20. Telefon Bay (East), Deception Island

20.Telefon Bay (East), Deception Island

62º56´00´´S, 60º40´00´´W

Volcanic crater

Latest Revision: 2009

Key Features

- Crater
- Outstanding scenery

Description

TOPOGRAPHY

At the easternmost end of Telefon Bay, a gently sloping beach leads to a broad shallow valley which rises sharply to a number of unnamed volcanic craters. These are up to 45m in depth, although they are slowly being filled in by sediment and ice. The prominent ash cliffs that form the east and west sides of the valley are remnants of an older crater that was modified during an eruption in 1967, which broadened the valley itself. Relict heat still affects the beach at the landing site and has caused local orange staining of the rocks exposed there.

FAUNA

Also present: Antarctic fur seal, Weddell seal.

FLORA

The site has a generally barren appearance, but close inspection reveals inconspicuous flora (14 species of moss and 8 species of lichen have been recorded from the Telefon Bay area). Immediately adjacent, ASPA 140 (area F) has been designated for its botanical interest – primarily because the ground surfaces within the site date from 1967, allowing accurate monitoring of colonisation by plants and other biota.

OTHER

Telefon Bay comprises part of Deception Island Antarctic Specially Managed Area No 4.

Visitor Impact

KNOWN IMPACTS

None.

POTENTIAL IMPACTS

Erosion of paths and crater ridge.

Landing Requirements

SHIPS*

Max pax on board: 500

VISITORS

Maximum number of visitors at any time, exclusive of expedition guides and leaders: 100
Visitors per guide: 20
Comments: One ship at a time

Visitor Area

LANDING AREA

Beach immediately to the south-west of the crater.

CLOSED AREA

None.

GUIDED WALKING AREA

Visitors will be guided up to the crater in small closely supervised groups.

FREE ROAMING AREA

Visitors may roam freely under supervision in the landing beach area.

Visitor code of conduct

BEHAVIOUR ASHORE

Maintain a precautionary distance of 5 metres from wildlife and give animals the right-of-way. Increase this distance if any change in behaviour is observed.
Maintain at least a 20m distance from seismic monitoring equipment and other types of scientific equipment, which normally will be marked with a red flag. Do not touch or disturb other types of scientific instruments, markers or field depots.
Remain on the beach and foreshore which leads up to the crater.
Take care not to displace penguins along the shoreline.
Visits are to be undertaken in line with the Management Plan for Deception Island Antarctic Specially Managed Area (ASMA) No. 4.
Walk carefully and do not tread on vegetated areas which are susceptible to trampling.
Walk slowly and carefully. Maintain a precautionary distance of 5 metres from wildlife and give animals the right-of-way. Increase this distance if any change in behaviour is observed.

CAUTIONARY NOTES

All visits must be planned taking into account the significant risk posed by the threat of volcanic eruption.
Real time information can be obtained from the stations operating on the island.
Exercise extreme caution when approaching the steep edge of the crater lip. The soil is friable and may collapse underfoot.

20. Telefon Bay (East), Deception Island

This content is not available

Section only available to Meeting Report Contributors

This section is not available

Restricted Section

Log In