Vapour Col, Deception Island (VAPO)
62˚59’S, 60˚44’W Magnetic declination: 13.2˚E Inventory subarea: SH Inventory acronym: VAPO Site Sensitivity: LOW Location — History — Features Col S of Stone Throw Ridge on W side of Deception Island. Name originates from fumaroles observed in the col. This is the only location on Deception Island where there is a complete cross-section through the volcanic succession. Landing Characteristics Inventory researchers have visited this site twice, once via a helicopter drop, the second time via a zodiac tour. Coastline subject to heavy swell and zodiac landings would be difficult. Antarctic Site Inventory Effort Visits by Antarctic Site Inventory researchers, 1994-2003: 1. January 16, 1999 RN SF Endurance 2. February 5, 2001 RN Cal Star Assessment and monitoring . Preliminary surveying, censusing, mapping, and photodocumentation accomplished. Fauna — Flora — Censuses Penguins & flying birds . Chinstrap penguins are confirmed breeders. Recent chinstrap penguin census data reported in Woehler (1993): 75,000 A4, 1987. Seals . Leopard seals regularly observed offshore during the penguin breeding season. Flora . Extensive Prasiola crispa noted. Conservation Aspects Site sensitivities. If visitors reach the shore, penguins are easily approached and disturbed, especially in November and early December when adults will be incubating eggs; subsequently, adults will be guarding and provisioning chicks at the nest, then in crèche. Heavy congestion along the shore, with many penguins diving into the sea. Spanish researchers are conducting long-term studies at this site, and their staked and roped penguin group should be totally avoided and not disturbed. Pointers for avoiding disruptions.
Visitation Aspects Numbers of tourist zodiac landings and participating visitors, 1989-2003:
Proximate visitor sites . Baily Head on the SE, seaward end of Deception Island; Whaler’s Bay, Pendulum Cove, and Telefon Bay located within Port Foster. |
