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  5. 20. Telefon Bay (East), Deception Island

20. Telefon Bay (East), Deception Island
20.Telefon Bay (East), Deception Island
 
62º55´27´´S, 60º39´47´´W
Latest Revision: 2018
 
Key Features
 
• Volcanic Crater
• Outstanding scenery
• Comprises part of Deception Island Antarctic Specially Managed Area No 4 .
 
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.
FAUNA
Hauled out: Antarctic fur seal, Weddell seal.
Resting: Skua.
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.

 
 
Visitor Impact
KNOWN IMPACTS
None.
POTENTIAL IMPACTS
Erosion of paths on crater ridge. Disturbance of scientific equipment.
 
Landing Requirements
SHIPS*
Max pax on board: 500
Ships at a time: 1
Comments: Maximum 3 ships per day (midnight to midnight), of which no more than 2 can carry over 200 passengers.

* A ship is defined as a vessel which carries more than 12 passengers.
VISITORS
Maximum number of visitors at any time, exclusive of expedition guides and leaders: 100
Visitors per guide: 20
 
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, with one guide per group of 1-15. Visitors should be closely supervised at the crater edge.
FREE ROAMING AREA
Visitors may roam freely under supervision in the landing beach area.
 
 
Visitor code of conduct
BEHAVIOUR ASHORE
  • Do not tread on vegetated areas which are susceptible to trampling.
  • 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. This equipment measures seismic activity and other volcanic indicators and are part of seismic network of Deception Island real time surveillance. A map of Deception Island seismic instrumentation, including seismic monitoring equipment will be available and updated for every season.
  • Stick to established paths where possible and move in single file on steep slopes.
  • 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 slowly and carefully close at the crater edge.
CAUTIONARY NOTES
• All visits must be planned to take into account the significant risk posed by the threat of volcanic eruption.
• Exercise extreme caution when approaching the steep edge of the crater lip. The soil is friable and may collapse underfoot.
• If seals are hauled out on the beach, slow down before landing.
 
Landing beach
 
View point
 
 
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