Work

Modeling Potential Environmental Impacts of Science Activity in Antarctica

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: ABSTRACT We use GPS data collected on science expeditions in Antarctica to estimate hiking functions for the speed at which humans traverse terrain differentiated by slope and by ground cover (moraines and rock). We use the estimated hiking functions to build weighted directed graphs as a representation of specific environments in Antarctica. From these we estimate, using a variety of graph metrics, particularly betweenness centrality, the relative potential for human environmental impacts arising from scientific activities in those environments. We also suggest a simple approach to planning science expeditions that might allow for reduced impacts in these environments.

Source: Transactions in GIS

DOI: 10.1111/tgis.70369

Authors: David O'Sullivan, Fraser J. Morgan

Institutions: University of Auckland, Bioeconomy Science Institute

Language: English

Topic: Polar Research and Ecology

Subfield: Ecology

Field: Environmental Science

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDG: Life on land

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $3,800