Johann Gregor Mendel

Antarctic

Open

Station

Czech Republic

None

2006

Seasonal

Johann Gregor Mendel Czech Antarctic Station, Masaryk University

Johann Gregor Mendel Czech Antarctic Station is located on the Ulu Peninsula, the most northern tip of the James Ross Island, east side of Antarctic Peninsula. The nearest neighbouring stations are Marambio (Argentina) and O’Higgins (Chile). Climatically, it is the border of the maritime and continental Antarctic regions. The site is unique as it is one of the largest deglaciated coastal oasis in the area. Several local glaciers, volcanic mountain, lakes, rivers and paleontology sites are in the close vicinity.

Unique deglaciated area of coastal oasis with two months where the mean temperature is above 0 °C, large area without any snow cover during the austral summer season. Some parts covered with various species of lichens and mosses. The depth of the permafrost active layer varies 0.5 – 1.0 m. Permanent colonies of Skuas and Terns are present in the area; in addition, small groups or individual of Chinstrap, Adélie and Gentoo penguins, Fur, Elephant, Leopard, Weddell and Crabeater seals could be occasionally encountered during the austral summer season. Killer and Humpback whales can be found in the surrounding waters.

The Johann Gregor Mendel Czech Antarctic Station, with twenty persons capacity, was built during two austral summer seasons 2004-05 and 2005-06. The Czech base bears the name of J.G. Mendel (1822-1884), a founder of modern genetics and pioneering meteorologist. The Johann Gregor Mendel Czech Antarctic Station is the only Czech government research base in Antarctica. Since it was settled in 2006, successful austral summer expeditions have been held every year.

Scientific research conducted at the station is multidisciplinary and includes the following research disciplines: Climatology and Meteorology, Stress plant physiology, Geomorphology (glacial and periglacial), Microbiology, (Paleo)limnology, Algology, Zoology (Parasitology, Ichthyology, Ornithology), Ecology, Ecological physiology, Bacteriology, Palaeoclimatology,

Palaeontology, Quaternary geology, Sedimentology, Volcanology, Genetics, Geochemistry, Glaciology, Lichenology and Bryology, Palynology, Physical geography, Physics of the atmosphere (cosmic radiation measurement), Palaeomicrobiology, Pedology (soil research), Communication technology, Renewable energy and Waste management.

"The facility serves as the technical and logistical support infrastructure to the following main subjects of Czech Antarctic research programme:

- Investigation of biological variability & diversity,

- Investigation of climate variability modified by physical processes in the atmo-, pedo-, hydro-, –cryo- and lithosphere, at several different scales,

- Connect the physical/biological variability on the landscape scale to both regional and hemispheric climate circulation, with the help of mathematical models."

Helicopter flight is possible from Marambio Base (ARG), Seymour Island (80 km, cca 30 min.) or Frei Base (CL) King George Island (193 km, cca 75 min.). Shipping is possible according to the actual sea-ice conditions via Antarctic Sound and Prince Gustav Channel (from King George Island 193 km cca 1 day or from Punta Arenas (CL) 1406 km cca 4.5 days). The logistic support to the Czech Antarctic Station needs to be provided by other countries (up to now mainly by the Chilean Navy and the Argentinean Air Force).

Masaryk University

Government

Masaryk University

kapler@sci.muni.cz

No