Results of Geoelectrical Surveys in the Area of Crater 70, Deception Island, Maritime Antarctica

In February of 2013 a geophysical survey using geoelectrical methods was performed in the Crater 70 area of Deception Island in Maritime Antarctica. The area suffered volcanic eruptions in 1967, 1969, and 1970. Two electrical resistivity tomography (ERT) profiles and a vertical electrical sounding (VES) were done with the objective of detecting and evaluating permafrost depth and thickness. By direct measurement along the two ERT profiles the depth of the frozen ground varied from 40 and 70 cm. The geophysical survey indicates that the frozen ground has an average thickness ranging from 3 to 6 m. Furthermore, the electrical resistivity of the frozen ground is about 4,000 Ω.m. Since the geoelectrical surveys were done over young volcano-sedimentary deposits resulting from the recent eruptions, it is possible to conclude that permafrost is recovering in the area.