Análisis de la estructura del talik de un lago profundo en la Isla Vega, Península Antártica

Abstract

The current glacial retreat in the northern Antarctic Peninsula region is activating the hydrological system. The study of the dynamics of such system is important considering the impact of water and matter flows on ecosystems. In the case of lakes it is important to know their connection to the surface and underground flow. Analytical models, as the proposed by Redozubov (1966), predict for large lakes the presence of taliks with a direct connection to the aquifers below the permafrost, estimating positive temperatures (1.49ºC) in the talik coldest part. However, hydrochemical analysis (SO4 2-/Cl- relationships) of one of the deepest lakes in the studied region - Esmeralda Lake in Cape Lamb, Vega Island - and of the groundwater around it seems indicate that doesn’t exist such connection. This has been confirmed considering the temperatures of the water and sediments of the lake, recommending that the predictions of such analytical model must be checked in the field