, indicating that biomass in the mesopelagic zone is an important fraction of the total zooplankton in Antarctic waters. The metabolic rates of the zooplankton community were sustained by less than 0.5% of the primary production in the area, suggesting that microplankton or small copepods are the main food source. Neither food availability nor predation seemed to control mesozooplankton biomass. The wide time lag between the abundance peak of the dominant copepod ( M. gerlachei) and the phytoplankton bloom is suggested to be the main explanation for the low summer zooplankton biomass observed in these waters. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Deception Island is the largest volcano in the actively extending Bransfield Basin, a marginal basin situated behind the extinct South Shetland Islands arc. Deception Island has been well studied but its submerged flanks have not. A multibeam bathymetry survey was conducted around the island in 2005. Data from the flooded caldera show no evidence for recent localized resurgence. The gently-sloped bottom of the caldera basin is consistent with either a broad zone of resurgence on its east side associated with trap door deformation or with higher rates of sediment supply from the east side of the island. Around the island, numerous tectonic and volcanic features on the volcano's east and west flanks are nearly all aligned with the regional strike (~060°) of the Bransfield rift and there is very little evidence for the other fault populations that have been identified on the island. We infer that models that link the ongoing tectonic development of Deception Island to complex regional tectonics are less likely than models in which the dominant regional extension in Bransfield Strait is modulated by the local effects of caldera collapse and possibly a small right-lateral transfer zone offsetting the primary extension axes in the Central and Western Bransfield Basins. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this paper was to characterize swell conditions in the coastal zone of the South Shetland Islands, where our preliminary analyses evaluated potential locations for the Colombian scientific station. The Simulating Waves Nearshore (SWAN) spectral model was implemented for the Bransfield Strait. The boundary conditions were selected by a cluster analysis of the wave climate from global hindcasting obtained with the WAVEWATCH III model. Some comparisons between the model and wavemeter measurements were made. The results demonstrated that optimal sea state conditions for the scientific base are present in the South Bay, Livingston Island. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Bransfield Strait, located between the South Shetland Islands and the north-western end of the Antarctic Peninsula, is a back-arc basin transitional between rifting and spreading. We compiled a geomorphological structural map of the Bransfield Basin combining published data and the interpretation of bathymetric images. Several analogue experiments reproducing the interaction between the Scotia, Antarctic, and Phoenix plates were carried out. The fault configuration observed in the geomorphological structural map was well reproduced by one of these analogue models. The results suggest the establishment of a transpressional regime to the west of the southern segment of the Shackleton Fracture Zone and a transtensional regime to the south-west of the South Scotia Ridge by at least c. 7 Ma. A probable mechanism for the opening of the Bransfield Basin requires two processes: 1) Significant transtensional effects in the Bransfield Basin caused by the configuration and drift vector of the Scotia Plate after the activity of the West Scotia Ridge ceased at c. 7 Ma. 2) Roll-back of the Phoenix Plate under the South Shetland Islands after cessation of spreading activity of the Phoenix Ridge at 3.3 ± 0.2 Ma, causing the north-westward migration of the South Shetland Trench. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Six events with magnitude between 3 and 5.6 have been analysed based on regional waveforms recorded by the temporal Seismic Experiment in Patagonia and Antarctica seismic broad-band network in the Bransfield Strait and the South Shetland Islands in the period 1997–1998. The source parameters have been retrieved using a robust methodology (INDirect PARametrization) to stabilize the inversion of a limited number of noisy records. This methodology is particularly important in oceanic environments, where the presence of seismic noise and the small number of stations makes it difficult to analyse small magnitude events. The source mechanisms obtained are quite variable but consistent with the active tectonic processes and the complicated structure of the South Shetland Island region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tracking the secular variation of the geomagnetic field in the past is severely limited in some cases by factors relating to the remoteness of the sites. This is maximal in the Antarctic where the remote location and severe climate lead to logistic limitations that make it difficult to keep a continuous record of magnetic field variations. From the magnetic information available from historical marine expeditions, it is possible to infer this time-varying component from the comparison of readings at crossovers. This study focuses on this technique, discusses the impact of the different error sources and proposes a simple mathematical procedure to infer average secular variation rates. The result is validated by comparing it with local data from the Arctowski and Livingston magnetic observatories, sited in the area. Additionally, using a high-quality data set from a local area in the neighbourhood of Deception Island, we have detected a systematic distribution in its secular variation. This dichotomy has been interpreted in terms of a volcano-magnetic signal. This fact and the nature of its principal mechanisms are analysed and discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Transparent exopolymer particles (TEP) are recognized to play an important role in the flux of exported carbon to the deep ocean. However, there is little information on how TEP standing stocks are affected by different hydrographic conditions and other relevant ecological factors in situ. This lack of knowledge is particularly serious for the Southern Ocean. During Austral summer 1999, the Strait of Bransfield presented high mesoscale variability. Two fronts were present, the Bransfield hydrographic front and a slope front along the South Shetland Islands and several mesoscale anticyclonic eddies and/or frontal meanders. The spatial distributions of biological properties were largely affected by this complex hydrography. Chlorophyll a (Chl a) (0.05–4.81 μg L−1), TEP (from undetectable to 346 μg GXeq L−1) and heterotrophic bacteria (HB) (1.7–9.4 × 105 cells mL−1) were positively correlated despite the wide hydrographic heterogeneity of the Bransfield Strait. Higher abundances of autotrophic biomass, and correspondly higher TEP and heterotrophic bacteria (HB), were found in the more stratified waters. TEP spatial distribution was mostly related to the abundance of autotrophic biomass although local high TEP concentrations were not matched by similarly high values of Chl a in some areas where diatoms were relatively abundant. