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On a remote stretch of coastline in East Antarctica, a team of scientists is about to peer beneath the sea ice here for the first time.
With technology, researchers discovered an abundant Antarctic ecosystem, which had previously not been documented. (AAD/Raphael Burkett-Radtke)
“Prior to our expedition, there had never been any marine research in the Bunger Hills,” Dr Jonny Stark said.
“We didn’t even know if there was marine life here,” he said.
After drilling a hole in the ice, they send a remotely operated drone into the depths below.
“It was mind-blowing,” the marine ecologist said.
“It’s actually a thriving, healthy marine ecosystem.
“There is so much life down there on the seabed here.”
Plunging to depths of up to 50 metres, the drone’s camera captures an array of colour and life.
Dr Stark says it’s possible some species at Bunger Hills could be new to science. (Supplied: AAD)
Small red sea urchins can be seen clinging to boulders covered in pink algae.
Orange sea cucumbers with small white tentacles are lying on the floor.
Jellyfish are floating through the water above large yellow sponges far below.
Every now and again, schools of splotchy grey-and-white fish surround the drone and try to nibble its camera.
Some specimens were brought to the surface for closer inspection. (AAD/Raphael Burkett-Radtke)
“It’s not what you might think of on the surface, which is fairly uniform [with] white [ice] and brown rocks,” Dr Stark said.
“Underwater, there’s a lot of different colours — oranges and yellows and blues and reds and greys and pinks.”
Dr Stark works for the Australian Antarctic Division and Securing Antarctica’s Environmental Future.
He said it was too early to know if any of the species were new to science.
“There’s a lot of work involved in terms of looking at their genetics and other factors.
The marine life beneath the ice includes sea urchins and sponges. (Supplied: AAD)
“But given the isolation of this area, it’s quite possible that we’re seeing new species.”
Regardless, he said the information gleaned from the remote field work was invaluable.
“It’s a really unique laboratory, if you like, that gives us an insight into biodiversity and life in Antarctica,” he said.
Scientists assess fastest melting glacier in East Antarctica
Several kilometres away, other scientists at Bunger Hills are assessing the behaviour and structure of the nearby Denman Glacier.
Simon Cross oversees about 36 expeditioners, with most stationed in Bunger Hills and the remainder at tiny satellite camps accessed by helicopter. (Supplied: AAD )
“It’s a significant glacier in that it’s 150 kilometres long by approximately 16 kilometres wide,” field leader Simon Cross said.
“It’s one of the fastest melting glaciers on the eastern side of the continent.”
Over the past two decades, the Denman Glacier has retreated almost five kilometres.
“If this glacier fails, it will actually rise and increase the sea levels by 1.5 metres, approximately.”
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Mr Cross oversees about three dozen expeditioners, most of whom are stationed at the Edgeworth David base camp in Bunger Hills, with the remainder at tiny satellite camps accessed by helicopter.
“It’s a very beautiful place, and we feel very privileged to be here as a group of both scientists and also support staff.”
Bunger Hills is located about 450 kilometres west of Casey Station — a two-hour flight that’s only possible if the weather permits.
To ensure the safety and well-being of the team, a remote medical specialist remains on site throughout the summer campaign.
Mr Cross said expeditioners felt ‘privileged’ being stationed at Bunger Hills, which is a two hour flight west of Casey Station. (Supplied: AAD)
“I might be the solo doctor on the ground, but I’m very much part of a broader medical network and a broader program that all works together to provide a really high professional standard of healthcare,” Dr Kate Kloza said.
This year marks the third and final stage of land-based research relating to the Denman Glacier.
Over the coming days and weeks, the team at Bunger Hills will pack up their camps, remove the temporary huts and fully remediate the site.
“Once the technical science is finished, then we’ve got a complete program of remediation to essentially go home with nothing but a photograph,” Mr Cross said.
“So, the adage of leaving a footprint in our environment, we actually try and not leave a footprint either.”
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