Geomorphometric modeling and mapping of the Larsemann Hills Antarctic Oasis

Abstract

Geomorphometric modeling is widely used in geosciences. However, geomorphometric modeling and mapping of Antarctic oases has not been performed so far. This article presents the first results of geomorphometric modeling and mapping of the Larsemann Hills oasis obtained in the 68th Russian Antarctic Expedition in January–April 2023. As input data, we used a fragment of the Reference Elevation Model of Antarctica (REMA). From the extracted and edited digital elevation model, we derived models and maps of the following 17 morphometric variables: slope, aspect, horizontal curvature, vertical curvature, mean curvature, Gaussian curvature, minimal curvature, maximal curvature, unsphericity curvature, difference curvature, vertical excess curvature, horizontal excess curvature, ring curvature, accumulation curvature, catchment area, topographic index, and stream power index. We conducted a field geomorphometric interpretation to provide with correct physical geographic, geological, and geomorphological interpretations of morphometric maps. In this fieldwork, we carried out 54 foot routes with the total length of about 422 km. During the routes, we collected 150 rock samples for further petrological and mineralogical analyses and three-dimensional modeling of the samples. Morphometric maps can be useful for geological, geomorphological, soil, biological, and hydrological studies. The ultimate goal of the author’s multiyear project is to create a digital geomorphometric atlas of Antarctic oases and other ice-free Antarctic territories.