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Deception Island is a young, active volcano located in the south-western part of Bransfield Strait, between the Antarctic Peninsula and the South Shetland archipelago. New gravity and magnetic data, from a marine geophysical cruise (DEC VOL-99), were analysed. Forty-eight survey lines were processed and mapped around Deception Island to obtain Bouguer and magnetic anomaly maps. These maps show well-defined groups of gravity and magnetic anomalies, as well as their gradients. To constrain the upper crustal structure, we have performed 2+1/2D forward modelling on three profiles perpendicular to the main anomalies of the area, and taking into account previously published seismic information. From the gravity and magnetic models, two types of crust were identified. These were interpreted as continental crust (located north of Deception Island) and more basic crust (south of Deception Island). The transition between these crustal types is evident in the Bouguer anomaly map as a high gradient area trending NE-SW. Both magnetic and gravity data show a wide minimum at the eastern part of Deception Island, which suggests a very low bulk susceptibility and low density intrusive body. With historical recorded eruptions and thermal and fumarolic fields, we interpret this anomaly as a partially melted intrusive body. Its top has been estimated to be at 1.7 km depth using Euler deconvolution techniques. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Time-series sediment traps were deployed to investigate the temporal evolution of particle fluxes in eastern and central Bransfield Strait, from December 1999-December 2000. Particle fluxes showed large seasonal variation at both trap sites. In eastern Bransfield Strait, summer mass fluxes were two orders of magnitude higher than winter mass fluxes, while in central Bransfield Strait, almost 99% of the annual mass flux (33 g m-2) was collected in a 40-day period from December-January. Export flux also exhibited a high regional variability. This regional variability is probably due to central Bransfield Strait's strong surface current, which carries most settling particles produced in the surface waters away from the mooring site during the low summer flux period. The relatively low biogenic silica to organic carbon ratios (a range of 0.29-1.4) and high lithogenic fluxes (41% of total mass flux) indicate that the growth of phytoplankton is not limited by the micronutrient iron in eastern Bransfield Strait. The annual flux of organic carbon in eastern Bransfield Strait was 6.8 g C m-2, which is three times higher than the flux measured in central Bransfield Strait (2.2 g C m-2). Organic carbon flux in eastern Bransfield Strait is relatively high for the Southern Ocean, possibly due to fast-sinking faecal pellets that lead to less decomposition of organic material in the water column. Calculations suggest that approximately 7.2% of the organic carbon produced at the surface in eastern Bransfield Strait is exported to a depth of 678 m. This exceeds the maximum calculated export of primary production to a depth of 1000 m in the Atlantic and Southern oceans. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Presents evidence on the existence of ice stream off in the northern end of the Antarctic Peninsula. Structure of the Western Bransfield basin; Implication of the Western Bransfield basin bundle on the behavior of the last glacial maximum ice caps in the Northern Antartic Peninsula; Role of ice streams in the overall dynamics of ice caps.

A remarkable shift in the species composition and size distribution of the phytoplankton community have been observed in coastal waters along the Antarctic Peninsula over the last three decades. Smaller photoautotrophs such as cryptophytes are becoming more abundant and important for the regional ecosystems. In this study, flow cytometry was used to quantify the smallest phytoplankton in the central Bransfield Strait and explore their distribution across the strait in relation to physical and chemical properties of the two major water masses: the warmer and less saline Transitional Zonal Water with Bellingshausen Sea influence (TBW), and the cold and salty Transitional Zonal Water with Weddell Sea influence (TWW). Pico- and nano-phytoplankton clusters were distinguished and enumerated in the cytograms: photosynthetic picoeukaryotes, cryptophytes (about 9 µm in size), and smaller (3 µm) nanophytoplankton. It was shown that nanophytoplankton developed higher abundances and biomasses in the warmer and less saline TBW. This biotope was characterized by a more diverse community with a pronounced dominance of Cryptophyta in terms of biomass. The results support the hypothesis that increasing melt-water input can potentially support spatial and temporal extent of cryptophytes. The replacement of large diatoms with small cryptophytes leads to a significant shift in trophic processes in favor of the consumers such as salps, which able to graze on smaller prey. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents the hydroacoustic signals of iceberg A53a as it disintegrated. The authors used an array of underwater hydrophones deployed in the Scotia Sea and Bransfield Strait off Antarctica to record the sound of the iceberg's disintegration. The importance of continued acoustic monitoring of the breakup of Antarctic ice shelves is cited.

The Bransfield Strait and the adjacent areas is a high-productivity region for polar biological resources in the Antarctic. Physical oceanographic processes produce strong ecosystem dynamics via mass transport and water exchange. However, few studies have focused on these processes from coast to shelf and across slopes by tidal dynamics. Therefore, a numerical model was implemented with a high resolution to simulate the influence of the tide on mass transport. The output of the model indicated that the tidal residual current produced by the diurnal tide is dominant and primarily distributed along with the shelf break and near the coast, and water stratification amplifies this residual current system. Water exchange processes were evaluated utilizing passive tracer dyes to demonstrate the influence of the tides on the channel and bay. The tracer residence time ranged from a few days to a week and was affected by the considered representative region's topography and area. Correspondingly, Lagrangian particles tracking method is also used to illustrate the mass transportation, which primarily move along the isobaths on the slope but spiral on the flat shelf. All experiments conducted herein indicate that tidal dynamics is indispensable in this region when studying cross-shelf mass transport. • A fine horizontal resolution numerical model was used to study tidal contributions to cross-shelf transport in the Bransfield Strait. • Diurnal tidal constituents dominate the tidal residual current system in the coast and shelf break region and density stratification intensifies the tidal residual current. • Passive tracers and Lagrangian particles experiments show that tidal currents are a crucial driving force for cross-shelf mass exchange. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]