The geology of Yelcho Station: a new high-resolution geological map at northwestern Antarctic Peninsula

Yelcho Station is set on Doumer Island located in the southernmost section of Gerlache Strait between Anvers and Wienke Islands at the northwestern region of Antarctic Peninsula. This area is dominated by plutonic and volcanic deposits associated with the active margin developed during the Mesozoic and Cenozoic in the Antarctic Peninsula (e.g. Leat et al., 1995). Although Yelcho Station has been intensively visited since a few decades, the outcropping rocks have not been studied in detail. Furthermore, this location has hosted relevant contributions in the environmental and ecological sciences. We will present a detailed map (1:500) of the geological units outcropping in Yelcho Station based in fieldwork observations, which will be combined with drone and satellite images. Additionally, remote sensing spectral studies will be developed to support the geological mapping. This work will help to establish a geological baseline, which may serve for future studies in the area of Yelcho Station. This contribution will be a detailed geological study in the Antarctic Peninsula, which will also enhance our understanding of the geological units outcropping in Gerlache Strait. This material will also serve as an educational and outreach information for the polar community.

Leat et al. (1995). Geological Magazine 132 (4), 399-412 (DOI: 10.1017/S0016756800021464).