Fieldwork on soil-gas fluxes at different penguin colonies along the Antarctic Peninsula

Penguin colonies are extremely nutrient rich compared to the surroundings. Recent studies have shown that the high nitrogen availability in these areas result in very high nitrous oxide (N2O) emissions, high carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions, as well as a reduction in the methane (CH4) consumption capacity. In combination, penguin colonies represent natural hotspots for a net greenhouse gas emission. 
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Based on a previous paper on the effects of soil greenhouse gas fluxes on guano-influenced soil by King Penguins at St. Andrews Bay, South Georgia (see previous blog post), this January we aimed to repeat the same types of measurements on different penguin colonies along the Antarctic Peninsula, and measure their influence on soil formation, soil nutrient cycles and greenhouse gas emissions.

Bo Elberling taking gas samples at the Adelie penguin colony at Paulet Island

Different from previous fieldwork, this year Bo Elberling, his daughter and I joined a tourist ship (Albatros Expeditions). We took samples and measurements at each penguin colony, while giving guests hands-on experience on how scientific studies are conducted and how data are collected in the field (citizen science). It was a great success, and we got measurements done at all three common penguin colonies at the Antarctic Peninsula (Gentoo, Adelie and Chinstrap penguins). We also gave several presentations onboard the ship on topics related to climate change, marine and terrestrial biology, conservation and biogeography with a specific focus on the polar regions, which led to engaging discussions and interactions with the guests.

Bo Elberling and his daughter taking gas samples at the Gentoo penguin colony at Port Lockroy